are generally quiet and attached to Europeans. They have shown a most laudable desire to improve their condition. The Chiefs have often expressed to me their hope that the rebels at Taranaki and Waikato would be decisively beaten ; then they would give up their vain boasting and strife. They desire to see the law established throughout the land, and are not only attached to European settlers in this part of tlie country, but are most loyal. The great defect however in their character, is indolence beyond what I have seen in any other Natives in the country. This remark applies to the whole tribe, and is singularly contrasted with the energy of the adjoining Ngapuhi tribe. Kaitaia is occupied by Te Patu, a hapu of the Rarawa: Hohepa, Poutama aud Rawini Tiro, are the Chiefs.

E—No. 7

W, B. White, Esq.

Mangatete by Te Patu: Chief, Karaka Te Kawau. Parapara by Te Patu: Chiefs, Reihana Kiriwi Morenui and Wiremu Pikahu. Kariponia by Kaitoti: Chiefs, Honi Te Taohu and Nopera. Awanui and Hohora (Mount (darnel) by Ngaitakoto: Chiefs, Haunui, Ngakuka and Heteraka. Oruru by Ngatiteao: Chief, Tipene Te Taha. Pakongo by Ngatitarahape: Chiefs, Matiu Tauhara and Pene te Pai. The above all call themselves Te Patu ; they are more warlike than the Ahipara people, and beat the character of making stealthy attacks, which renders them very terrible to their enemies. There are a number of young men amongst them, who have lately shown a disposition to commit depredations upon their neighbours, such as petty thefts and killing pigs ; should the war be renewed, I trust to be able to enlist a number of them as Volunteers. lam glad to report that all the Chief's are active, intelligent men, and amongst them, I find my most determined supporters in establishing the law ; indeed, to Tipene Te Taha, I am mainly indebted for the unanimous conduct of the Chiefs in the case of Kaiapa, sent for trial to the Supreme Court for breaking into Mr. W. Butler's store. His bold and determined speech and conduct led tlie other Chiefs to consent to make an example of this case ; and now that an example has been made, I shall have less difficulty for the future. Te Ma Ngatitoki and Te Korohuri, the only remaining hapus of the Karawa, live at Ororua and Parakaraka (Knuckle Point). The Chiefs of the former hapu are Ahu Ahu Iwitaia, Kahoe and Henare Kahoe ; of the latter, Timoti, Heteraka and Teniho. They are an active and industrious people. Ahu Ahu and Kahoe are old men, retaining many of their ancient customs. I had much trouble with them in former years, but lately, they have been my firm supporters. I can confidently state, that all the Rarawa are most loyal. They know that their real safety is in their loyal suppoi t of the Government, which, not only stands between them and their enemies, but encourages and assists them to improve their condition ; moreover, feeling that their numbers are small, they could not resist the inroads of a hostile people. They are certainly not so warlike as other tribes in New Zealand, and I have great hopes that if I can rouse them from what appears to be a constitutional apathy relative to their mode of living, I shall ultimately succeed iv instilling a desire for more civilized habits and customs, as well as habitual obedience to the law.

The Ngapuhi formerly inhabited a portion of the Oruru Valley ; but after many quarrels with the late Chief Nopera, they left this part of the country, and resided at Wangaroa. Of late years, Pororua has resided at Kohumaru, with a small party collected from all parts of the country ; without being troublesome, they are not a respectable party, and Pororua Te 'I abepa, the Chief, has scarcely any influence. He is himself a dissipated, unscrupulous person, though from his rank I have retained him as an Assessor. I regret his dissipated habits, as, when sober, he is an intelligent person. He professes to be loyal, and in that respect I have no reason to doubt him. His hapu is Urioteaho, and there are some of the hapu Murutehe ; Chief, Aumakiri. The next settlement Waiaua is close to Mongonui in Quarantine Bay: principally of tbe hapu Ngatirehia: Chiefs, Tuhua and Te Kaka Tanaha. These people are living principally on a Reserve which I made for them out of Ryan's land claim. They have only resided here a few years, are industrious and quiet, and attached to Europeans. They are not of sufficient rank to have political influence. This also applies to the next settlements on the Coast, Taimaro and Motukaka: hapu, Ngatiteaukiwi; Chief, Paihara. The people are living on Government land, I have promised to make a Reserve for them at Taimaro, one was reserved at Motukaka. The people are civil and industrious, and attached to Europeans. Taupo, close to the entrance of Wangaroa, is occupied by the Ngatiuru Chief, Rua Kaitoke, a quiet, well disposed, industrious people, much attached to Europeans, and loyal. W rangaroa, Kaio also Ngatiuru: Chiefs, Heremaia te Ara and Ngahi Rotohiko. These two Chiefare my best Assessors, loyal, active and zealous ; it is not to be wondered at that these people are industrious and well disposed towards European., and loyal ; I place great confidence in them. Pupuke: hapu, Te Tahawai; Chiefs, Hare Hongi Hika and Paul Ururoa ; the former Chief is son of the celebrated Hongi who went to England, the Napoleon of New Zealand as he is sometimes called. The son does not display the daring character of his father, he has a large family and leads a very quiet life. He showed evident sympathy for William King during the continuance of the war, and I should much doubt his loyalty, though he professes much. I rely more on the loyal and affectionate r< gard the Natives of Wangaroa have generally shown towards the Europeans. With such men as Heremaia, Ngahi and Paul Ururoa near, Hongi could do nothing if he were really badly disposed. Paul Ururoa is a most amiable young man; his father, a celebrated warrior, died last year. He was always a firm friend of the white man. Paul Ururoa is a loyal and active Assessor, in whom I place great confidence, and for whom I have a very great regard. In conclusion, I have only to remark that the Natives of this district have shown an evident disposition within the last few years to abandon their old customs. This effort is yet in its infancy, and it will be for the Government ' -"lively assist and confirm them in so desirable an object; for with

23

ON THE ARRIVAL OF SIR GEORGE GREY.