A.—No. 15a,

Thus, of 7397 acres lying almost in one block, 3153 acres are to be applied to one trust, and 4244 acres to another quite distinct. No steps have been taken as yet to fulfil either of the trusts under which this valuable estate is held. Of this failure, however, I am bound to say that the blame does not attach to the Bishop, to the present trustees, or to the incumbent and manager of the estate, the Eev. Samuel Williams, but rather to the want of auxiliary funds to develop the resources of the property; and partly, and as many people think, mainly to the change which has taken place amongst the Maoris themselves, and which would incline them to any system of education rather than one associated with any particular religious denomination, or, perhaps, I should say, with any religious element at all. The system on which the estate has been managed has been that of endeavouring to bring it so soon as possible into a state of solvency, in the hope of being able subsequently to make enough by farming the property, to erect the necessary buildings, and carry on a school. To carry out this view, Mr. Williams, to whose uncontrolled management the estate has been hitherto committed, has spared neither time nor trouble, and has not only given his own practical experience, but has advanced a considerable sum of money, which, I believe, has not yet been wholly refunded to him. The result of it all has been that an excellent farm and cattle station has been established, but simply nothing whatever has been done towards carrying out the original idea or ideas with which the land was made over to the head of a religious sect. If I might make a suggestion, I would recommend that a Commissioner should be appointed to examine and report upon the value of the property, the amount of incumbrances with which it is burdened, and the best means of relieving it; and also to suggest in what way the present trusts may be amended so as to ensure the establishment of a good common Grammar School, at which the youth of both races indifferently might receive a sound education at as small a cost as possible ; and I have no doubt that this might be accomplished at an expense not far exceeding that of the board of the pupils, as I do not think the present annual value of the estate is less than one thousand pounds. Such an institution, were it in working order, and judiciously conducted under experienced management, would be gladly and extensively taken advantage of by parents of both races, and would supply a want which is daily becoming more felt. I regret that so great a delay has taken place in forwarding this Report. It has arisen from the pressure of work upon the Provincial Land Office, arising chiefly from the plans for the Native lands Court which had to be examined and passed, and which, with other matters, delayed the completion of the map until now. I have, &c, G-. S. Coopeb, The Native Secretary, &c, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

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REPORT BY MR. COOPER.