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No. 2. Mr. G. T. Fannin to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir,— Napier, 30th December, 1872. I have the honor to forward you, enclosed, a statement of the present position of the Pakowhai and Omahu Schools, by which it is shewn that the two schools have cost in building, £788 13s. Id., of which the Government have contributed £553 12s. lid., and the Maoris £235 os. 2d. The two schools are respectively insured for £250 each, and all liabilities are met, including teachers' salaries, up to 31st December, 1872. I enclose a copy of the statement made by me as Chairman of Committee. The Committee of last year has been re-elected, consisting of Messrs. J. Chambers, R. P. Williams, Renata Kawepo, Karaitiana Takamoana, Noa Huke, and myself as Chairman. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Geo. Thos. Fannin, (pro S. Locke), Wellington. ■ Chairman.

Enclosure in No. 2. As the time has now arrived when, in accordance with Clause 7 of "The Native Schools Act, 1867," this Committee should resign, and a fresh one be elected for the coming year, I would, as Chairman, lay before you the following statement of what has been done during the past year, and also state the present position of our finances : —■ The Committee has met seven times during the past year. Since taking office two schools have been erected, each on a piece of land of about 2 acres and a half in extent, given by the Maoris for that purpose. Ist. The Pakowhai School, a handsome, substantial building, with schoolroom and four rooms for teachers, at total cost of £385. 2nd. The Omahu School is a building rather larger than the first, but in every other respect similar to it, at total cost of £405 Os sd. The school land has been substantially fenced and subdivided for play-ground, garden, &c. A teacher has been appointed to each school, at a salary of £100 a year (both married men). The Pakowhai School was opened on the 9th January, and the Omahu School, on the loth of August last. The daily average number of scholars attending, of both sexes, at Pakowhai, is 41 ; at Omahu, 45. The Maoi'is have collected, during the year, £572. This includes £100 given by Karaitiana, which does not appear in the Bank-book. This money has been expended as follows :—£loo towards Pakowhai school building; £135 towards Omahu school building ; £36 6s. Bd., the Maori one-third contribution for teacher's salary, Pakowhai, up to December 31st; £12 9s. lid., towards Maori one-third contribution teacher's salary, Omahu, to December 31st; £13 12s. for books; insurance of buildings in Victoria Insurance Office, £7 10s. ; and for fencing, <fee, £78 7s. 9d., as per receipts and statements now rendered. All accounts are paid to December 31st, leaving a clear balance in hand at Bank of £186 16s. Bd. As you are aware, the Maoris have endowed these schools with a block of land at Patea (behind Ruahine), estimated to contain about 60,000 acres. Steps have been taken to get a sketch survey of this land made without delay, when it can be placed under the care of Trustees, who should be European and Maori. It is then proposed to cut the land up into runs, and lease it by tender. Great praise is due to Messrs. Bissell and Tenuant for their zeal and patience in carrying on their arduous duties. Although the starting of a scheme like the present is attended with much inconvenience, more especially to some of the Committee, and I take this opportunity of thanking you for the advice and ready assistance I have always received, at the same time, I feel sure the Committee will join me in the gratification felt in the great success of the experiment in this district, to train up the rising generation of Maoris with a knowledge of the English language. Sufficient has been accomplished to prove that the greatest barrier that separates the two races can be overcome by patient perseverance. I have, &c, S. Locke, Chairman.

No. 3. Mr. S. Yon Stunner to the Inspector of Schools. Sir, — Hokianga, 21st June, 1873. I have just returned from a meeting at Waima. The principal men of the district were present, and it has been arranged that tenders for the erection of the schoolhouse be called for immediately. Most of the school fees have been paid to date, and there is every prospect of this school progressing favorably. There were 58 pupils in school. The Waitapu school is the theme of general conversation here, and the natives are sending their children from a great distance to attend it. It has been steadily improving from the first, and is a most decided success. On the 6th June, I took a party of visitors to see it. The visit was most unexpected on the part of Mr. Watkins and pupils, but we found everything correct, 44 pupils in school, and their progress seemed to strike the gentlemen with me with astonishment. Mr. Watkins asked me to inform