16

G.—l

cases for the Government Surveyor to exercise a wise discretion, and never push the survey in the face of excitement and probable strife, but rather postpone further operations till such excitement had subsided, and the chiefs and assessors interfered to secure an amicable arrangement of the difficulty. In this and like matters, as time rolls on, the Natives become more or less amenable to law, and the risk of any collision or disturbance of the peace is correspondingly lessened. With regard to the " Native difficulty," such source of trouble and anxiety is fast dying out, and may almost now be reckoned as a thing of the past; and ere long the whole Maori race will acknowledge the rightful sway of our gracious Queen, and peace and plenty will abound. In the matter of schools, I am concerned to say that the village day-school system has proved a failure notwithstanding the success attending its introduction here. Both systems have been fairly tried in the country, and the result has not been satisfactory. An attempt will shortly be made here by private enterprise, fostered by the Government, to establish a girls' boarding-school. It is sincerely to be hoped that the effort may meet with the success it deserves, not only in the interest of the Natives, but as a reward to him who has evinced so true and genuine a feeling of philanthropy toward the Maori race. Before concluding this report I wish to say that, owing to failing health and strength, I think it not improbable that this may be my last report for Parliament. Anticipating such an event I would here take an affectionate leave of the Government and country which I have served for close on a quarter of a century, and of those honored members of the Legislature to whom I am not unknown, including him to whom, as the Governor of New Zealand, I owed my first appointment. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Richard W. Woon, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 16. Mr. R. Ward, R.M., Morton, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Court, Marton, Ist May, 1878. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter No. 11, dated 25th April, requesting me to furnish my annual report on the state of the Natives in my district. In compliance therewith I have the honor to state that, on the whole, the Natives of my district have never been in a more peaceful, orderly, and satisfactory condition than during the last twelve months. The settlement of the Aorangi land disputes at the last sitting of the Native Land Court at Palmerston, the termination of other land difficulties and causes of trouble at Otaki, the opening up of the railway lines, and of roads throughout the district, have all tended much to cause the present gratifying state of things. Now that we have roads and railways the Natives are encouraged to cultivate largely, as they can find a ready and good market for their produce; they are therefore more fully occupied, are more comfortably off, and are brought more into business and friendly connection with the better class of Europeans: all these influences have an improving effect upon them. I am firmly convinced that there is no more effectual way of getting rid of the Native difficulty than by opening up the country by means of roads, bridges, and railways. . It appears to me that the Native mind has not for years been more open to receive religious instruction than now. It is gratifying to see that the principal religious denominations throughout the colony are becoming awake to this state of things, and are seeking to make provision for it by the appointment of Native and European pastors. I am pleased also to be able to report that, so far as my Court records show, there has been much less crime among the Natives than in previous years. This is, I think, owing to their improved moral state, and also from the fact that the Native Assessors —who are scattered oroadcast over the district—have at last recognized the importance and responsibilities of their office, and have evinced the strongest determination to suppress and prevent crime at their several " kaingas." I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Robert Ward, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 17. The ltev. J. W. Stack to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Report on the Canterbury Maoris for the Year ending June '60th, 1878. The census shows a slight decrease in the adult population since it was last taken, and a slight increase in the number of the children. The total population, according to the last census, was 558 ; the present total is 546. In order to prevent delay in forwarding the returns, it would be well if the law were amended, so as to make it compulsory on the Maoris to give whatever information is required by the enumerator.