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In addition to the above-mentioned roads, I have received proposals from the interested Natives for the construction of roads between Waikato and Tauranga. Three routes have been suggested—viz., one from Hamilton, through Te Aroha Block, thence over the dividing range by the Ecrc-a-tukahia Pass, and finally coming out at the new Katikati Settlement; another from Cambridge, passing through Mr. Firth's estate, through the Okauia Block, thence over the range by Te Tuhi; and a third, also from Cambridge, passing through Mr. Firth's land, but diverging to the right, leaving Okauia on the left, aud crossing the range by the Te Arapohatu Pass. Both the two last, after crossing the range, come out on the Kaimai Block. I have travelled all these tracks, and, of the three, pronounce the one via Te Rere-a-tukahia the best, for the following reasons : First, the gradients over the range are easier than in either of the other two • secondly, the route for a great part of its length runs through Government land, thus enhancing its value; and, thirdly, although not the most direct line to Tauranga, it must be borne in mind that seventy miles are already constructed—viz., forty miles between Hamilton and Te Aroha, and thirty miles between Katikati and Tauranga. Whilst on the subject of roads, I would respectfully suggest the employment of Maoris—Hauhaus if possible —iv their construction, which, in my humble opinion, would tend to break down the distinction between Kingites, Queenites, Hauhaus, friendlics, and Europeans. Social Condition. Under this head, I regret to say, there is much room for improvement amongst the Maoris resident in this district. In the matter of education, the friendly Maoris do not appear to avail themselves, as much as they might, of the advantages offered them, the attendance of their children at the schools being small. From the Kingites or Hauhaus we do not expect much to be done in this direction just yet. A few of the Hauhaus have, however, lately sent their children to school, a step which, I trust, will soon be followed by the majority of them. It is worthy of notice, as well as encouraging, that the chief Rewi, who since the commencement of the Waikato war has never countenanced schools, now lends a willing ear to any proposals of that nature, and, as a proof of his earnestness, has asked the Native Minister to build a school at Kihikihi, aud allowed the Government to place his two nephews at school itr Wellington. I regret to have to report that the mortality amongst the Maori population has exceeded the usual average, more especially at Kopua and the settlements in its neighbourhood, which on inquiry I find is attributable to the effects of low fever, whooping-cough, influenza, and chest complaints. The Kingites object to accept medical attendance j hence the high death-rate in their settlements. Amongst the Maoris, however, who have availed themselves of medical assistance, I am glad to report, tho deaths have been very few, only five or six having died out of 169 patients attended by Dr. Blnnden during the six months ended 30th ultimo. During the period of four months referred to, over thirty deaths have occurred in and about Kopua. Our local chemist has given the Maoris great assistance by attending to their immediate wants. The moral condition of the Natives in this district is on a par with former years. With the exception of acts (which may be taken to have political meanings) committed by Hauhaus or Kingites, and to which I refer elsewhere, the few offences against the criminal law that have come under my notice are petty thefts—the perpetrators being generally idle, good-for-nothing young men, a certain number of whom are always to be found in any tribe. Civil cases have also, on the whole, been of a trivial nature. Drunkenness amongst those of the Natives who reside near the European centres is much the same as in parts outside this district, and is to be measured by the state of each individual's purse • for I fear that their sobriety consists in their inability to get drunk for want of means. Those residing away from Europeans, however, are not so addicted to intemperance, which may be owing to the long distance they have to go to procure spirituous liquors. Last planting season, the Waikatos and Ngatimauiapotos were very busy ploughing arrd breaking up large areas of land, and sowing the same with wheat, oats, and potatoes ; from which in due course they reaped fair harvests. This, no doubt, was in a great measure due to the fact that they felt they were bound to do so, in order to provide a sufficient supply of food for the late meeting. Canoes conveying produce have for the last four months continued to come down the Waipa River to Alexandra; and, on making inquiries, I learn the Maoris have disposed of between 8,000 and 9,000 bushels of grain to our local storekeepers, which, added to what they have reserved for seed and home consumption, makes a total of about 15,000 bushels grown last year. Miscellaneous. • The movement now going on in Taranaki, under the leadership of Te Whiti, has no apparent support from this district. All the Waikato, Ngatimaniapoto, and Ngatiraukawa chiefs whom 1 have questioned declare that they will not give Te Whiti any help; and that, should any of the prisoners lately taken by our forces turn out to be members of their tribes, they would not exert their influence with the Government to obtain their release, but allow the law to take its course. This feeling is not confined to the chiefs only. The troubles between the Hauhau section of Ngatihaua and Mr. E. B. Walker, in connection with the Pukekura and Puahoe Blocks, which commenced in the year 1868, still smoulder