E—No. 1

TO NATIVE AFFAIRS.

11. That the Natives be expected to assist in the survey, by supplying, at least, the manual labour of cutting the lines. J2. That for the purpose of securing their permanency and stability, the foregoing measures be made the subject of an Act of the Imperial Parliament. 13. That as soon as may be practicable, English Law should be extended generally to the Native population; but in the mean time, that the power of the Chiefs should, as far as possible, be maintained. 14. That the growing desire of the Natives for a better and more efficient system to control them in their relations with each other, should be encouraged; and that the Government should prepare for their acceptance, but as open to amendments to be suggested by themselves, a simple system of local self-government, suited to their p esent condition and circumstances; and be prepared to make some contribution towards the payment of the Native Magistrates and others who may be required to carry the system into effect. 15. That the plan set forth in the accompanyin? Draft appears to be sufficient as the groundwork of an experiment for establishing amongst the Natives such a system of local self-government as may prepare them to acquiesce in the ordinary administration of English Law. 16. That advantage should be taken of the approaching meeting of the principal Chiefs, thoroughly to explain to them its several provisions, and to amend them in accordance with the Native mind, so as not only to secure their own intelligent assent, but their willing aid in commending the proposed system, or any better system that may be devised for the purpose, to the acceptance of the various members of their respective tribes. 17. That with this object, and on other grounds, the invitations to the meeting of Chiefs be as general as possible. We have the honor to remain, Tour Excellency's obedient and faithful Servants, (Signed) G. A. New Zealand, Wμ. Martin, Wμ. Swainson. Hi» Excellency the Governor of New Zealand.

Appendix referred to in Enclosure 2, in No. 1., p. 11. LEGISLATION FOE MAORIES. To the Editor of the " Southern Cross." Sm, — The friends of the Maori cannot but hail in the discussions of the present meeting of our Parliament, a remarkable contrast to those of the two former sessions. Measures have now been proposed which evidence not only carefully thought, but a comprehensive view of all the conditions of the case, and a paternal interest in the good of the people for whom we are legislating. That the Native Districts Regulation Bill should not have received universal approbation, was to be expected. New measures, especially when things are quiet, are always justly regarded with suspicion, particularly when, like the above, they are hampered with a difficulty which I was glad to gee so well handled in the upper house—namely the restraint upon the action of the Governor by his Executive Council by requiring him to act with their advice and consent. In endeavouring to fora, an opinion upon this difficult point, I confess that I have come to the conclusion that this last named principle is a good one ; and for the following reasons : Ist. New Governors may do as much mischeif as new Ministers. 2ndly. All that is contemplated is a check, and that check I consider a wholesome one. 3rdly. The Parliament hold the purse-strings, and if they refuse to grant money, the Governor's functions are paralyzed. 4thly. An '■ imperium in imperio" is a serious evil. sthly. As white men are rapidly spreading through the country, it may be found that, as their connexion with the Maori is often very intimate, the Governor, in nominally legislating for the latter only, is also legislating for the former. The above principle therefore I consider beneficial, as effecting harmonious action between elements that might by their discord produce serious evils in every department of our State. I have carefully studied the objections advanced in the Legislative Council against the Bill ; and while I cannot but admire ths sound sense, the good feeling, and the cautious regard for rights and public peace that the speakers manifested, I must confess that I am not shaken in my high admiration of the measures proposed by the Ministry. I will simply state the grounds on which I approve of the one now under consideration. Ist. The Bill is permissive, not of rigid application, giving to the Natives of districts that have advanced in their social state, a legal authority to protect property and restrain offenders, providing at the same time against maladministration by the constant supervision of a responsible English magistrate, and the power of modification or repeal reposed in the Governor.

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