E—No. 9 Sec. II.

might be considered objectionable by His Excellency or yourself. My object iu proposing this latter course is to save expense. This tribe muster 91 males, or say 150 altogether of both sexes, and are scattered over a district of from 20 to 25 miles in extent. They applied to me respecting a second Assessor, but I told them I could only agree to the appointment of one at present, but would communicate with you on the subject. Hona resides at one extremity of their District and W. Ngapu at the other, auother reason in favor of the adoption of the second course proposed. Ngapu is also a man I could approve of, and there do not appear to be many eligible persons for the office in the tribe. They pressed me very muc.i to appoint three policemen, two for Kahumatuku where their largest population is resident, and one for the Kerutu and Wanjjape near my own residence, where the population is smaller ai;d more scattered. I replied that if the Resident Magistrate for the District found that the duties were too onerous for two policemen, another would be appointed hereafter, but that at present they must limit themselves to two only. I made an appointment to go up to Kahumatuku (next week, on the 12th instant) and swear in the officers befere mentioned, so that they may commence their duties at once, and I should recommend that their respective salaries commence from the 1st instant. ' I have, &c.| James Aumitage. The Hon. the Attorney-General.

44

REPORTS OF OFFICERS : LOWER WAIKATO.