E—No. 9 Sec. IV.

I have also to report that on the 2nd instant I attended a meeting of the Tauranga Natives at Maungntapu, to receive their formal answer to the proposals previously made to them -with reference to the introduction of the new system of government. The meeting was well attended, and the various tribes and hapus appeared to be fairly represented. The question of pay for the members of a local Runanga was made the principal subject of discussion, and I was requested to state what provision would be made by the Government for this object. I explained fully the grounds upon which the Government objected to such payments, and combated the numerous arguments brought forward in support of the demand, so far successfully that most of the speakers acknowledged that they had been faiity answered. The meeting, however, appeared unwilling to alter the course already resolved upon by the majority, including nearly the whole of Ngaiterangi, that they would not have an unpaid Runanga, and that if neither pay nor allowance could be promised no Runanga should be nominated. After patiently hearing all I had to say on the subject, the above resolution was formally announced as the present decision of the Ngaiterangi, coupled, however, with the assurance that they were not the less desirous to have the Queen's law administered among them. They also desired to have Assessors and Kareres appointed and paid by the Government. The Ntratihe of Maungatapu expressed their willingness to nominate members for a Runanga without reference to the pay question; but, unless they are joined by the Ngaiterangi, a Runanga cannot bo constituted that would represent Tauranga. I enclose a list of the Assessors, Wardens, and Kareres nominated at this meeting, and beg to recommend that the appointments be made accordingly. The appointment of a Runanga for Tauranga must, for the present, be postponed. On the 4th I attended a meeting of the Maketu Runanga, when the question of pay or allowance for expenses was brought forward. Much dissatisfaction was expressed at the present decisiou of the Government on this point. At the suggestion of William Marsh (who, though not a member, has recently taken an active part in the proceedings of the Runanga), it was resolved to address the Government directly on the subject. A letter has accordingly been written, which will be forwarded by this opportunity. This course has been adopted contrary to my advice, but I have hesitated to press my objection, feeling that nothing short of a direct appeal to the Government will satisfy the people. I am glad to find, however, that the Runanga here Joes not, as in the case of Tauranga, insist on its demand as the condition of continuing to exercise its functions. On the question here raised, I have reason to believe that similar views will be taken by all the local Runangas, and that there will be considerable difficulty in getting them to work unless they are met, to some extent, by the Government. I believe that an allowance of £50 per annum to each would be found sufficient, and, if granted even as a temporary arrangement only, it would have a good effect in smoothing away difficulties attending the initiation of the new system. Under the conviction that this matter is one of importance, as likely to affect the success of the whole scheme of Native self-government in this district, I feel It my duty to submit the question of provision for the Ruuangas for re-consideration by His Excellency's Government. I have, &c, Thos. H. Smith, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, Civil Commissioner. Auckland.

Enclosure in No. 7. LIST OF NATIVE OFFICERS NOMINATED FOR TAURANGA. ASSESSORS. Maihi Pohepohe, of Maungatapu. Hamiora Tu, of Te Matapihi. Wiremu Pateue, of Opoutea. Maihi "Hongimate, of Otumoetai. Te Kuka, of Motuhoa. Te Kahakoti, of Paihau. WARDENS, OR CHIEF KARERES. Tawaewae, of Maungatapu. Hamiora Tangiawa, of Opoueta. Rawiri Taukawe, of Motuhoa. KARERES. Ihaka To Reiwhati ] Whati > Maungatau and Paihau. Hone Kiki )

19

BAY OF PLENTY.