E—No. 9 Sec. VI.

notwithstanding my having personally explained those things to him on my first visit, and subsequently by letter when this seizure was reported to me. Mr. Cooper, Resident Magistrate, is now endeavouring to arrange the matter, but I have pointed out to him that it is better to mediate than adjudicate, seeing that it is but one-sided justice to convict and fine the European for trespass if we have no power to convict and fine the Natives for unlawful seizure in direct opposition to the Magistrate. For these reasons, I have been anxious, by the assembly of all the chief men of the Province in General Runanga, to make such laws for the Governor's approval as are most urgently required, and to appoint the Native Police for their due execution where Natives are concerned; so as to pledge those Chiefs, as it were, to the support of the law, or at least to provide that in case oi its failure, contempt should fall rather upon them than upon the Government. There are other subjects which I should wish to refer to, such as modifications which it will be my duty to propose in my present instructions—details as to the establishment of schools, medical assistance to the Natives, &c; but this report has already reached such a length that I beg to defer doing so for the present, and will only add that I consider;— 1st. The Chiefs at Pa Whakaairo evince no present desire for the introduction of the new Institutions. 2nd. That their political importance is somewhat over-rated in this Province, and that thev possess but little influence North of Napier. 3rd. That I fear it may become necessary to proceed without them in the Wairoa District, but that to do so it will be necessary to modify the proposed system of Village Runangas, as it will be difficult to carry out that idea in one Village Runanga when the Distiict extends over more than a hundred miles of the most impracticable country, and the population exceeds a thousand souls. 4th. That this had better not be attempted at present, but stand over until I have had an opportunity of consulting with Ministers, at the approaching meeting of the General Assembly. In conclusion, I beg to say that I believe the desire and intention of the Natives of the Province generally, is peace, but that before giving up their present position they wish to extract all they can from the Government. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, A. H. Russell, &c, &c, &c. Civil Commmissioner,

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REPORTS OF OFFICERS: HAWKE'S BAY.