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Native Reserves, to be dealt with by him for the benefit of the Native owners. I feel sure that a good income would be realised, which, if judiciously dispensed, would greatly benefit the Natives. Sixthly, I would suggest that the under-mentioned chiefs be appointed Assessors, to receive the salaries opposite their names : Matiaha Tiramorehu, Waikouaiti, £50; Horomona Pohio, Waitaki, £30; Tare Wetere te Kahu, Otakou, £30; Horomona Pukuheti, Aparima, £30; Teoni Topi Patuki, Ruapuke, £50. The chiefs Matiaha and Horomona Pohio have held appointments as Assessors since 30th June, 1859, but have never received any salary. Matiaha has great influence with his people, and is the only one among them well up in their traditional history. I would, in conclusion, earnestly beg the Government to lose no time in giving effect to these suggestions, or to any other which they may think fit to adopt, whereby these people may be benefited. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Native Department. H. T. Clarke.

No. 16.—Extracts from a Letter from Hon. J. C. Richmond to Mr. Mackay, R.M., Native Commissioner. Sir, — Native Secretary's Office, Wellington, 22nd November, 1867. The object of your journey to the South at the present time is to visit the different Native settlements, for the purpose of giving to the Natives the information and assistance which will enable them to bring to a conclusion any inchoate arrangements as to their reserves, and of explaining to them the recent Acts of the Legislature as to the Native lands, schools, and the representation of the Natives in the General Assembly. It will further be your duty to inquire into and report upon the general condition of the Natives in each settlement, having in view the promises made to them at the time of the purchase of their lands by the Government as to the establishment of schools and hospitals, and also upon any special question which may arise in any locality. ... It will also be your duty in each settlement to see that forms of application to the Native Land. Court are properly filled in and forwarded to the Chief Judge. You have already been informed of the wishes of the Government as to the bringing of the Maori Representation Act into force. I enclose twenty copies of " The Native Schools Act, 1867," which you are requested to distribute among those interested ; a summary of its provisions has appeared in the Rahiti. It is very desirable that some arrangement should be come to with the managers of local schools in the neighbourhood of any Maori settlement, wherever they exist, for the admission of Native children. You will observe that one object of the provisions of the Act is to promote an interest among the Natives themselves in the education of their children by making the Government subsidy dependent to a certain extent on their own efforts, experience having shown that what is too easily obtained is liable to be too lightly valued. Some portion of the school-fees in European schools should, with this view, be provided by the parents according to their circumstances. I enclose a copy of the form of quarterly returns which will be required. I enclose herewith some Native letters having reference to matters which require your attention in the several localities, in accordance with the minutes indorsed. There is a correspondence as to the reserve at the Hakataramea, in the hands of the Provincial Government at Canterbury. The previous papers are printed in the Appendix of 1858. You will see to the carrying-out of this arrangement. At Moeraki you will give your attention to the necessity of providing some more permanent supply of water. It is believed that this may be done by the erection of a large shed with a metallic roof and tanks to receive the rain-water. The Natives have been led to expect help in this undertaking, and you will report as to the best means of carrying it out, furnishing estimates of the cost, &c. There is a water-hole in the neighbourhood which they are desirious of obtaining. You will ascertain the position of the title, and whether it can be purchased for them. In Otago you will confer with Mr. Strode, Commissioner of Native Reserves, as to the reserve at the Heads, and as to the Port Chalmers Reserve. In the former case it will probably be advisable that the reserve, though under the provisions of the Native Reserves Act, should be referred for subdivision to the Court. In the latter case it is thought advisable that the reserve should be sold by auction, but upon this point you will report after seeing Mr. Strode. I have, &c, J. C. Richmond. Alexander Mackay, Esq., R.M., Native Commissioner, Wellington.

No. 17.—The Hon. W. B. D. Mantell to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Wellington, 13th April, 1868. In reply to your letter of the 31st March, I have the honour to request you to inform Mr. Richmond that I am not prepared to take upon myself the responsibility of defining the position or capacity in which I should attend the Native Land Court in the South, and, further, that if the investigations of the Court are to be limited to the aportioning of the present so-called Native reserves among the Natives my presence at such sittings might prove worse than useless. Until, therefore, I am honoured by the Government with some more satisfactory information as to the scope of the proposed investigations, and with a distinct definition of the part which it is proposed that I should take therein, I beg to withdraw my provisional consent to Mr. Richmond's request that I should attend the approaching sittings of the Native Laud Court in the Middle Island. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department. Walter Mantell.