IX.—Conclusion.

An unqestionable benefit has been conferred upon the Kaiapoi Natives by the partition of their reserve. The disputes about the bush have ceased, and now that the family claims are clearly defined, the timber trade with the Europeans, which was stopped by the Government in 1859, may be safely and advantageously re-opened. The individualization of the open land has given a fixity to population, and an impetus to industrial pursuits prophetic of the most satisfactory results.

I feel secure in stating that the partition has given universal satisfaction to the Natives themselves. In my report of May, 1860, I observed that at the general meeting when the final memorandum was submitted for approval there was only one dissentient voice, and that "this proceeded from Teoti Wiremu Te Hau—a man of notoriously bad character, and consequently of no influence,—who puposely absented himself from the previous meetings, and, though invited, declined to attend when the apportionment of the bush land took place. This man now contended for a larger share of the bush than had been allotted him, and demurred to the place assigned him among the farms." It is interesting to note that this is the same man referred to by Mr. Commissioner Mantell, in his letter to the Colonial Secretary (30th January, 1849), in the following paragraph:—

"On Monday the survey was continued, but closed early in consequence of the misconduct of a young man named Metehau, who afterwards returned to the camp, set fire to our hut, and was about to attack me with a tomahawk when he was stopped by the Natives."

Te Hau, finding that he could not reverse the decision of the runanga, ultimately gave up his opposition and took the place assigned him.

I have mentioned this circumstance to show the unanimity of feeling that prevailed, and to satisfy the Government that there is no danger of a future disagreement.

I may sum up by saying that the whole work has been accomplished through the medium of the runanga, that in every particular their approval has been obtained, and that, therefore, the owners themselves stand pledged to maintain the present division inviolate.