Report from Mr. Assistant Native Secretary Strode.

Sir,—

With reference to your circular letter of the 17th August last, I have the honour to forward to you a list of the different tribes to which the Natives in the Provinces of Otago and Southland belong, together with the names of the principal men of those tribes. The Natives in the two Provinces are comparatively few in number, and very peaceable and tractable. Their sentiments towards the Government are of a very loyal character, and their disposition and conduct toward Europeans generally, of a most friendly nature; always appealing to lawful authority when suffering wrong, and showing a ready obedience to the laws of the country.

I am happy to say this satisfactory state of the Natives, in this part, was not interfered with in the slightest degree by the recent disturbances at Taranaki, or any of the various questions which have of late years agitated the Native mind in the Northern Island. Some short time since, their allegiance was tested slightly by the arrival of an emissary from Waikato at two or three of the Kaikas, who, (as I was afterwards informed), exhorted the inhabitants to repair to Waikato, and take part against the Government; this they steadily refused to do, declaring their loyal sentiments, and attachment to British authority.

It is also satisfactory to me to state that something as regards education has, within the last two years, been done for the Natives here—under the auspices of a society denominated "The Society for elevating the condition of the Natives in Otago"—by the appointment of Mr. Charles Baker to reside on the Native reserve at the head of the Otago harbour, and impart instruction to the Natives. The benefit of his residence there soon became apparent, and still continues to be very beneficial, not only to the Natives of that particular locality, but to those of the districts on the coast which he periodically visits.

I beg to enclose a Census Return of the Native population in the Provinces of Otago and Southland.