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A Compendium of Official Documents Relative to Native Affairs in the South Island. Volume Two.

4. Native Assessors and Native Runangas

4. Native Assessors and Native Runangas.

I have, for some time past, been carefully watching the proceedings of Native Assessors. The conclusion I have arrived at is that but a very small proportion of Native Assessors are fit to be intrusted with anything more than the slightest amount of authority, unless placed under the immediate supervision of a European magistrate. Regarding the action of self-constituted Native Runangas, presided over by Assessors, they seem, as far as my experience goes, to be an admirable institution for extorting money, and for making endless litigation. I have therefore done everything that lays in my power to discourage Runangas in every place under my control. The course I have pursued during the last three years has been to instruct the Assessors to act as arbitrators in all trivial disputes; in the event of a disagreement, for both parties to write or appeal to me, stating the case as clearly as possible. I then, if in the neighbourhood, arrange the dispute, or if absent at another part of the district, write for the guidance of the Assessors. In all cases of any importance the Assessors have been instructed to proceed to the nearest Resident Magistrate, and to supply him with information about the offence alleged to have been committed. I do not permit the Assessors who act as arbitrators in petty disputes, to charge costs; but merely to determine the amount of compensation (if any) due to the plaintiff. Formerly, the Assessors made quite a revenue for themselves by charging costs, and encouraged disputes for the sake of the money. The present system has a contrary effect, for there are fewer quarrels. The argument of the Assessors is, however, not unworthy of remark, they disapprove of my regulation, and say they now work for nothing, as they receive no remuneration from either the plaintiff, defendant, or the Government.