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Two acts passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand, 1858, relating to native affairs, namely: the Native Districts Regulation Act; and the Native Circuit Courts Act. He Ture hou, erua, i whakatakotoria e te Runanga Nui o Niu Tirani, 1858. Ara; Ko te Ture whakakoto Ture-iti ki nga Takiwa Maori, ko te Ture whakarite Kooti Maori.

[Introduction by the Native Secetary's Office, March, 1859]

During the recent Session of the General Assembly of New Zealand two important Acts were passed especially affecting the Native race.

The Maori people have frequently been told that it is the earnest wish of the Governor, as the Queen's Representative, to encourage and assist to the utmost of his power those who are really desirous of elevating themselves and their people by the adoption of the civilised institutions of the Pakeha. A summary of the English Laws has been translated and placed in their hands for the purpose of enlightening them on these subjects, and they now possess the means of acquainting themselves with the principles of those just and wise laws which for so many generations have been the protection of the Pakeha and the glory of the English nation, and which every true Englishman obeys and loves, and is at all times ready to support and defend. The Acts referred to have been passed for the purpose of aiding the efforts of those Native tribes living apart from Europeans who wish to be governed and protected by the same laws as their Pakeha neighbours, and are prepared heartily to co-operate in carrying those laws into effect among themselves.

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The first of these Acts is called "An Act to Regulate the Local Affairs of Native Districts." The second is called "An Act to make better provision for the Administration of Justice in Native Districts."

These Acts have already appeared in the "Maori Messenger," and are now published by the Government in a separate form for general information. It should be borne in mind, however, that they are intended to be brought into operation only in Districts to be specially appointed for the purpose. Such Districts will be appointed by the Governor only where he has good reason to believe that the inhabitants generally desire it. His Excellency wishes to shew the Maori people the right path and to remove obstacles; having done this, he leaves it to themselves to choose whether they will walk in it or not.

Native Secretary's Office, March, 1859.