75

and the whole of the crops promise a plentiful harvest. The Natives in the Town, I think, would be
willing to let or lease the whole of their lands on
the outskirts, or would be glad to exchange it for
land on the Hutt of equal value, and they seem
anxious that the Government should undertake this
for them. The soil on the Hutt is better, and much
more productive, while, from their habit and mode
of culture, it is better fitted as a field for the Native
agriculturist, and there is no doubt that in the
course of a very few years, if they are allowed to
go on, the whole of that valley will be cleared by
them of its bush, and afterwards laid down to pasture by the settlers.

Without exciting any suspicion on the part of
the Natives, I was enabled to ascertain that they
have no fire-arms or ammunition of any account within
the district. What few fowling pieces they have
are out of order and seldom used. The whole of
the fire-arms belonging to the Port Nicholson Natives
are, I believe, in the charge of their relatives
at Taranaki, and were sent there five or six years
ago, when a hostile descent upon Taranaki was
contemplated by the Waikato Tribes.

The Native population within the district of Wellington, fluctuates very much. Many of their
friends come in from Taranaki on long visits, and
generally return accompanied by some of their
relatives. Some of those at the villages on the
coast will in all probability join William King, in
the course of the ensuing year, and make a final
move to their Native place. The whole of the
“Ngatiawas” entertain to this day the strongest
attachment for their Native soil, and a desire once
more to mingle with their relatives and friends. If
they ever leave Port Nicholson, it is not improbable
that they will collect together, and settle down within
the “Mokau,” “Taranaki,” and “Ngatiruanui,”
districts, and become what they once were, one of
the most powerful Tribes in New Zealand.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,

H. TACY KEMP,
Native Secretary.

The Honorable,
The Colonial Secretary,
New Munster.

[For further particulars in reference to the foregoing
Report, vide Table No. 1, annexed.]

REPORT NO. 2.

“WAIKANAE AND PORIRUA DISTRICTS.”

Waikanae, 31st January, 1850.

Sir,—Herewith I have the honor to enclose for
His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor’s information,
Journals and Return for the month ending
January, 1850. I beg leave also to accompany
them with a few general remarks on the several
Settlements between Porirua and Waikanae in the
order in which I visited them.

13th Settlement.—“TAKAPUAHIA.”

“Takapuahia,” situated within the harbour of
Porirua, 15 miles distant from Wellington, is on
part of the Native Reserve made at the time of the
purchase of the district, and has been laid out as a
village under the direction of Government. It is
the residence of the Tribe called “Ngatitoa” who
originally came from “Kawhia,” north of Taranaki.
Two neat reed Chapels have already been erected
on sites chosen at the time of the survey. The

Natives have also collected money sufficient to construct a water mill, on a small but convenient stream
of water in the centre of the village—the stones
have been purchased and are on the ground, waiting
for the woodwork, &c., to have it completed; they
have also several wheat stacks on hand which will
very nearly defray the expense and cost of the mill.
The village of Takapuahia has many facilities to
which the Natives are fully alive. Its contiguity to
the Town of Wellington, with a good road and
water conveyance, an abundance of fish in the
harbour, with good timber accessible, have induced
them to abandon the old Taupo Pa, and with the
whole of the Natives of Pukerua, have chosen allotments in the newly surveyed village. Nearly all
their cultivations are at Takapuahia, and the maize
and potato crops look remarkably well. Total Native
population, 282.

14th Settlement.—“KOMANGARAUTAWHIRI.”

Distant from Takapuahia about 3 miles, is situated
on the coast opposite the island of Mana; is a
fishing station. The inhabitants are few in number,
and are continually on the move. Some have
cultivations intermixed with the Ngatitoas at Porirua,
and some at Nelson. The whaling stations on
the Coal Heaver and Mana I believe first induced
the Natives to settle on so barren and isolated a
spot. Total Native population, 45.

15th Settlement.—“TAUPO.”

Is deserted, and Natives removed to Takapuahia.
Any of the building material that can be
conveniently removed, will be conveyed to the new village
to help in erecting new huts, &c., viz.—doors,
windows, and perhaps some of the better part of the
fencing of the Pa.

16th Settlement.—“PUKERUA.”

One of the earliest settlements belonging to the
Ngatitoas, was the residence of the late chief
“Tangia,” and is also deserted, the Natives having
joined “Pukerua,” at Takapuahia. The houses
are in a state of decay, and the settlement abandoned.
The population was never very large, and
many have died within the last 5 or 6 years. Mr.
Couper has a cattle station here.

17th Settlement.—“PARIPARI.”

Situated on the sea coast, distant about 7 miles
from Porirua, and 3 miles from Pukerua, through
heavy bush; is occupied by a sub-division of the
Ngatiawas. The village, which is generally known
by the name of the Rocky settlement, is nearly
abandoned, very few persons now remain, and they
will probably soon remove to Waikanae. Cultivations
they have but little, and in every other respect
badly off. Their principal man died a few weeks
since. They live chiefly by fishing, and grow on
the side of the hill which has a northerly aspect, a
few kumaras. The huts are falling to pieces, and
their only object now in remaining seems to be a
hope that the Government will buy up their claims
which are very small. It is doubtful whether the
Ngatitoas, who originally gave them leave to occupy
the ground, would sanction a sale without their
consent. Total Native population, 22.

18th Settlement.—“WAINUI.”

Is the residence of a division of the Ngatitoas
and included in its census are the Natives belonging
to Paekakariki and Wairaka, two small plantation
grounds. Wainui is one of the new villages
laid down by the Government. It is a desirable
situation for a settlement of the kind, as it not only
has the benefit of being near the coast, with a very