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An Epitome of Official Documents Relative to Native Affairs and Land Purchases in the North Island of New Zealand

Enclosure 1. — Memorandum by the Native Secretary

page 67

Enclosure 1.
Memorandum by the Native Secretary.

In reply to your Excellency's memorandum of this day's date, I have the honour to state that I consider the appointment of chiefs to assist the Government in the administration of Native affairs very desirable. The advice and opinions of chiefs of rank and intelligence would be invaluable to the Government in guiding its decisions on any questions of importance affecting the Native race.

The chiefs appointed should reside at the seat, of Government, and have comfortable residences provided for them at the public expense, with pay to each at the rate of £200 per annum. A distinguishing dress should be provided; and their office should be permanent, subject to termination only in cases of misconduct: Their duties should be defined by clear and intelligible instructions; and the Governor; in travelling through Native districts; should be accompanied by one or more of them, who should be present at all meetings, and take part in public discussions or deliberations with the several tribes.

The Maoris; generally, would very much appreciate the fact that some of their own leading chiefs were invited to exercise authority in connection with the Government, in matters relating to them selves; and the Government, by free consultation with those chiefs, would be better able to judge how far any measures, that might from time to time be devised for the civilization and improvement of the Natives; Would be attended with success:

I submit that the' Government of the country should use every possible endeavour to restore and secure the confidence of the Natives, more especially of those tribes who have not joined in the present insurrection. The appointment of some of the influential chiefs to offices of trust at a time when military advantages are being gained over those taking part in the existing-disturbances; would tend very much to inspire them with confidence as to the humane intentions of the English nation towards them, and dispel much of the disaffection and antipathy of race which unfortunately prevail.

Auckland, 31st January, 1861.

Donald McLean.