WAIKATO. IMPORTANT MEETING OF CHIEFS.

IMPEACTICABLE TEEMS OP PEACE DEMANDED BY MAOEI KING. An important meeting of Waikato chiefs was held at Orahiri, on the far side of Upper Waikato, on the Ist and 2nd of June last, at which Mr. Firth, an Auckland merchant, Mr. C. 0. Davis, and Mr. Eeece, interpreters, and a reporter on the staff of the Southern Cross, were permitted to be present ; these being the first Europeans who had been allowed to enter that portion of the King country since the war. The interview with the chiefs, and in particular with Tamati Ngapora, or Manuhiri, as he is sometimes called, the King's Prime Minister, was sought by Mr. JFirfch, in the hope that by ascertaining the real views of the "Waikatos with respect to peace, he might be able to negotiate with the Government on their behalf, so that the war might be brought to a speedy termination. Eor it is well understood, that although the King party in Waikato have lived in sulky isolation from Europeans since their country was confiscated by the Government, and have taken no active part in the outrages committed on the East and West Coasts within the last two years, yet that a certain degree of countenance has been given to them by the King. It is believed that positive orders from Waikato would put an end to outrages perpetrated against us, both by Tito Kowaru and Te Kooti — at all events, if the murdering bands received no sympathy from the powerful tribes in the interior of the country, they could very speedily be exterminated. We gather from Mr. Firth's statements to the natives, that he was not accredited by the Government, and that he was acting entirely on his own responsibility. His intention to visit Waikato must, however, have been known to the Government Agent in Auckland, and to the Governor, then present in the northern capital, and no doubt] Mr. Firth had learnt something of the views of the Government before entering upon his task. But the person who figured most promiminently in the conference, or whatever else it may be called, was Mr. C. O. Davis, who appeared to act the part of Maori advocate. Mr. Davis is well known in the north as the general-business-man of the natives, and so keen an interest has he taken in their supposed welfare that he was indicted about four years ago for treasonable practices in inflaming their minds by means of printed documents against the Government ; and, to the astonishment of all persons who read the proceedings at the trial, he got an acquittal — due more, it was said, to the unpopularity in Auckland of the Government which prosecuted, than to any weakness in the evidence. These few remarks will, we hope, enable our readers to understand what follows. The account of the proceedings was published in full in the Southern Cross, but we have been compelled to omit all that was not directly relevant to the conference. We will only further observe, that in the references made by the King's Prime Minister to a letter of Sir William Martin, addressed to the King, that functionary was guilty of a deliberate falsehood in stating its contents, as the letter, which we now print, will show. The proceedings opened, as already stated, at Orahiri, on the Ist of June. The correspondent of the Southern Cross says : — We found the natives awaiting our arrival. They were assembled to the number of about 100 besides women and children outside the Whare Eunanga (or Council-house), the men on the right and the women on the left. Wo stood at a short distance away, and silently gazed upon the crowd seated before us. Anon one of their number, Te Aroha, settled himself in a reverential attitude, with his face half concealed by his blanket, and offered up the following beautiful prayer : — [translation.] "A day, a day, oh Lord of Hosts, hast Thou given us to unite us in person, foi* Thou art continuing the 'light which enables us to praise Thee, oh lord of Hosts. " From the creation of the world Thou hast protected Thy servants, and Thou continuest to do so in these seasons. Thou art ever gracious to men, making known Thy love. " Hearken to our prayer now, so that peace and lore may flourish, that our thoughts may be turned to Thee both day and night. "Oh gracious Saviour, Thou hast engrafted our bodies, for Thou hast before spread out the light ; the heavens, the earth, and the seasons declare Thy goodness. " Thou art pouring out unasked for water on these our bodies, i.e., the water of grace instilled into the soul from heaven. Thou hast gathered together from tho four corners of the island the benefits for the whole of Thy flocks. " Gracious Lord, let Thy pence rest on us, also on our friends, whom you have brought hither before us. Let peace dwell on both races. In days gone by, the blood of both pakehas and Maoris was shed, they both suffered, and now we bless Thee that we see our friends standing before us. " Let the inca Tawhiao be glorified who is shielding us in the world, The glory is Thine, the glory Thine, the glory is Thine, grace grace." hymn. "Father good and gracious, grace, grace, Son good and gracious, grace, grace, Spirit good and gracious, grace, grace." During the delivery of this prayer, the natives sat with their faces half buried in their blankets, and they joined in the hymn at tho close with the greatest apparent fervour and devotion. We stood bareheaded during this religious service. When it was concluded, and after a short pause, Tamati Ngapora te Manuhiri arose, and coming forward a pace or two said, " Come forward, Mr. Davis." The party was then welcomed by Tamati Ngapora, and salutations exchanged. Provisions were then placed before the guests, of which they partook. Tje Akoha thon rose and stalked in great dignity out into the spaco in front of tho w7iare. Ho said : Welcome, Mr. Davis, welcome hither. Come straight up. 'This is a time for rejoicing. There avo signs of peace. The black cloud is being cleared away from the heavens, and tho day looks brighter. Welcome to us now, as you were welcome formerly, leaving with us words of remembrance to which we hold fast now. The world was not made for you only, but for both of us. The Almighty is as willing to look in pity upon us, with our brown skin, as on you with your white skin. We both sprang from the samo seed, planted by the Almighty. His grace is as free for us as it is for you. We were created the samo day. Come straight ou. lam living ou the branch of a tree. Do not be nervous hearing what I havo to aay. Give back tho soil, give back Waikato, give back Tamaki [i.e., Pukaki, Mangere, &c] Although lam living on tho branch of the

tree I still cling to the soil [I -will not give up my right to it]. We are like wandering Israeltios without a home ; we are living on the branch of the tree. The day, the day, this day is given to us by the Almighty for the purpose of uniting us in the bonds of peace. This word of peace was neither yours nor mine, but it was first instilled into our hearts by the Almighty. Mr. Davis : Call to me, my friend. What you have said is excellent and true. We are both engaged in the same work. What good work is so great as this, the saving the lives of men ? It is true, us you say, that this work is not our own, but we are permitted to do it by the Almighty, for He is the fountain of peace and of all good. And think you that it is a matter* of indifference to the Almighty ; think you that the angels are not rejoicing over this work, and the hosts of heaven? The proclamation was, " Peace on earth and goodwill towards men." Although tills work is the work of the Almighty, let us who have been impressed with it set to work at once, co that the Pakeha and iho Maori may dwell together in unity. Your thoughts are wise, and loving, and good. I have little to say in reply, becauso you are imbued with the same feelings as I am myself, that is, the work of peace. This talk had gone on while the companywere eating, but at the conclusion of the repast, the chiefs who had been eating in the wliare came out into the open air. Tamati Ngapora came out and squatted down in front of Mr. Davis. Of this remarkable man the writer of the narrative gives the following account : — Tamati's features are pleasing, and full of intelligence and thonghtfulnesß, but his imaginary wrongs havo hardened his heart, so that it will bo long before ho will bo reconciled towards the Europeans. I know little of his history. He has not always been the King's Prime Minister and mouthpiece. Beforo the war in 1863, Tamati lived at Mangere, and was the native pastor there. He wore the attire of a minister, and was much respected by the Europeans, but when hostilities broke out he forsook us, and joined his countrymen, amongst whom he soon became conspicuous for his intelligence and education. Tawhino having married one of his daughters, he became Prime Minister of the Maori King, and at the presont day Tamati is virtually King himself. When I saw him he wore no other European clothing but a Crimean shirt beneath his mat, and even of that he appeared to be ashamed, for when ho saw ray eye bent upon his sleeve, he suddenly withdrew it inside his mat, and never afterwards showed ifc except when he shook bands with us at parting. Tamati Ngapora has receutly taken the name of Manuhiri [guest], in reference to his being the guest of the Ngatimaniapotos, upon whose territory the whole of the Waikatos are now residing. I believe Tamati is in receipt of a considerable sum in the shape of rent on land of his at Mangere, which he still owns. Before we left, he gave Mr. Davis a power-of-attorney respecting his Mangere property. "What follows is highly important : — . And hero, before proceeding to give the discussion which took place at the interview, I may pause in order to say a word or two of the actual feeling that ' exists between the Ngatiinaniapotos and the refugee > Waikatos. The Kiny; himself, Tamati Ngapora, and L all the principal supporters of the King are Waikatos, I and the Ngatiinaniapotos are jealous of the assumption of authority over them, and have accused the ' Waikatos of maintaining the aukatis for their own ! exclusive benefit. Rewi and his people have as yefc I lost no territory, and are not embittered against us. r They are jealous of the King, and would, I feel sure, . gladly get rid of the Waikatos altogether if the latter could be induced to settle on portions of the Waikato. They are annoyed at the obstinacy of the Waikatos, and already a suspicion is gaining ground ) that these people whom the Ngatirnaniapotos have . received as guests and refugees desire to remain in permanent possession of tho land on which they have been provided with an asylum on sufferance. J Already there have been bickerings, and I firmly 5 believe that, so soon as it is known that the Wai3 katos refuse to accept portions of confiscated terri- . Tory as a free gift, the breach between the two , tribes will be so widened that the slightest accident I will bring them into hostile collision with each other. \ At the present time Eewi and Tamati Ngapora ai'e : estranged from each other, in consequence of the , latter having opposed Rewi's going to Ngaruawahia to meet the Prince. I have been told by those who heard him that Eewi said at Tokangamutu on a ' recent occasion, " I have been the causo of these troubles : I was strong to produce them, and now I will be as strong on the other side to end them." T The Ngatimaniapotos also say that should the King , and Tamati involve the Ngatimaniapotos in a war ? with the pakehas it is the Ngatiinaniapotos who will t suffer, while the Waikatos will lose nothing. Tamati I Ngapora is not a warrior, and I will do him the just tice of saying that he has hitherto shown himself to l be averse to fighting, and has done much to put it T down. I The conversation that ensued between Davis and Tamati Ngapora is then given, and as it would be most difficult to convey a 1 correct notion of its character in an abridg- \ ment, we give it nearly in its entirety : — • Tahiti's first words, after looking at Mr. Davis . for some minutes, were : Have you a word to us ? , Mr. Datis : Yes, I have. I heard you were oufc yonder, and I came up with the hope of finding you at Kiorenui (Alexandra), for the day and the place [ had been named, and I discovered that you were not [ there {i.e., at Ngavuawahia). I have come in search of you. You were to have been at Alexandra ou . Friday, and on the Saturday you wero to have been , at KaraWiki, and on the Monday you were to have r been at Ngaruawahia to meet the son of the Queen, and the Governor; but I find you here. ) Maothiri (Tamati Ngapora) : I have already , sent to the Governor three several times. I replied t to a letter of his sont from Wellington, inviting me , to Auckland to welcome the son of the Queen on, shore. I sent fifty of my people to Ngaruawahia to , meet tho son of tho Queen and the Governor, and , they returned, saying that the Prince would only I stay in Auckland ten days to look about him, and that lie would not come by the Wnikato. I have ! seen Dr. Pollen, who was represented by Wilson, but I expected to see his father. Mr. Davis : Did Mr. Wilson invite you to meet r the Prince ? Mantthibi : I asked him who sent him hither ? He said the Governor. I said what Governor ? He eaid Dr. Pollen. I said " Well, now that you have ' come from the Governor, speak." I asked him > three times, and he made no reply. At last he said, " I havo come to ask you *o go down to Auckk land to meet tho Prince." I said, *• I won't go." L Mr. Davis : What reply did you make about the ■' other places, Maungatawhiri and Ngaruawahia? / ' Manuiliei : I made no reply. As I was leaving ' Mr. Wilson, I said to him, " Havo you any words * from the Governor ? What about the letter of the ' 6th March ? If you have come to confirm propositions in that letter say so:" He said, "I know [ nothing about that letter." Mr. Davis : Was a letter addressed to you from Sir William Martin ? » Manuhiki : Ana. How do I know ? Mr Davis : Will you produce that letter ? Manumiei : What have you (the Europeans pre- : sent) to do with it ? ! Mr. Davis :Wo wi3h to see its contents, so that i we may know whether it agrees with suggestions ; made by some of our European friends, who are , desirous to establish peace. Manuhiei : I have a letter. ! Mr. Davis : Tho gentleman with whom the propositions contained in that letter originated is hero. ; Manuhiei : Why, then, do you ask to know its \ contents, as they havo originated with you ? Mr. Davis : I want to know whether they are in i unison with the statements that were expressed. Mantjhibi : You know the contents of the^ letter , already. Mi-.'Davis : Don't suppose that I have any other ■ feeling but that of kindness towards you, and a desire to benefit you, and these gentlemen aro equally i anxious to serve you.

Mauuhiri: I know you well. I have not the least doubt as to your sincerity and your good feelings towards us. Mr. DAVIS : Mr. Firth waited on Sir William Martin, and made certain propositions to him in referenco to bringing about tho establishment of peace. Afterwards Mr. Firth heard that Sir William Martin had written to you ; and I wish to see tliis letter, or to ascertain whether tho propositions contained in it agreo with thoso suggested by Mr. Firth. Manuhiri : You know the contents of tho letter ; they come from you. Mr. Davis : What think you of the contents of tholetler? Manuhiri t No ; hut what think you of them? Mr. Davis : Do you approve of thorn ? MANuniKi : No ; do you approve of them ? Mr. I>ayiß : I «ra not quibo cure aboiib tho contents of that letter. Manuhiri : I approve of them. Mr. Davis : Aro you satisfied that righteousness and peace will kiss each other, if the suggestions mooted in that letter aro carried out ? "M.AXVMM: Yes. Mr. Davis : That is most excellent, for the lives of mon will bo preserved, and peace will bo restored, and wo slmll be able to sleep soundly and eat with relish. What are your sentiments in reference to your visiting the Prince ? Manuhiri: What are yours? Mr. Davis : We loft the Prince in Auckland. MANUniBi : I heard he was gone. Mr. Davis : We have hero the notification in reference to his having remained, and his being willing to come up tho Waikato to visit you. [A copy of tho extra published by the Daily Southern Cross, in reference to tho prolongation of Iho Prince's stay, was hero read in English by Mr. Davis, and translated into Maori by Mr. Preecc] The foregoing conversation had* beon listened to with tho deepest attontion by the natives who crowded round tho verandah of tho council house, tho principal chiefs Bitting under the verandah, while the commoner sort of the people sut down or stood up outsido. Every point that could command a view of the spot where we eat was occupied, and many of the men looked over the shoulders of those in front. By this time, however, the shades of evoning had begun to close, and we were invited to continue tho Jcorero inside. A mat was spread for us in a corner of tho whare, and we seated ourselves upon it, a lamp being placed beside us. Manuhiri, who, tho vendor will be careful to bear in mind, is one and tho some person as Tamati Ngapora, then came and squatted down in front of us us before. A Hau-hau prayer was then offered up, and a chauut sung, which occupied about half-an-hour. At tho conclusion of the service tho conversation was resumed. W^Manuhiri said : Were you at Opepe (in the Taupo district)? Mr. Davis : No, I was at Oruanui (Taupo district). MANUniRi: Te Poihipl and Hohepa Tamamutu ■wore building a pah at Opepe, and Te Heuheu finding it, sent them back. Mr. Davis : I havo heard that thero has been fighting in that district. Manuiiiri : While we aro talking of pence here, tliero is fighting thero and at many other places. Mr. Davis: Why don't you put a stop to the fighting? MANUniRi: Why don't you? Mr. Davis : Has all inana (power and authority) been taken away from you ? Manuhiri : Has all mana (all authority) been taken away from you, that you do not put a stop to this fighting? Mr. Davis : I have seen your proclamation in relation to peaeo, which has gladdened my heart. Manuhiri : I tried to send it to To Kooti, who is now fighting, but my messengers could not get through on account of your armies. Mr. Davis : Now that you and I are agreed about peace, cannot you do your part? Manuhiri : Cannot you do yours ? You are allpowerful. You have tho road open by sea and by land. All you havo to say to your side is " Come back," and they will como back immediately. But our side is slow to work. There are hindrances in the way; our messengers are obstructed by your armies. Mr. Davis : You say you are anxious for peace, and we say that we are anxious for peace; cannot ye v meet tho Governor, and state what you want ? ' Whitiora : I will answer that. Wo do not want any particular part of Waikato ; we want all Waikato and all New Zealand back ; for this is Waikato and thero is Waikato (meaning the confiscated line through tho country). The Taranaki land belongs to its own people j the Manukau land belongs to its own peoplo; the Whanganui and Waikato lands belong to their own people. Let the Governor call back all you Europeans, who are eojourners (i.e., living on tho confiscated land) merely, throughout tho colony, and not until then will we meet the Governor to talk about peace. Mr. Davis : Our anxiety is that peace should be established throughout tho country ; that the weapons of war should sleep in the cornora of the Louse j that men should dwell together as brothren, not only in Waikato, but at Taranaki, at Hawko's Bay, Poverty Bay, Opotiki, and all other places. Let ub assist each other in bringing about this dosirable end. MANUHIRI t He (Whitiora) is speaking about Wairoa, about Whanganui, about Waitara, about Waikato, and other places. Mr. Davis : I should like you to give expression to your feelings with respect to what the Maoris desire to have, in order to bring about the establishment of peace. Manuhiri : You know already ; why do you ask ? You are fully acquainted with my views— fully. Mr. Davis : You. and I understand each other, but thoro aro gontlomon hero now whoso ears will listen to your requests. Would you like to meet tho Governor, aud mako known your views to him? Manuhiri : You havo tho Governor here by your sido (alluding to Mr. Firth, and meaning that Mr. Firth was acquainted with the Governor's views in reforenco to theso matters.) Mr. Davis : True, Mr. Firth may know what aro the viows of the Governor. It doeß not toko long to eat food nor to tako a draught of water. In relation to tho movo important aft'airs of mon they require calm deliberation. I ehall not, therefore, prolong this discussion to-night, but, if you have no objection, wo will meet here to-morrow after breakfast. Manuhiri : I am going off to-morrow morning. Mr. Davis : We would like to talk to you further on theso matters. We will come and see you tomorrow after breakfast. Manuhiri: You white people have late breakfasts. Mr. Davis : We will come early aud breakfast with you. Will you stay ? Manuiiiri : All right. Wo then got up and took our lcavo, after shaking hands with Manuhiri and tho principal chiefs. We roturnod to Mr. Hottit's, at Torohanga, whore we wore most hospitably entertained. The next morning Mr. Firth and his party returned early to Orahiri. We resume the narrative : — The discussion was opened by a chief named PAENOAnuitu, of the Ngatimahuta tribe, who said : What need is there of any further discussion after what took place yesterday ? <- Mr. Davis : Thero may be some things still in tho heart, for it is tho heart of man that thinks ; it would bo well that your thoughts should be mado known. Paenoahuru : Lot me alone [that is, tho King party.] Let me proceed with my business [allow us to carry out our plans for the well-being of our race.] Although it is tho heart of man that thinks, I do not wish to be troubled, I want to tako timo to consider. Mr. Davis : You aud I are not to live for ever. It is not well that our paths should be circuitous. Come straight to the point, so that we may each in our own day derive tho benefits arising from peaceful relations. Paengahubu : The sun will talk to me, the day will talk to me, and the night will also talk. Mr. Davis : If you were able to converse with tho day and night and to command time, that thought of youri would be good, but tho work must bo done

now, while you and I are here, while wo live. Is there no desire in your heart? do you feel no pain ? Paengahuru : — Thero aro desires in my heart, and I do feel pain. Mr. Davis : Why then do you not speak out, co that the ears of these gentlemen may hear what you have to say, for they have come on the European side. What about the laud ? does it feel no paiu, or aro you feeling no pain on account of it? Paengaiiuru : lam pained about tho land. Tho land is like a stricken bird, whoso wings are quivering on account of the pain. Mr. Davis : Have you nothing particular to say ? We are waiting for you to express yourself candidly. Let. us know where your boundary is, and what are your thoughts respecting it. Did you put up a post aud place a placnrd thereon some years ago? What about t)ic post now, what about Gfro pkicarcl? Paengahuru paused for some tiino, and did not answer. Mr. Davis: If you do not understand my questions I will put them in other words. Paengahuru : I do not want to say that I will hold out for that; I am not quite light with respect to your questions. 'Mr. Davis : You have said that the land is in pain, and that it is like a bird pierced and bleeding, and whose winga arc quivering. You say also that you | are feeling pain in consequonco. Cannot you toll us I where your boundary line is, and what aro your views respecting the land, so that theso gentlemen may hear you ? I know what your feelings are, and Iwnntyou to express youraelf before these gentlemen, because otherwise, if you aye silent and I expross your opinions, it may be said that theso opinions are mere inventions of my own. I have known your opinions for a long time, and I havo expressed them. I have on theso occasions been told by the peoplo below that they are my own ideas. Now I want you to speak for yourselves. Paengahuru again paused for some time, and appeared disinclined to hazard a reply. Rkihana Te Aroha (of To Huun, and formerly of Pukeke) said : Friend Mr. Davis, let me now havo my say. It is not you only who have known my sentiments with regard to the land [confiscated land], but my views have been put forth time after time to tho whole four corners of tho world. To what are you alluding ? Is it to tho post at Mangntawhiri, that was in your charge and mine ? It was under our mutual protection [under the protection of Europeans and natives]. That is an established thing'; we need not refer to that again. But to what do you allude when you wish us to speak out ? Is it in relation to tho streams of thought that day by day and from season to season we each separately derive from the Almighty ? You have one stream and I have another, and we each ought to work out the thoughts that present themselves to our minds. Mr. Davis : Yes, time is given us by the Almighty, and the good thoughts nre instilled into our minds by the Almighty. But they are. not to bo buried in our hearts. We are to work while there are opportunities, so that we may be benefited, and tho happy influences felt by all. Te Aroha : Ye?, I know that you are one with mo, and that we have to work to-day ; but the time has not yet como for tho establishment of peaceful relations. The times are in God's hands. Mr. Davis : The times are in His hands, but we aro not at liberty to sit down and do nothing. There is plenty of work for both sides to do, and it must be done. That is the reason why we havo como hither. Let us understand euch other ; let your sentiments be made known to us, and ours to you. In much the same kind of dialogue Te Aroha stated that it was his wish that the whole of the confiscated lands should be given back to the natives, and the war should cease. Te Aroha : The matter rests with you solely. You and I have finished. My proclamation has gono forth that the strking of man by man shall cease, and that tho striking of the land by men shall cease ; the right hand to the right hand and the left to the left. Turn you ,round to your pakehas, and tell them to do their part. Mr. Davis here turned to Mr. Firth, and addressed him in Maori, co that tho natives might comprehend tho remarks. Mr. Preece continued to interpret for Mr. Firth and myself. Mr. Davis said : Listen, you pakehas. Listen to the sentiments which have been expressed in your hearing to-day. These people (tho Maoris) say that their boundary line is at Mangatawhiri, and they want Waikato given back to them. They say that every transgressor, no matter how dark his crimes, should bo pardoned. They also say that fighting should cease, and that peace should bo established not only in Waikato, but at Taranaki, Whanganui, Poverty Bay, and all places in the island, and that the soldiers from all these places should be withdrawn. They ask you also to acknowledge their King. Now, then, you are between botli parties, and this weighty matter will be entrusted to you, that is, to propose these things to your side, the European?. Do not suppose that your dignity will be sacrificed, or that you will become little in the eyes of the Maoria, should you accede to their requests. No, it will bo simply a great peoplo doing a great thing. Say not to us that tho Waikato is dotted over with houses, and that Europeans are living in various localities. We (tho Maoris) did not ask you to build those houses, and to occupy those lands. We aro not asking you for anything that is yours ; wo never acknowledged your boundary line laid down by the Governor [the boundary of the confiscated land], and all wo ask of you now is to give back our own, the land of our ancestors. Our boundary line is at Mangatawhiri, and we orected a post there. We were not to cross over to your side, nor you to ours. Do not take that which belongs to a small people like us. Wo havo but a small portion, which you should allow us to occupy. Be ye strong now to carry out your part of the business, for ours is dono. Turn neither to the right nov to tho left, but look straight on, and bo strong to complete your great work, so that tho sun [pcaco] may Bhine upon us. , ' Mr. Fiuth then addressed Manuhiri and the chiefs, his words being interpreted by Mr. Precco. He said : Friend Manuhiri, salutations to you, aud to all of you. This is a great work that wo are engagod upon to-day ; it is the saving of men's lives. This is a very great work indeed ; to accomlish this the Saviour came down from heaven, and died for us. I shall have weighty words to speak to you this day. The work I am engagod upon Ido not want to be done in a corner. We wish our work and our words to be known to all men, that all the pakehas and the Maoris in New Zealand may hear them. There is one here who will write down our words, and givo them forth to the whole world. Whitiora said yesterday that my arm was strong for war formerly, ne spoke the truth. It was strong for war then, but for some timo past it has been just as strong for peace. I went to war so that the pupreinacy of the 1-nv might bo maintained, so that the law might be abovo every man ; so that evil deeds might be put down throughout the Island. Rewi and tho Waikato went into war, and their desire also was that their law might be maintained. I was on one side of the whare, Rewi wns on the other side : wo each went on our war paths until we met in ihe centre of the house. We have both found that wo have not secured the supremacy of the law, for evil deeds are still done in the land. Bauds of armed men of both races aro wandering about the country seeking to destroy each others' lives. Ministers have been killed — quiet people havo been killed — women and children havo been killed. Long ago, when I heard that the son of Queen Victoria was coming here — a man of aucicnt lineage and exalted rank — a man whoso reputation was known throughout the world ; when I heard that ho was about to come hero to theso shores, I saw that a great opportunity would arise for the establishment of peace. At last the Prince arrived, aud it went forth amongst the people that a meeting would take place at Ngaruawahia between the Prince on one side, and Tawhiao, Manuhiri, and Rewi on the other. Then Rewi sent down his fifty men to meet the Prince at Ngaruawahia, and they returned, because nobody knew that they were coming down, and no proper intimation was given to the Governor. After that it appeared that some misunderstanding had arisen, and the Prince was going away without seeing you. A

number of fnkelia ravgatiras (European gentlemen ( heard that the Prince was not going to Ngaruawahia — that he was going away in his ship. They wrote a letter to tho Governor asking that the Prince might remain in the land, so that peace might bo established between the two races. In consequence of that word to the Governor the Prince consented to remain. I then came up to this part of the country in order to remove any misunderstanding which might have existed among you, and I brought this white flag in my had (pointing to Mr. Davis). I came here also for tho purposo of understanding what your thought* wore about the pence which we are all anxious to obtain, both pakehas and Maoris, and also to provent any mistake being made. In. the days that are passed my friend Wiremu Taurihnna (William Thompson) and I made pcaco at Waiho, I said to him, " William, let no evil deeds he dono in this district; lot no fighting men be found here. lon my part will take care that no soldiers come to this district." I havo kept my word, for tho foot of a soldier has not trodden upon the land at Wniho, and the peace that Thompson and I made there stilJ remains. Evil deeds have been done in other parts of the island, but no women or children have been murdered there. There was fighting in other parts of the island. Thompson and I wero liko men standing on the shores: wo saw tho Bhip tossed about by tho fury of tho winds and tho waves, and in danger of being wrecked. Thompson died, aud his laut words were " Peace." Beforo he passed awaj r , he gavo to me his mat " Taihoa," and he said to me, " Many wicked deeds will be dono in this island by my people. Do not you bo impatient when you hear of ovii things being done. Put on this mantle, and wait patiently until tho dark days havo passed away." I have put on that mantle ; even now it is wrapped around me. I wish you thoroughly to understand my position. I havo not come to speak to you today as tho representative of the Government. lam not a Government man ; lam standing alone, and I have coino here because I do not wish to see the canoe destroyed by the pakehas and the Maoris who aro in it. lam come here to see if I can find out any way by which the canoe can be brought eafely to shore. I come now to speak of your proposals for peace. I have no authority whatever, as I am not speaking on behalf of the Government in any sense, but, notwithstanding that, I know something of their intentions. Now with regard to the first proposal about the King. I believe that tho King will be assented to in a certain district. Manuhiri (Tamati Ngapora) : It is a matter of indifference to us whether you consent or not; wo Bhall have him. Mr. FIRTH : With regard to the fighting, I believe, if peace bo established, tho Government will consent to tho ending of all fighting in all parts of tho island. Then again with regard to the amnesty. There have been many persons, innocent men, women, and children, foully murdered, and these things weigh heavily on the minds of the pakoha^, so that thero will be great difficulty in their forgiving them, because their hearts are very sore about them. Nevertheless I believe that, if that were tho only obstacle to tho establishment of a permanent peace ! throughout the whole of this country, dark as the hearts of the pakohas aro about these things, I believo a free pardon would bo granted to nil. Manuhiri : What you consider murders, are not murders with us according to our custom, because war having onco commenced, the rule is to kill wherever you 6eo. Mr. Firth : Now thero is another matter about which there must be no mis-understanding. I shall speak plainly to you, but I shall not speak in anger, and therefore j r ou must not be offended with what I am going to Fay. lam a man who speaks right out, and I often offend the pakehas by speaking out what I think should be said openly. Whatever may be said of me, it cannot bo said that I am afraid to express my own convictions. William Thompson said I was a man who spoke out my thoughts, and I mean to speak straight out now. ■ Manuiiiri : Talk on. Mr. Firth : Well, if you mean by our giving back the land that you expect the Government to give back the whole of Waikato, I tell you that is a thing which will never be agreed to. With regard to giving portions of land to people who havo none, I know that has always been tho intention of the Government, and their intentions are unchnnged. If peace; bo established I believe the Government will agree to give portions of tho Wirikato. Manuhiri : We have got it already ; the whole of it has been given back. Mr. Davis : According to Manuhiri this giving up of the Waikato has already preceded what you are now talking about, so that the actual giving up comes before this proposition to givo. Mr. Firth : When ? MANunna : In the letter of the 6th March. Mr. Davis : Aro you quite sure of that ? Manuhiri : Quite sure. Mr. Firth : If Sir William Martin, the writer of that letter, has told you the Government will give you the whole of Waikato back, he has done so without authority, and it will not bo acceded to. MANUniRi : According to your idea tho canoe will be split in two. If a channel wero cut from Ngaruawahia to tho coast on tho other side, that would be breaking up tho canoe ; but the waters of the Waikato still flow into the sea on this side in their old course. The letter of the 6th March says that the canoe is not to be split up. Mr. Davis : Your words come clothed in wrappers, for tho letter of the 6th March says the land is given up. Manuhiri : How can I help it ? It is a voluntary act on the part of the pakehas to givo up Waikato. Mr. Firth : I have spoken to Sir William Martin about these matters, but he never told me that he proposed to givo the Waikato back. Manuhiri : Hero it is ; I have it. Mr. Firth : You have heard what I- have to say about those things. Look at these children there growing up in hatred of the pakehas j while, on tho other hand, the pakeha children are growing up in hatred of tho Maori. When these children grow up to be men, there will not be that chance of making peace which we now have ; for you, Manuhiri, are my friend, and wo have tho remembrance of good deeds dono to one another , in tho days that aro passed. I now stretch out my hand to you, and I ask you to grasp it beforo it be too late. Do not throw my hand scornfully from you. Let this good work be our work. Remember this word, " Whatsoever thiuo hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might." Whitiora (to Mr. Davis) : Mr. Firth's word is good. He tells us that his arm was strong formerly in the cause of war, but that now it is weak in that cause (i.e., he has no desire to lift his arm to fight). According to the opinions of you pakehas, these killings you speak of were murders, but wo say they are not. This would be a murder, if I were to kill you now that you have come hero on a friendly visit; or if I were to kill Mr. Firth, that would be a murder. If I were to say to-day in a friendly spirit, " Come round by this path," intending evil while professing friendship ; if I took you out of the safe path into that of danger and you were killed, that would bo a foul murder. And hero are your foul murders : — General Cameron told us to send our women and children to Rangiawhia, where they should remain unmolested, but he went away from Peterangi with his soldiers after them, and the women and children were killed, and some of them burnt in the houses. You did not go to fight the men ; you left them and went away to fight with the women and little children. These things you conceal, because they are faults on your side, but anything on our side you set down against us, and open your mouths wide to proclaim it. That deed of yours was a foul murder, and yet there is nobody to proclaim it. Not only in this island are the foot-prints of your evil deeds visible, but in every island whereon you had touched. But now you come here and talk to us of peace, and I like your words well, for they come straight from tho heart. Be you strong, Josiah, to contiaue your work, and if you are strong to carry it out I shallalso be willing, and then the sun will shine upon us. Mr. Firth : I have listened to the words of Whitiora, and like some of them well. Te Aroha says that Jehovah lives. We all know that Ho lives,

and that lie said in the olden time, " Let there bo peace on earth ahd good will amongst' men." That work of peace is our work to-day. The ancient saying is, "Bleesed are the peacemakers." Now we must understand each other. My word is this— if wo can agree about the land, and the other things that have been spoken of, let the words be put into a letter, and I will then go down with them to the Prince. If ho has gone away in his ship, I will see the Governor. If the Governor has gone down to the great Assembly, I will go there also, taking my two friends, Mr. Davis and Mr. Preece, with me, and I will lay these matters before the Assembly of pakeha rangatims. But I must havo two things in my hand, the word about tho land and the letter. I have already told you that I shall not speak figuratively to you. I want you to agree with me about, the portions of land being given, back, but if you. still Bay that you demand the whole of the Waikato lands to be given back to you, I tell you that it will not be done, aud that I will not go to Wellington with such a word. If you say to me, " Give mo a portion of these lands," and you give me, a letter, then I will go and see if anything can bo done. This will not be my first visit to Wellington. In 1866, Governor Grey proposed to plaeo soldiers at Taupo. I knew that if that wore done it would bring evil again into tho land. I went down to tho Assembly to raise my voice against it. I saw many of the rangatiras of tho Eunanga [members of the Assembly], and I brought them over to my opinion. I then wrote a letter to the Governor, pointing out to him the evil that would grow out of that proposal of his. Then they all agreed to my word, that tho troops should not go there. On my return I saw William Thompson. I said to him, "I have stopped the troops from going to Taupo ; tho Governor has agreed to my word." And I also said to him, " Now if bad deeds aro done in this country — if women and children are killed — the troops will be placed at Taupo in days to come ; but remember that work will bo the work of tho Maoris, the placing of these pakeha soldiers at Taupo will be tho act of the Maori*, not mine or the Government's." I havo not gone into a discussion of the old questions this day, and I do not intend to do so, for this is a day of peace. You remember, Manuhiri, that Naaman of old was afflicted with a grievous leprosy. Did the Man of God toll him to attempt to heal himself by constantly ruffling those old sores ? Did ho not Bay to him, " Dip yourself seven times in the Jordan, and bo clean" ? Was not Naaman angry at bo simple a remedy ? But afterwards he followed tho word of the Man of God, he washed at that sweet water and became clean, and his flesh was as that of a littlo child. This is a day of peace : for nine years we havo had days of trouble. Manuhiri : You contended for nino years, and I was not exterminated by you. You persisted in yours, but did not succeed. Te Aroha : Do not write a letter, because St. Paul says, " I have many things to say to you, but not with pen and ink, for I shall speak to you face to face." You are boring at me, in order to get the water out of me (pumping mo), while you are concealing your views on the other 6ide. Mr. Firth : St. Paul wrote many letters, notwithstanding the example Te Aroha has given us of St. Paul. St. Paul even wroto that in a letter. Manuhiei : You aro our letter. Mr. Davis : These pakehas will return to Auckland, and if the Prince id not there, and the Governor is not there, they will go to Wellington and take your word. Then the question will bo asked, "What authority have you? Where is your lettor ?" And they will be speechless. MANUniRi : That is your point of view, but we Maoris consider it sufficient to speak in thia way, face to face. Let Mr. Firth bo tho bearer of my sentiments to the other side. Mr. Fibth : You mu't give me to understand distinctly that you want only a portion of tho Waikato to bo given to you, otherwise I will not go to Wellington. Manuiiiki : That is your affair. What crime havo I committed that you should take my land ? Mr Firth : I have already told you that I do not wMi to ai'gue old questions. Ido not wish to ruflle up the old soi'es, because that is not the way to heal them. But do not suppose that I am either afraid or unable to arguo these matters with you, If you wish it, I am ready. Mr. Davis : He has already asked you to toll him tho reason why you confiscated tho Waikato land, and he has asked you what sin have tho Waikatos committed ? Mr. Flimi (addressing Manuhiri) : This is the sin. Rewi and the Waikatos went down to Taranaki. They interfered in a quarrel with which they had nothing to do. That is the reason why tho Waikato lands were taken. The land is gone, and can never be given back to you. Masuiiibi : Hold there. You said Waikato went down to Taranaki. Did not the Europeans go from Auckland ? Mr. Firth : Can you restore the plunder that was taken by you ? Can you restore the dead to life ? Manuiiiki : Answer my question direct. I want to know, did not tho Europeans go from Auckland to Waitara? Mr. Davis (to Mr. Firth): Answer his question. Don't wrap it up in a covering. Mr. Firtii : Pakeha soldiers did go from Auckland to Taranaki, becauso they aro the soldiers of the Queen, and the Queen is the sovereign of this island of New Zealand. The Waikatos went to Taranaki, but your King was not the king of that place. Manuhiri (addressing Mr. Preece, who was interpreting Mr. Firth's words) : How about your Governor, did he not go ? Mr. Pkeece : The Governor is no more a resident of New Zealand than are tho soldiers. Manuhiri, you are not an ignorant man, and you know the Governors of New Zealand are not residents. Tho first Governor Hobson died a year or two after ho came. The second was Governor Fitzroy ; ho remained a short time, and then went away, when his term of ofliee had expired, to another land. Govornor Grey oaino next. Ho remained his term, and was then sent to be governor of another land. Governor Wyjiyard then came here for a short time, and after him Governor Browne, who remained until his term of office was over, and then went to be governor of anotlier country. Afterwards Sir George Grey was sent for/and now we have Governor Bowen. So now you know that the Governor and the soldiers are removed by the Queen from place to place, and that no colonists wont to Taranaki. Te Aroha -. By whose authority did the soldiers go to Taranaki? Mr. Preece : By the authority of the Governor, who was the servant of the Queen, not by the pakehas of the soil. Manuhiri : Cease this. You are holding a court. It would take days to come to a conclusion. Mr. Preece : It would take months. A Native : Years. After a lo,ng pause — MANUniRi inquired : When do you leave ? Mr. Davis : We leave to-morrow morning. Manuhiri : Well. I havo a long way to go, and you have a short way. Is there anything further to say? Mr. Davis : There is nothing to be gained by any further talk. Mr. Firth : Once for all, will you authorize me to state to the Governor that you are willing to make peace on these terms, namely, the assent to the King ; all fighting to be at an end ; free pardons to bo given to all criminals ; and a portion of Waikato to be given up to you ? Manuhiri : We must have all of Waikato. Mr. Firth (putting his hands behind his back) : You havo tied my hands. I shall go back to my Icainga and remain quiet with my wife and children. I shall not consent to be bearer of your propositions. Manuhiri : That is a matter of indifference to us. That is for you to consider. Mr. Davis : Mr. Firth has a large basket full of words, let him take tho basket with him. Let him decide what is to be done with it. Mr. Firth : If the Prince has not gone, will Tawhiao, you, and Rewi go to meet him ? Manuhiri: Our answer is already gone. Have you not seen it ? Mr. Firth : No. Manuhiri : It has gone on. Rewi's word about going to Ngaruawahia was he kupu tanrangi (a

figure of speech — indefinite). You know the meaning of that. Mr. Davis : Now here is another thing. Wo have come up here, and in all probability we shall be blamed for keeping you away from meeting the Prince and tho Governor at Ngaruawahia. Masuhiri : No, we never promised to go there. Mr. Firth : What messages are you going to send to the Kupapa chieftains that are down there [at Ngaruawahia] ? Manuhiri : They are engaged down there eating loaves ; that is their work. 1 have sent them a message. Mr. Fibth : Can a man live without eating ? Manuhiui : I have already said that they are eating loaves down yonder. Some of them also came up hero to eat vegetable marrow. At this stage of the proceedings we all got up and prepared to leave. Mr. Firth (putting on his cloak) said : I go now to my Jcainga, wearing Thompson's mantle of patience. I shall still be a lighthouse down there, that I may show your ship how to avoid the rocks and the shoals, that you may get safoly to port. If hereafter you make up your mind to any course of action for tho establishment of peace, you can write to me, and, if jour proposals be such as I cau approve of, I will lay them beforo tho Government, who aro anxious to bring about a reconciliation. Manuiiihi : When we see the light we shall know that it is yours. After a few more words, we shook hands with our friends, and returned to Lewis Hettet's.