Hamilton. November 8th. 1872. Sir, In compliance with your request, I have the honour to report, for your information, the interview between His Excellency the Governor (June 12th. 1872), and three Chiefs of Ngatihana, Te Raihi, Te Hakiriki, and Rihia. I was acting as Interpreter on the occasion. His Excellency asked Te Hakiriki and Rihia how you were getting on with the Hau haus at Alexandra, and whether there was any likelihood of a meeting being convened. Rihia informed His Excellency that a small party of Ngatimaniapoto and Ngatiraukawas headed by Taonui and Hananui had an interview with you, and that was all that transpired as yet. Rewi was anxious to see you, but he was biased by Manuwhiri to not do so. Consequently the meeting anticipated will not come off. His Excellency asked why Tawhiao and Manuwhiri objected to have a Meeting. Rihia replied because Manuwhiri was jealous of Rewi. He, (Manuwhiri) was heard to remark, - , i.e., A man sitting with me is endeavouring to crush me, - meaning that Rewi was trying to supplant him in the estimation of the Government. His Excellency then remarked that he had received two letters, one from Rewi inviting him to a Meeting, and the other from Manuhiri about roads in the Waikato. He answered Rewi's with an autograph letter, and Manuhiri's question was left for you to settle at Alexandra. The Chiefs at once remarked to His Excellency that this was the hitch which spoiled the whole affair, by answering Rewi's letter, and not Manuhiri's. His Excellency appeared much interested on this point; and repeatedly asked them whether they were sure that this was Manuhiri's motive in not taking part in the Meeting called by Rewi. Rihia said it was not only known by them, but it was commonly considered by the Hau Haus that the course His Excellency adopted enhanced the failure of the meeting. His Excellency asked Rice if he was of that opinion. The answer was in the affirmative. I forgot to mention that Te Hakiriwhi was not present at the latter part of the conversation. Consequently His Excellency was not satisfied till he had Te Hakiriwhi's opinion on the subject. In the course of the day, however, Te Hakiriwhi called upon His Excellency, and stated exactly what Rihia had said, and gave his opinion in favour of it. Moreover Te Hakiriwhi informed His Excellency that Tawhiao and Manu- hiri's great desire is to meet him (the Governor) face to face. But Rewi's presumption put them against it. His Excellency then explained to them, (Te Hakiriwhi and Rihia) that Manuhiri never mentioned anything about a Meeting in his letter to him. If Manuhiri had done so, he (the Governor) would have answered, as he did Rewi's. His Excellency impressed upon their minds that it was not any discourtesy towards Manuhiri that he did not answer his letter; but as Manuhiri only mentioned something about roads in the Waikato, he (the Governor) submitted that question for you to settle. He Excellency then explained to them his position in this Colony. He said - as the Queen of England performed the great duties of that, such as opening parliament, holding levees to receive the Chiefs of the land and foreign great men, and signing State documents, he, as her representative, performed similar duties in New Zealand. The Ministers settled minor affairs of the Colony; for instance, Mr. McLean settles all native questions, such as that of Manuhiri's about roads; and so on, with the other members of the Government, each managing his own Department. Rice drew His Excellency's attention to Te Aroha dispute, remarking that the first decision of the Lands Court was in their favour, and the second against them. A petition was sent down by Ngatihama to Wellington last Session, praying for a rehearing. The result of that petition was not heard of since His Excellency told Rice if Ngatihama referred the matter to one of the Maori Members of Parliament at next Session, no doubt it will receive attention. After asking me a few questions about Tokongamutu and its vicinity, and about Tawhiao Manuhiri, and other Hau Hau celebrities, His Excellency thanked me, and dismissed us. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) B.P.J. Edwards. Interpreter A.C.