No. 2 JOURNAL BOOK of SIR DONALD MACLEAN K.C.M.G. WANGANUI LAND CLAIMS. (Carried on from Book No. 1.) I accompanied him a few miles on his journey, and wish it was in my power to remove the odium they have passed on him. Mr. Symonds and I have removed up to Turoa's reserve, or better known as Waipakura, where that Chief died, and where there is a very handsomely carved post to commemorate his death. The death of Heuheu causes a sensation of grief throughout the river, more particularly amongst the Patutokotolco tribe, who were closely allied to him. The females in this tribe have decorated themselves with feathers, the mourning worn by New Zealbanders. Wet and disagreeable weather. Confined to native huts and tents all day. Mr. Symonds directed me to send for Mr. White, and the Chief Maketu up the river. The latter made his appearance in the afternoon, and only requested his Pah to be reserved for him till it was ratified by the Europeans, to which Mr. Symonds agreed. Amarama, the fighting man of Turoa's tribe, and owner of portion of Mr. Bell's land, says he will take the payment for it. This man killed the great Ngapuhi Chief Tuwari, and many others, which gives him some importance. Maketu went to his brother's graveyard and wept bitterly for a full hour. Wet, heavy weather. Clear frosty morning. An arrangement made with Maketu to abandon his Pah at Kairara this day twelve months, if required by the New Zealand Company. There was an old native prophesying that there should be a Tawa next year, in which the Wanganui tribes would be engaged; and, strange to say, he made some remarks, as well as another man, named Amarama, that a Tawa from Wanganui should be soon on its way to Wellington, to rescue Karuma, the Chief from here, that is joined with Rangikaetita; that their old Chief, Turoa, who is dead, had hold a consultation with them, and made arrangements about the movements of the war party. The natives remarked that were it in old times it would be a sufficient notice for such a movement, when they would destroy the Pakehas. They all seem anxious for a speedy settlement of the Land question, that they may receive payment before removing to Taupo to cry over Heuheu. After breakfast Mr. White arrived from Tunuhaere with his surveying party. We went up with him to Upoko Ngaro, and agreed that the boundary for the natives should be fixed at Makirikiri, a small creek that runs off from the little Wanganui. The next boundary is also a river, named Kukuta, which gives the natives two good natural boundaries. Below this river, a native of Upokongaro, Tauteka, drove a stake near a cultivation of his, in the face of a perpendicular cliff, signifying that he wished to retain that piece, to which no assent was given. The next place we landed at was Aramoho, a small Pah of the Ngapairangi tribe, of which a young man named Tamati is Chief, who wished to have a large reserve there but Mr. Symonds would not agree to it. So he contented himself with a section, and right to cultivate on a hilly tract of country, unsurveyed, and valueless for European purposes. We were obliged to land at another small village, Tutai Ika, where a few acres for cultivation are to be reserved; and it is astonishing to find what vast tracts of cultivated land the natives are parting with. It cannot be without regret on their part; and it says a great deal for them, to be so accommodating in their dealings. Mr. Symonds is very firm with them, and seems to understand well how they ought to be treated. In the evening we arrived at Wanganui Hotel, dined at 6 p.m. then crossed the river to see Mr. Taylor and children. Find the Wangehu Chief coming to terms. Report by natives state five Europeans killed at the Hutt, and two natives. The rebels, Rangihaetas, have taken to the bush. After breakfast, called for the Wangehu Chief, and went out on line No. 2 to the Survey party. After searching, cooeeing, and tramping backwards and forwards in the fern, sending some one way, and some another, we arrived at the encampment, and found Mr. Wills and his party had been greatly annoyed by Munu, a young Chief, and others of his tribe, not allowing the line to be cut as he wished, and knocking down all the stakes that were put up. I told them that we wanted to point out to them the land we wished for, and then it would be time for them to remonstrate. The sky looked very beautiful before the morning sun made its appearance. It was red as crimson, and different from what I had ever witnessed previously, and made the old shepherd's adage prove true. of - "Morning red, and evening grey, A sure sign of a bad day." Heavy rain in the forenoon. Lunched at Cameron's, having made every arrangement for the survey to go on where we wished, giving the natives a piece of land beyond the surveyed sections for their use, and for common purposes of settlers, for firewood, etc., The piece they are to have will avoid the necessity of giving them a large reserve, as they expected. It extends to a small bush on the Matarawa river, where there is an eel cut. Here we made a mark. The place is named Mungaratawiri. Went to Captain Campbell's, having been invited to breakfast. Dined there. Crossed to Mr. Taylor's in the afternoon. Had tea there, and returned to the Hotel about 8. Spent two hours at Captain Campbell's. Read Keith's prophecy. The brig in sight. Cot ready to start to Wangahu, but was detained by the natives, who wanted one thing and another. Nikorima, a relative of Tarewa's, of the Ngapotoma tribe, wanted a piece of land reserved for him. About 11 a.m. expected the brig's boat ashore. Saw Mawae. Firm and determined with every native. I was rather out of temper. Waited till the boat came up from the brig, which was in the afternoon. Symonds and I lunched; no servant; put the things on the table. Went to King's P.M. for wine. John Williams with me during the day. Half past 4 p.m. money landed in safety. News by the brig; nine soldiers taken in their tent by surprise, and killed by Maoris. Father O'Leary landed (an Irish priest). Offered Symonds my bedroom for him. Crossed the river in the evening. Slept at Cameron's. Good weather. Joined Mr. Wills about 9 in the morning. A long complaint of the native interruptions. Talked to them. About all right again. Says hard work in the fern laying down lines. Comfortable encampment. Fine, rich land in the Wangahu district. Well adapted for agriculture and grazing. Natives talking about Heuheu's death. It is difficult to forsee the wonderful designs of a wise Providence in having terminated the life of this Chief, who was certainly a great friend to the settlers of Wanganui; and if there is not a great consumptiom of powder and shot over the old man's grave, that may deprive them of their superfluous supply, as well as their dependance on firearms. At work in the morning. Moved tents. Crossed the Kaitoki river. Set down the boundary to Pukipoto near Rotokawa, and from thence to Union line from where the boundary goes direct to the seaside, including all sections. This boundary is clearly understood by the natives, Tepai and Rangiwerokiae being present, and requesting the lines to be cut for a boundary between them and the Europeans. Wrote to Mr. Symonds, telling him we were getting on, and hoping to meet him about 1 p.m. The Wangahu Chiefs, Tepai and Rangiwerokiae, would not allow the boundary to go further seawards than Pukipoto, their land not extending that far. The claim-there are Pirihira, Honi, Pihama, Ihaka, Tomihana. The small bush land to seaward is cultivated, named Mania. Sent a native to town for map. Promised him a shirt on account of Wills. In the morning, survey men cutting line round Abraham's reserve, which is a very moderate one out of his block of 6800 acres. He only wants 9 kept for himself on an absentee section. It is pleasing to have brought the Wanganuis to such a satisfactory arrangement. It is the finest land in the whole district, and clearly surveyed and laid down. They are also moderate in their expectations of payment, and seem fully determined to stick to their bargain, and on the whole very different from what we first found them. A note about 2 p.m. from Symonds, telling me to come in without delay. On getting to the hotel, I found him within a few minute of starting aboard the brig to be off and break off all negotiations with the natives, fearing they would not keep to their bargain after they got the money, and said many of them troubled him about larger reserves, and greater payment. Some were also anxious to go to join Te Karunui at the Hutt. It is impossible to compute the effects of this sudden change. The natives, when I left the river, were in good order, and ready, as far as I could judge, to conclude an equitable bargain, reluctantly parting, as they thought, forever, with their land. Mr. Symonds wishes to see His Excellency before anything is done. It is probable that these natives will never again come to an arrangement, or even allow any settlers in the place to live in peace. He has however, political motives, besides his doubt of the natives, that may justify this breaking off, but I dread to predict what the result of his policy may be. What are £1,000 compared to the peace and safety of settlers, even if the place were hereafter abandoned! There is no doubt, if the British Government intend to rule supreme, they will ultimately claim the land, if it is now paid for, and save themselves trouble and expense by so doing. My prayer is that God in Heaven may protect the poor settlers, who seem doomed to misery and misfortune, left weak and unprotected amongst a distinct race of people, that by proper care, would be their friends instead of foes. I fear the latter feeling will predominate; and the seed of discord once sown, may reap a bloody and unfortunate harvest. Let the shield of Providence be around the weak and helpless, and dispel the evil foreboding that haunts the mind. I would I had never seen Wanganui to be treated in this foolish manner; and instead of respected by the tribes, despised and shunned by them, through the acts of others. Mr. Symonds went off at daybreak in the morning, and would not stop for any persuasion that might be used to induce him to see the natives before he left. I did not conceal that I feared his precipitous movements would have a bad effect with the natives, and that he had by all means better see them before he left. He would not agree to this, and though his motives may be the best possible, they were precipitous and sudden. I presume he has good reasons, besides the combitant caprice of the natives, to contend with; for really the natives here have only shewn the same feelings in that respect that they do in every part of the Island; and really I have the greatest pleasure possible in testifying to their good character, with the few exceptions that in such a populace, must, as a matter of course, be met with. Nor do I dislike those exceptions amongst them; as it gives an evident proof of the sincerity of the majority of the tribes. The natives assembled about 10 a.m. in front of the town; and they were greatly annoyed at the money being taken, and not a word said to them about it. They still showed symptome of gratitude for the endeavours I used to settle matters; and though I feared it would have been the cause of my losing ground, I rather think it will have a different effect, and strengthen them in their respect for me. Pehi said:- "Maclean come and see us and the Europeans in a friendly manner. Do not come about the land question. It hurts us so, and we feel the trouble you have taken in getting it settles, walking day and night over boundaries, creeks and rivers, and all in vain. Come and see us always; come and see us. Do not be afraid for the Europeans. Let them remain that wish, but not go on lands that have not been sold, without giving us some remuneration. Those that wish to leave the place may do so, or else obtain the town lands to live upon. We shall have no quarrels here like Poniki, or other places. Those who wish to fight there may do so, but will not be assisted by myself or tribe. The Europeans and you must be ashamed at your own proceeding in running off from amongst us so suddenly, when we relied on your words for the payment as true words. No! I now see the words of Europeans are not so. You, however, have done all you could. We are sorry your good words have come to naught, as we all did as you told us, and obeyed your words as a person we all love." Several other chiefs spoke in a similar strain; and all of them felt satisfied that I had no part in Mr. Symond's doings. Dined at Captain Campbell's with Dr. Wilson. Pehi and Maketu came there; and the former made a friendly speech about the Europeans, and said, though many of them drove him out of their houses, he still liked them, as his father visited and eat with many of them, besides having advised him to befriend them. He said both his fathers were now dead. They were friendly to Pakehas, meaning Heuheu; and it would become him to act as they did. If this man is only well managed, he will be a greater friend than ever he was a foe to the settlers. Crossed over to Putiki, and slept there. Mr. Taylor tells me the natives at his station are dissatisfied with Mr. Symonds, for having paid John Williams 5/-. Sent per Symonds 8/-. Wrote Captain Campbell a note about his Weretoa land in the morning. Passed the day at Mr. Taylor's till afternoon, when I went over to the town to arrange my affairs. Had tea with Taylor of the cutter, a decent, sensible man. Called at Captain Campbell's, and slept at Mr. Taylor's. Wrote him two letters, - one a testimony of the exertions he used for benefitting the settlers. The other, which is respecting the censure passed over him at a Public Meeting in town, and my not agreeing with him about the Wangahu claim. Crossed with Mr. Taylor in the morning. Called at King's, and Captain Campbell's, where I arrived after Church time. Slept at the Mission House. This morning started about 11 a.m. from Mr. Taylor's, his eldest son Basil along with me, Hoping I may make a smarter boy of him. At Toramahi engaged 4 natives, besides Imairo. Called on the different friends at Wanganui, amongst whom there was none I felt so much the parting with as Capt. Campbell. If there ever was a freindly, good-hearted man, he is certainly one. He came to Dr. Wilson's to see me off; and I never felt my heart so heavy for many a day as I did leaving the good old Captain. What seldom happens with me, the tears twinkled in my eyes, and had I not Basil Taylor with me, to whom I did not like to show my grief, I should have chosen a green hillock, to have cried bitterly at the idea of parting with an old gentleman that I might never see again. How sudden are the changes of life! What has been yesterday, is no more to-day! Such is life! Oh! uncertain life, with all thy visitations, how much we love and cleave to thee; but how deeply we feel the many changes it becomes our lot to encounter in the parting of friends from the same part of the world, in whose prosperity and welfare we are interested. Truly the fate of the Wanganui settlers is a most serious one. They have reason to be thankful that the natives have befriended them so much, and even continue, after all their disappointment, to act more like a civilised people, than one lately emerged from a savage state. It is a strange coincidence that, at this very spot, the Karaka, in October last, I had my tent pitched, the natives round me singing a hymn and prayers to God, as we now have done; and my feelings were then very much depressed by a fear that I had lost my faithful servant William, who is still continuing as a good and faithful servant to his master, as he was then. At half past one in the morning, being clear moonlight, we pursued our journey along the beach, the tide favouring us in getting round the projected points that lay on our way. The road across the sand plains to Waitotara is difficult to find at night; but we managed to trace footsteps, and got there by six o'clock. The natives received us kindly. Had long explanations from one on religious matters; and I fear that there is still existing a portion of that destructive fanaticism that prevailed when last I went. This way was very cold and wet. The natives, in getting me across Tihonga river fell in with me; and being a freezing night, I still feel its effects. I fear the work of Wanganui throughout, may cause me some illness -as I am far from being in my usual state of health now; but walking 28 miles may account for this in a measure, and no sleep last night, besides being hard at work for the last three - or I may say - five weeks. Got to Mr. Hough's, Patea, about 4 p.m. Saw the Chief of this river, which is a celebrated spot amongst New Zealanders, from being the residence of Ture, one of the first emigrants to this Island that arrived in a canoe called 'Aotea', and was advised by 'Kupe' another sage of ancient time, to take up his residence here, and the totara wood of his whare is still found in the ground. The house is named Tangire or Matangare. The stream he used to drink from, on the banks above the river, is called Kakaronga ki te uru, and on the place he used to cultivate, the Weslyan Mission Station is built. The natives in direct descent from Ture are now residing at Patea. Mr. Hough thinks that these natives emigrated to this Island in the 12th. century. When Ture first landed, he drove off the original inhabitants. Wet morning. Feel recovered from the fatigue and illness of last night. Breakfasted at Mr. Hough's. The -Patea natives and their old ohlef Boah, or Te Tamaiakina, who prides himself on his descent from Ture, were most friendly, and gave my natives a quantity of Piharamas. Left at 12 in heavy rain, and got to Manuwapo about 5, having lunched on the way. A smart, active boy with us kept up with Basil Taylor on his mule all the time, though he had had nothing since breakfast but a small bit of cake. These children are brought up hardy, and can undergo great fatigue. The Ngatiruanui tribe are generally friendly. Their principal chief, Te Anataua, died shortly after he embraced Christianity. The principal men of their tribe are Titokowaru, Anataua's brother, and the Pakeke, an old savage-looking native that never embraced Christianity, and was never taken slave by any other tribes. Te Mawai, Chief of Manuawapo, is a young man. After a comfortable sleep, awakened about a quarter to six in the morning, and heard William rattling amongst the plates, and getting breakfast ready. The heavy rain retarded our starting for Waimate. The severity of this season has been unequalled for rain and cold weather within the remembrance of the oldest New Zealanders. About 12 a.m. we left Manuawapo, and felt much pleased with the kind behaviour of the natives there. They gave us abundance of food, a comfortable house, though it smoked a little, and after all the trouble we had given, the land-lady of the house was greatly offended that payment was offered. Her husband, Matui, a Wesleyan teacher, was absent at Patea. On leaving the settlement, we formed a picturesque group, the whole of the men, young and old, having followed us, to see us safely over the Manuawapo and Tangakoia rivers, using every exertion, though quite unrewarded, to see our party safe on the way. At Irangahoi, we found only one woman, wife of Te Anataua, who was unwell. It rained so very hard that we passed one shower under cover at her place. At Rangatapu, the natives gave us a friendly welcome, and quickly set potatoes, pork and kumeras before us, of which we partook, and left our natives there to refresh themselves. The severity of the weather affects them as well as myself. About 6 we got to the Wesleyan Mission Station, occupied by Mr. Woon, who gave us a kind reception. Had a fire in his study, where we changed, and walked into a comfortable room with tea and food prepared for us. His daughter gave us a few tunes on the piano; and we felt, though in the New Zealand wilds, as if in a parlour or drawing-room at home, compared with the rough living we had encountered. The natives of Rangatapu, about 10 or 14, carried our burdens to Mr. Woon's. Mr. Woon tells me that during his residence in the South Sea Islands, he observed that some of the natives of these places had cities of refuge, where criminals, if they once escaped, were beyond the power of their laws. Left Mr. Woon's about 10 in the morning. A very wet and severe day. The road a continuous sheet of water. In crossing one of these long ponds, I fell in to the neck, with Basil Taylor on my shoulders. The rivers, and whole face of the country is so swelled up with rain that we cannot make a good long day's journey. At Kaupukunui, we pitched tent in a miserable deserted native hut. It rained so hard that we did not attempt going to Otumatua this day. We had a difficulty in getting a fire, my matches being damp by my fall in the stream. We succeeded by rubbing two sticks as the natives always do, and got a fire. Some natives, at a distance, espied the smoke, and one came to us, when I despatched him with some of my boys, for a pig and some potatoes, which were soon provided, and my party in good spirits, cleaning and dressing the pig. At the entrance of this river, there is a large tree, called Taraika, which the natives say was a portion of a ridge-pole of an ancient house, of which a portion was once separated for a canoe baler, by Taranaki natives and the canoe, being lost, the baler and owner of it were found connected with this wonderful tree. We left Kaupukunui after breakfast, and crossed the river up to the waist in water. My little dog, Dash, was carried into the billowing waves, and the natives' teeth were chattering with cold, as we crossed the several streams that were on the way. Some that I used to cross dry-footed, were now difficult to wade over, from the rapidity of the water. I arrived at Otumatua Pah about 2 p.m. and found many of the houses there had fallen to the ground, and the wind was then blowing a hurricane. So much so, that I had to sit on the ground, or run the risk of being blown over the precipice; and was greatly afraid for Basil Taylor and my natives, lest an accident should befal them, and sent 6 or 8 natives from Otumatua to meet them. Some of the natives of that Pah have left it, and gone inland to cultivate, and build houses there. This, I am glad to observe, as I recommended such a movement 6 months ago. The natives of this place wanted me to stop; but I was anxious to shorten my journey, and get to a quiet, clean settlement, to pass the Sunday; and, with a great push, passed over 10 deep rivers, most of them dangerous. I got to Umuroa about 8 in the evening. Had a good fire, changed clothes, got supper, and conversed with a numerous circle of natives that were squatted, with welcome smiles on their faces; and who expressed a wish that they had known we were coming, in their way of expressing "He Korero tuku mai hoki" - or "had a message come, we would have been prepared for our guest. Passed the day at Umuroa, and read a small book on the avis tribe. In all these works we can trace the wondrous and indescribable works of the Almighty. Had a walk by the sea beach with Basil and a native. We observed a foot-mark, recognised by the native as that of a European, who, he said, must have been a Tahae, or thief, from his not keeping on the main road. We ascertained in the evening that he was a lad from New Plymouth, bound to Waimate. Attended Native Church in the evening. By break of day rang the bell to rouse up my natives. The roads still very bad, though the relapse of rain had favoured us. Breakfasted at Bosworth's to shew the natives that I regarded my own country people, however indifferent in circumstances. Sent the main body to Pukeko, where they fared on the hospitality of the place; and on my arrival, an hour or so behind the rest, they forced me to accept some eggs they were keeping for me. Near the sweet Mangrove valley at Tipoka, I met Hori Ngatairakaunui, the Chief of Taranaki West, and a fine, noble, open-countenanced man he is! We had a conversation which pleased him, an allusion was made to his rank; and from hence I came to Parea to the Kainga of Kututai, but only called there in deference to that chief and his tribe. Got to Mokotanu as the sun set in the Western Hemisphere, and fared well on fresh fish and potatoes, with tea and cake for a finish. From here I wrote a note to the Rev. W.Woon of Waimate, by Kereopa, enclosing two £ notes I had for him from Patea. News from New Plymouth. All is quiet. The candidates for employment in the Police Force anxiously awaiting my arrival to be employed. Wanted to get a pig for my boys, but none to spare. Breakfasted at Kaihihi. Censured Hoani of Kukiorangi for his conduct at Wanganui, which he seemed to take to heart. Had tea at Wellington Carrington's, and some biscuit. Got to New Plymouth in the evening, calling at Barret's, Revd. Turton's and Black's on the way to the Henui. Webster came out with me. The house cold and uncomfortable; all damp and mildewed. Dorset and Watt called to see me. Wrote a note to Mr. Bollard, sending him letters from Waikanae. Capt. King, Dr. Watt, Nairn, Mr. Bollard and many others called up in the morning. During the day engaging Police Force. Henry Halse, Sergeant, and an excellent set of respectable men already engaged. Called at Messrs. Webeter's, Davis', and Black's. Basil goes to draw and attend his arithmetic with Mr. Harris. Called at Mr. Bollard's. Police Force enrolled, and on pay. Nine men and our Sergeant stationed out in different parts of the Town in watches of 6 hours. Five men on one watch, and four on another. Wrote to Colonial Secretary, apprising him of the Police Force being enrolled, with private letter enquiring whether the men should be placed in Barracks. Forwarded Protectorate Accounts of Dorset, Black and Davis. Wrote to Mr. Symonds, Private Secretary, telling how I left the natives at Wanganui. Drissly and wet. Vessel sails for Auckland. The Carbon arrived. One letter from Mr. Charles Morrison, Sydney, by her. Reports that he is unfortunate with his sheep speculations in New South Wales. 3 Gazettes from Auckland. Unfavourable reports of the proceedings of hostile natives on the Hutt. The new Police Force clean and orderly. The glased caps and blue shirts look tolerably well, and have an appearance of uniformity, till better can be had. The Sergeant reports them attentive. Mr. Auby acts as Corporal for the time being. Met heavy weather. Mr. William Halse breakfasted with me, and wrote out form of oath for the Police men. Sergeant of Police and men mustered at my place at 9, from whence I marched them to town to be sworn before the P.M. Capt. King and J.Webster Esq. I also took the oath of duty as Superintendent of Police. Received £23:5/- for travelling expenses, and commuted allowance for natives. Paid R.Brown's account £3:13:0 Paid Gledhill's account 4:11 Paid Black's account £10: 0: 0 No news from Mokau. Natives desire to join the Police Force. Weather wet and disagreeable. Attended Church in the force and afternoon. Dined at Mr. Webster's. Went to Wesleyan chapel in the evening. Had a long sermon on Puseyism. Applied to the Police Magistrate by letter for firearms and ammunition. Exchanged Baines with Capt. King for Johnston, who commenced to drill the Police men at 1p.m. Received present of window curtains from Mrs. Wickstead. Men at drill at half past ten, of whom favourable reports by the Drill Sergeant. Sarah Berry sailed for Manuka; Spencer and Leranope with Nelson passengers for Auckland. Went to town after breakfast. Sent Sergeant Halse to enquire if Mr. Wickstead would let Carrington's house as a residence for myself and the men, for the time being. Answered that he must enquire of Col. Wakefield. Wrote Major Brine, wishing he might give me some hints respecting the management of the Police; also to J.B.White Esq. on the same subject. Commenced duties in the Police office at half past 4 in the afternoon. Relieved part of the man on duty, owing to the severity of the weather. Sent £8 to Mr. M.Beth In the morning at the Police office with Captain King, who gave me permission to use the Police office when wanted for drill. The men steadily improving in their exercises; got drilled with Sergeant Halse from 4 to 5 in the evening. Spoke to Capt. King for a horse for the Police. Town and natives quiet. Basil Taylor joined Mr. Marchant's school. Attended drill in the forenoon, along with the men. Dined at Capt. King's, and spent a pleasant evening at his house. Left Basil Taylor at school. Walked about with Campbrll on his watch till near 12 at night. Went to bed. At home all day sorting papers and letters. Copied letter sent to His Excellency by the settlers here, and forwarded enclosed in a letter to my uncle. The Sergeant of Police reported all quiet. The Carbon not sailed. Intended to have visited Waitara; and the Police men had a horse, but the weather looked doubtful, and having had so much wetting lately, remained at home all day. Attended fore and afternoon service, and in the evening at Mr. Turton's. Started from Upoko Ngaro after having had a satisfactory conversation with the natives there. Tamati Waka, the first of that tribe baptised, is a quiet looking old chief; but the principal person there is an active looking young man, named or christened Taimihana. Arrived at the Hotel about 12 a.m. Met Mr. Symonds, Dr. Wilson, and Captain Campbell. A great sensation was caused by Mawai's claim being considered exorbitant; and uncalled for reflections on the Revd. R. Taylor, who was alleged unjustly, I can maintain to have encouraged the extravagant demands of this native. A public Meeting was held protesting against the claim, when a vote of thanks was proposed by Captain Campbell, and seconded by Mr. Harrison, to Mr. Symonds and myself, for our endeavours to bring about an amicable settlement. I believe this was unanimously carried. Dr. Wilson was Chairman. The sensation this caused has had a good effect on the natives. An invitation to go in the evening to Captain Campbell's, but declined, feeling fatigued after a journey up the river. Emutu Pakero's son, who intends to go with me to Join the Police Force at Taranaki, is an influential young man. I have given him some clothing, and hope he may turn out well. I can already perceive my taking him with me will have, as it already has had, a good effect on him as well as all the tribe. In the morning crossed to Putiki with Mr. Symonds and Willis, who, both of them, went out with Mawai to alter a boundary line, that Chief agreeing to give up some of the land he wished reserved. I remained at Mr. Taylor's to dinner, and afterwards intended, by request of Mr. Symonds, to go to see the natives on Mr. Bell's section, who came to the Hotel in a body, and saved me the trouble of going over to see them. I told them they must give their claim up to his section, and remove entirely from there. I regret being obliged to have them in the Courthouse, there being no other convenient place to have them in, the key of the Hotel being in Mc. Millan's charge, who was then absent. Our meeting continued about one hour, and was satisfactory. Mr. Symonds did not think it prudent to make much of them, and I really think he and his ideas are very clever and satisfactory in treating these people. Had a letter from Taranaki from Mr. Bollard. All quiet there. Respectable applicants for young Police. Wrote a reply. Breakfasted at Captain Campbell's. Attended Church; very few hearers. It is to be regretted that the people here evince strong feelings of animosity towards their worthy minister, who has, to my knowledge, laboured so zealously for their general good, and caused a friendly feeling to exist towards them by the natives that had, previous to his coming, been one of bitter jealously and dislike; and their reasons for this dislike I believe to be in a great measure caused by his interfering amongst the natives about the land question, though he does so with good intentions, and for their mutual good. Dined and slept at the Mission House. Saw Mawai in the morning. Came to the Hotel. Gave Kipu and George one shirt each, and 1/2 lb. of tobacco. Went to see the natives about Mr. Bell and Nisson's place. They are a stubborn, uncouth set of fellows. Lunched at Mr. Bell's. It is a sad pity to see a man of his years so much in the power of natives. I hope matters will be settled in such a manner as to enable the settlers to keep them at a respectable distance. A barque was seen bound to the north. The weather, that has been most severe, seems to clear up, and hope we may not be interrupted any further by it, though we have never rested yet a day, on account of weather, but one. After breakfast, crossed over to Mr. Taylor's. Got Mr. Willis under way, and arranged with John Williams to go with him on Wednesday to lay down the boundary of the Wangahu district. It is very deep regret that I hear of the death of the fine old Chief, Heuheu. I may indeed say that the very pride and boast of New Zealand Chieftains is now gone, nor will successive generations replace a more intelligent, or well-disposed man, well versed in every tradition and history of his country's people, as well as the productions of the country, for, all of which, from the largest tree to the smallest shrub, he had some tradition or knowledge. He was a skilful botanist, and knew the physical uses of many herbs and plants. Nor was he ignorant of the insects and birds of the country. What an irreparable loss to the Island; Would that I had half of his knowledge committed to paper. I would make a great sacrifice to obtain what I shall never have another opportunity of knowing. This noble-minded Chief lost his life at his residence, Te Rapa, on the Taupo lake, where he was with his wife and clever son, and 50 of his tribe, sunk in a land-slip. How sudden and awful are the works of the Almighty! Does not every day give us a convincing proof of the uncertainity of our existence? This, however, seems to be the most sudden and awful event recorded in New Zealand's history, at least since its establishment by Europeans. Though, like all countries subject to volcanic action, there has been, to the memory of some of the natives, similar calamities. The natives suppose this to be the work of a Taniwha or sea God, over whom old Heuheu had influence; but it is to be hoped that the God of Gods has not forsaken him, and that he is removed where superstition and heathenism are alike unknown. To have seen the stately, dignified manner of this Chief, only some months past, it is scarcely a credible feeling, though beyond all doubt, that he should have been called to his long home so suddenly. His brother, Iwikau, has written a letter to Mr. Taylor, requesting him to visit Taupo, and take up some linen, or other clothing, to cover up the old Chief when found. A search will be made for his remains by all the tribes of Taupo. Iwikau also states that as his brother died evincing friendship to all parties, he should now give up his warfaring propensities, and abide by his brother's disposition. It is satisfactory to find Mr. Taylor's exertions are not lost in the most distant tribes with whom he is acquainted. No doubt he will have most of the Taupo people under his instructions. He went off to Waimate to-day, and I am afraid, with rather a heavy heart, from the severe reflections that have been lately passed on him, by the leading settlers of this place.