. Left Wellington for Canterbury and Otago in the steamer ''Otago''. Wrote to the Colonial Secretary aboard; Pollen also, about my Pension or commuted allowance. Gave Richmond all letters about survey at Wairoa, etc. Gave cheque at Club for £27. Got to Lyttleton. Landed; met Sir George, who stopped his carriage to drive me to ---------(?). Left in an hour for Otago. Arrived at Port Chalmers. Got to Club yesterday afternoon. Met Capt. Fraser. Found the Club very comfortable. Went to Lands Office to make enquiries about the Run 339, date of lease, boundaries, etc. Delivered Colonel Richardson's message to Mr. Dick. In the afternoon went to Anderson's Bay, to Mr. Holmes', where I spent the night. Saw Mr. Thompson, Chief Surveyor, about the boundaries of the Run, and got plan from him. He states that the survey is a private one, but that Mr. Connel is quite reliable as a surveyor. Dined with Mr. George McLean, who has a nice house and grounds. Gathering information about sheep, wool, etc. Attended Driver and McLean's wool sale; good prices realised for wool; scoured 2/2=; greasy about 1/-. Dined at Strode's with Capt. Fraser. Called on Mrs. Bell. Visited Gaol and Hospital. Dined at Mr. Tolings. Left in Cobb's coach at 7 a, m, for Mr. Dunstan's Wheel broke; carriage stopped for 4 hours. Got to Blue Skin till a new wheel came from Dunedin. The Coach had 26 passengers and quantities of luggage. Passed through a fine country; in some places rather bleak and cold on to Pig-root Valley. Saw Dillon Bell's Station. The country from Pig-root Valley is not good, being high, cold, and exposed. It improves as you approach to within 40 miles of the Dunstan, and becomes milder in climate, Tamihana maie te Matiu te Tohe to be retd. to Tamihana by Te Watene te Haehae of Te Panieri tribe. Oh that a man Should put an enemy In his mouth to steal Away his brains Shakespeare Brandon tuesday Capt.Sharpe - Wednesday - Tareha Kurupo equal in Pahara influence to te Hapuku Takamoana Te Paraone Te oroua river bearing N. and Manawatu East a stream running through Rangitikei plain South Bank. Kaihinu from Tokupai whare bears S.E. by W. Kei moana huaki Kei moana whaiki Ki moana whakina Na ka huakina Te Kohu ki uta Ka huakina te Koho ki tae. Ma Ka hoki mai ano taku Kainga ki au - Roiho rana ko Ruaki two angels Childrens dreams a little child of Mr.Kirktons dreamt of her brother throat being cut in consequence of hearing of a Mrs.Grant having attempted to do so - Mary 4 years old. Tuhia tells me that we have one ancestor and that we have an established claim to the land by original descent. We are theyounger brothers and have taken the fine clothing of us Native Minister's Journal - Waikato. Monday 8 Nov.69. The King seems well disposed and is at present doing good service to the country by checking the action of the wilder spirits at present he has sent a party to recall Hakaria and Kereopa from joining te Kooti if he persists te Poihipi will have notice to be prepared to convert the King into an active ally is the only policy that can be pursued and the sooner it is done the better especially if Rewi joins. Tawhiao has a difficult task to maintain his influence and keep the different tribes under any kind of control, each hapu if not consulted on every subject becomes defiant and gives any amount of obstruction and trouble to the Chiefs. It requires some days residence in the interior with a quiet chat on the grass, with an old man, who gossips freely or with a half civilized young man who blurts out expressions of dissatisfaction at the foolish Maori. From all I can gather Maturaeras disposition towards the Europeans is good, but his friendly overtures are defeated by the inferior chiefs and secondary all of whom especially the Waikato section of them consider themselves quite the Kings equal. We te Pukapuka who has been doing good service tells me that te Kooti will be apprehended by Rewi. Two of te Kooti's men have come to Hauaurus place at Rangitoto Hauauru talked of giving them up as prisoners as he did not like to have them in the neighbourhood. The information Wi Pukapuka gives respecting Rewi is most favourable and I believe he is likely to become a valuable and powerful ally, there are a few men in the Island that can exercise such an influence. I believe if te Kooti escapes our forces that he will apprehend and give him up to us, he also proposes to meet me at several places in New Zealand and to call a meeting up here at which I am to be invited upon the whole I hope this visit may effect great good in resorting to a great extent the peace of the country, while a sulky menacing attitude is preserved by the King party no permanent peace can be established. Louis Hetet has worked well for the Govt. and has been placed in a singularly delicate and difficult position frequently involving his personal safety yet he has by tact and judgement preserved a good footing moderated strong feeling against his countrymen and maintained the respect of the Natives from his well known integrity and truthfulness that meetings such as the present occasion him great expense is certain and the Govt. must reward him his connection with Taonui the head chief of the Ngati maniapoto to whose daughter he was married gives him a greater influence than most Europeans can possess. Louis Hetets eldest sone George is a godson of mine he was baptised by the Revd. R. Taylor in Novr. 1845 or 6 when we travelled together through the interior, his second son is Jack who is married to a girl named Tahariki his own native name being Taonui, 3 son is named Henry and the daughter Mary a girl about 18 years of age. Louis Hetets first wife died some years ago and he is now married to a fine active woman very tidy and hospitable. She has been the means of saving him by her determined will and influence. Tuesday 9 Novr. 1869. Left in the morning at 9 a.m. for Opahiko, a very swampy road the few natives we met appeared to have a scowl on their countenances. The events of this day will I turst under Gods providence by pregnant with the best results to the Colony. The party that accompanied me consisted of Mr. Searancke R. Magistrate Col. Fraser Colonial Forces Louis Hetet Mr. Maning Mr. Brown Louis Hettets sons George and Henry Young Turner, Ahipene Kaihau and his son and Wi pukapuka. When we reached the Settlement we met the usual welcome and as I raised the little hill the Natives all stood up I raised my hat in acknowledgment they then commenced prayers which lasted some minutes I walked into the tent prepared for me. Tamati Manuwheri came first and shook hands most cordially and was followed by several leading Chiefs of Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto. Food was preparing and after partaking of some new potatoes kumaras and pork I waited till in accordance with usual custom some one would get up to speak, I was told that the Chiefs said that the time was mine or that I was in possession of the speakers post, I then addressed the Natives as follows, In coming to see you I expected you to make the first advances but as this is not so I will speak. Do not suppose that it is peace that has brought me here it is the present distracted state of affairs I do not care much whether I am here by your invitation or of my own accord that does not effect the questions at issue I am not going to talk about peace only I believe we shall have both war and peace and there is no use in disguising the fact and talking of what we do not possess I want to know what you have to say on the subject I am no stranger to you I have talked to your Chiefs who have gone the large trees of the forest now talk to you as I have often done and I fully recognise the efforts you have made in preserving peace in this district and I want in acknowledging that to know if we cannot work together to put down evil, if we unite we can do much and you have lately done your share. Tamati Manuwheri it was your place to speak first you and I are not strangers we have talked together frequently in times gone by why should you now be silent. Even if we are enemies let us talk freely together that there may be no mistake as to what we mean if it is to be evil let it be understood now if peace let it be understood. The world is made up of good and evil, let us cast alide one and choose the good. It is now for you to speak. The demeanour of the Natives was quiet and subdued their countenances relaxed afterI spoke and a pleasant change seemed to affect the whole of them. The group of natives on the left of my tent evinced symptoms of satisfaction and the Chiefs under the verandah of the meeting house appeared grave but pleased and Tamati expressed his satsifaction with my speech. The prominent part taken by Rewi will give him great influence and cause him to take a lead. If your have anything to say it is for you to speak. Wednesday 10 Novt.1869. Left Otorohainga at 5 a.m. rode down accompanied by Hetets sons Harry Turner and several others got to Alexandra a little after 9 settled accounts there and came down the Waipa in the Rangiriri getting to Ngaruawahia about 7 p.m. where I found several letters from home and elsewhere. Douglas writes in good spirits. On the way took Mr. Brughton on board who came on to Ngaruawahia he is a fine John Bull looking man much more so than a New Zealander. The tone of all the Natives I have met since the meeting is greatly improved cheerful instead of gloomy countenances and an evident ease of manner and much greater confidence than they possessed a few days ago. I trust the change may be permanent and produce good results. Ngawaka and Taonuis sons are greatly delighted at peace being made and would come on to Auckland but they fear to break through the Aokati till a general meeting takes place when all questions connected with the peace will be finally settled. Arranged Defence matters with Lt. Col. Moule and directed spare houses to be sold also beef flour etc. and proceeds placed to credit of Defence Account. I arranged that land should be fenced and cultivated for constabulary horses as it will keep the men employed. Tawhiao expressed great anxiety to see Mr. McLean but was prevented by an accident from coming to the place of meeting. Rewi said let the sun shine and the rain fall upon what has now been said it is enough there are times and days in the future. On leaving he said enough there are days in store a marama of light is now opened, it will spread, is it a small thing to have seen you and met you to me it is a great thing. Left in ''Enterprise'' for Thames, with Mr. Clarke. A nice boat, well provided and suitable for short trips. Called to see Tipa at Taupo. He and Tamati Tangiruru were glad to see me; and encouraged my going to Ohinemuri to confer with the natives; and advise Hira to let the gold be dug; if the land should be retained. Tipa looks old, and the tribe once so formidable, and fine set of people, is greatly gone. Only remnants now to be seen. They are fast disappearing. Few tribes in New Zealand could equal them in bravery, honesty, and the various good qualities that constitute the redeeming features of an ancient race. To see if anything can be done for Mr. Barstow to succeed Mr. Crawford, or some other appointment at Auckland. He is a most deserving man; with good ability and education. Left for Waiheke and Coromandel at 5 p.m. Called at the Huruhi for Harata Patene; and anchored again at Pakihi; and called at Taupo; but did not land in the small cockle-shell of a dinghy, as it was blowing fresh. Called at Pita's, to land off Coromandel. Found Pita and party had gone to Kapanga after the natives. About 12 or 15 collected. Saw them about prospecting on their land. Dined at a small Inn kept by a man who had been at Taranaki years ago. Took advantage of a steamer to return again to Auckland; as the Westerly winds might detain me for days. Mr. Puckey is to see Te Taniwha; to visit Witianga. It appears that there are good evidences of gold at Coromandel. Kepa wants to have some Reserves; not large; about 1 or 200 acres. The general desire to open the gold-fields is likely to gain strength by fresh accessions to their number; and by a quiet and steady adherence to a consistent support of the natives who desire to open the fields. Karehika,- mere taken by Waka at Mauinaina and Mokoia, near Pamure. The stone has two dents in it. Waka says that Ngapuhi settled the first Governor at Waitemata or Auckland. Hetaraka still hankers after his land at Orakei. Ngapuhi having conquered that district, consider they have the best right to it; and that after the marriage of Toha with Kati, Te Whero Whero and Ngapuhi allowed Te Kawa Apihai to live at Orakei and its vicinity. A woman smelling the land of Taiamai, to prove that it was equal to Tamata's land. The Mere was Tangi te Ruru's; a relative of Te Whero's. Waka looks better than I expected. Waka was against the Ngapuhi being used as peacemakers with Waikato; that the pakeha alone, who fought and cost people, should make peace. Why should the Ngapuhi be called to do so? They might act liberally with other people's property. Mr. Kemp is said to have seen Waka in 1819; and then he was fully 40. Left Auckland for the Bay of Islands in the evening. Took C. Hulme, Mr. Hauraki, Manning, Mr. McLean, and Brown. Miss Lizie Barston and Te Heu Heu. Had a good passage of 14= hours to the Bay. Left at about 5 and got to the Bay at 8. Landed after breakfast on Friday. Saw the good old Tamati Waka, who considering his years, looks very well and healthy. He is a fine genuine man; too loyal to the European Government to be greatly appreciated by some of the residents of the Bay; whose anti-English supremacy feeling crops out in a variety of ways; but their influence is fortunately on the decline; and a good thing for the prospects of the North. Kororariki is not much changed from what it was 20 years ago; except that it has a much more languid and stagnant appearance; and yet the place has a fine harbour, and many other natural advantages; a good soil, timber, coal, and other products. Called at Mr. Barstow's. Met Mr. Carleton Busby, and others there. Christmas Eve was spent very pleasantly by the Officers and crew of the ''Sturt''. The engineer, Mr. Loder, played the violin,- some very nice pieces. Green boughs of fern, toe toe, ti-tree, and other Christmas decorations were exhibited on masts and bulwarks. Not a sign of intemperance was visible. Certainly Fairchild maintains order in his vessel, and never has a difficulty. A happy Christmas to all friends. After a pleasant evening last night, got ready after breakfast, and landed near Hemi Tautari's; thence rode over to Waiomio Marsh. A pretty little settlement, consisting of some 20 houses; Marsh having a good wooden one in a small valley, with the Waiomio running through it. Marsh looks fresh and young. I have not seen him for years. Had some dinner prepared by Mrs. Marsh; afterwards, a long, set speech by Marsh; commencing his history from the Treaty of Waitangi, and Governor Hobson downwards; the non-observance of the Treaty by Kawiti and Heki; war and subsequent peace; certain causes of discontent; his being discharged from the duties of Magistrate; and men whose fathers were slaves, sent to judge in his district. This he would not consent to; and had no Magistrate here for the last 3 years; willing to accept office again for trying the larger, but not the smaller crimes; and on proper conditions, and recognition of his rank in the tribe. Maihi addressed the Heu Heu in a long speech about the King movement; to which Heu Heu made a suitable reply. Maihi and his people were anxious to hear what Maihi's pay as an Assessor would be. A party of about 40 or 50 natives came in from Whangaroa; Tango, Hirawai, te Keera, with their followers. I have just seen them, and had a short talk. Maihi ought to have £60 or £70 a year. Maihi wants to have a Land Court at Te Kawa Kawa; as the places for the Courts are too distant to carry food; and people cannot attend without loss. A Court for disputes is also very much required. The knowledge that Kawiti has of the Waikato movements, is considerable; and no doubt he has a leaning to the national popular feeling of independence. Attended English Church. Mr. Barstow officiated; afterwards dined with me on board the ''Sturt''. He and Mr. John Webster of Hokianga spent the evening at Mr. Barstow's, and had some talk with Tamati, Waka Nene, Mongonui and Ihaka, son of Whai. Received letters from Waikato and Tauranga. News favourable. Kooti sitting down. Spent the day at Kororarika; and had a long chat with Te Waka; who urged that Mongonui should succeed him when he dies; as he is the most active in carrying out his words, and has the most influence in putting down quarrels among the Ngapuhi. When Waka dies, the Colony will lose one of its best Chiefs, and most loyal and devoted subjects. There are no two ways with him. He is a sterling, frank, outspoken old man; with a good deal of his old fire yet visible. He talked of taking the bush after Te Kooti. Waka was very glad to see Te Heu Heu; who gave him a full account of what was doing in other parts of the Island. In the evening crossed to Paihia. Left Paihia for Hokianga. Met Mr. Williams; who turned back with us; calling at his house for a list of assessors pay. Met Mohi Tawai and his son at Okaihau, adjusting a difference about land. Kauhata addressed some women of the Ngaterangi, and told them not to take Kauri gum from some land claimed by him. Mohi and his son Hori Mohi did their best to settle the matter; but Kauhata was obstinate. Mohi asked me to stay at Ohaiwae;and slept at Heta's house for the night. Left Okaihau at half past 8 in the morning, and rode on to see Wiremu Hongi, Paratene, and Te Kipi. Got on to Wairua; the last part of the road very rough. Mohi, Tawai, and the Ngapuhi made several speeches; some of the most loyal and refreshing I have heard for a long time. Harriet, who was Heke's wife, Hongi's daughter, and lately widow of Arama. Karaka Pi received us himself; giving us a good dinner. She is a mild, dignified aged person; much respected by all the veteran tribes. She is quite like a lady of the old times at home. Te Whata, who has always been first in every fray, ready to fight on either side, is now, at Mohi Tawai's request, accepting office as an Assessor at £20 a year, and Karere at £10 and suit of clothes. Mr. Manning's boat left at half past 7 a.m. Mohi Tawai's place at Waima; where we found a good boat,; 4 fine Ngapuhi boatmen who had breakfast ready for us, with a bottle of sherry, and other eatables. Hauraki is a fine youth. Mr. Manning's son steered us down. Called at Herd's Point. Mr. Briers is a son of the daughter of Whareumu. Joe Briers, who got drunk at the Bay, was taken to the watch-house. His wife saw this; and rushed in to save him. The Police would not give him up. They were armed with swords; and she got her hand hurt by the sword. Blood being drawn set off the fire; but this was only an excuse; they were prepared for it; although the collision was hastened by the cause afore said. Joe Brier is now residing at Herd's Point. He lost 3 fine young men, sons who were trading to Hokitika, losing a schooner worth £1000. and £1000 worth of gold. A sad fate for such fine young fellows. The chivalry of Ngapuhi during the war was something wonderful. Old John Poynter, when driving cattle for the troops, used to sleep at Heke's Pa; get food there, let the cattle stray about. Heke's men would collect them, and help to drive them for the Troops; the braves saying,- ''Let the soldiers be well fed, so that they can fight.'' After the last shot during the day was fired, parties would join our side, with their guns slung on their backs; and come and eat with our people; chaffing at each other in good humour. All the time parties of our people used to go with them, in the said manner, no settlers were disturbed, nor their land; and no war could be carried out more in accordance with the true spirit of chivalry. Certainly they are a fine tribe. Te Tai says Maungaaungo is a---(?) and the slightest breach of it is regarded as a breach of faith, and followed by evil consequences to whichever party breaks it in the slightest particular. A peace made between the Rarawa and Waikato 40 years ago is still unbroken. A Rongo taketake is what is considered a lasting or durable peace. Tai does not consider the Waikato one as having reached that stage. Mr. Manning has dived out of his endless treasures of Maori history. Many most interesting events connected with his own sayings and doings among the Ngapuhi. A vein of thought pervades his mind that Ngapuhi should be independent,- or at least left alone in this respect. He strongly condemns haste in Maori matters. The history of Te Whaka is given by him, and Papahia's being held as a captive to save McKay's life; the taking of the Customs by the natives, to pay him his salary as Judge of the Native Land Court. Mr. Manning is an able and valuable man. His office is kept in the best of order; very methodical; and I believe the pains he takes to individualise title is of the greatest benefit to the natives, and likely to prove of incalculable good to the Country. I have included in yesterday's Journal, part of what ought to appear in to-day's; such as Te Tai's conversation. Heavy rain all day. Spent a pleasant day at Mr. Manning's. A good New Year to all New Zealand. May peace and goodwill prevail throughout the Island; and may New Zealand be extricated from its complications and difficulties; and a new and more kindly feeling grow between the races. A New Year should always cause us to aim at a new and better ordering of our affairs; and may the Great Power who governs the earth, be our Guide in ruling for good, the destinies of New Zealand. Spent a pleasant day, conversing, reading, and gathering news from Mr. Manning. Received letters from Auckland and Hawke's Bay. Te Kooti near Tokangamotu; uncertain as to Rewi and Taneati's views respecting him. The action of the Waikato may be sincere. Te Waharoa is a troublesome fellow. He speaks about Nuku, a brother of his. Ngapuhi are most industrious in working Kauri gum; and seem to be in a quiet and slowly progressive state; getting their land individualised. They are most fortunate in having such a good painstaking Judge as Mr. Manning; who takes a decided interest in the welfare of the people among whom he is settled. Old Tio, a Ngapuhi Chief, says that he considers the pakeha may some day turn out against the Ngapuhi. Conversation arose out of Mohi Tawai's saying that some of the Ngapuhi would become Hau Haus; this arising out of a land dispute. I said they had better not become Hau Haus; to share the fate of other tribes. Tio said,- ''We shall some day share the same fate as those Hau Haus.'' An under current rests in the mind of the old man that we must come to blows with them; and that we must have the Island. Poihipi, Chief of the Aopouri, nephew of Paora of the Rarawa. Papahi's son, Witana Papahi, may be considered the principal Chief of the Rarawa, who is married to Rangatira Moetara's daughter. He seems a quiet, intelligent man; middle-aged, and apparently a well-disposed Chief. Te Patu, Tipene, and others, sold Maungatamuwha to Mr. White; but did not give Witana or his people any share of the price paid for it by Kemp or White; although no doubt they have a claim. Witana says that this is his only grievance against the Government. The price paid for the land was more than £1000; and it seems some carelessness was displayed in making the purchase. This should be settled by some payment. The Ngapuhi felt sore; and Tai wrote to the King, sympathising with him; as they were all one ancestor; and Tai seemed glad when he heard peace was made. Retiu was the ancestor to whom Tai refers. The relationship is only 5 or 6 generations back. Mohi says,- ''Do not trample down the King. Let him hold his name. It is only a shadow that cannot be upheld.'' A visit to Auckland is not complete without seeing Sir George Greys Island home at Kawau. The Kawau island is about 28 miles from Auckland and is situated among a cluster of smaller islands about 2 or 3 miles from the main land the red deer of Scotland crop and recrop the channel. It would be difficult to find a more pleasant spot for fishing shooting yachting than Kawau the Island has 4 beautiful barbors with deep water sufficient in one of them the middle harbour to float the Great Eastern and run a plank from her side to the shore, and in this harbour the smelting operations of the Kawau copper mining company were carried on, the one being taken from the Southern harbour. Sir George Greys residence is the most chaste and comfortable looking building that has yet been erected in the colony looking at the place from the outside the roofs, Chimnies and windows reminds one of a gentlemans mansion at home, inside the rooms are large light and airy in every respect well adapted to the climate the nice light furniture and absence of carpets contrasts favorably with the heavy massive unwieldy furniture and rich carpets used in the Colony where there is no necessity for them. The garden is well stocked with a variety of trees and shrubs, the tea cinnamon, lemon cochineal are among the varieties. The large collection of birds from the Cape and other places are not the least attractive objects, the Cape dove, Cape goose Californian quail, pheasant wild duck and the New Zealand birds are very numerous the Emu and Kangaroo of New South Wales thrive well but the smaller English birds appear to have fallen a prey to rats hawks and more porks. The most pleasing feature about the island is the happiness and contentment of the people who are working upon it, there are several families scattered about in ten different bays in comfortable cottages with every appearance of good health and cheerfulness - the children clean tidy and bright with sparkling cheerful eyes and ruddy cheeks. To enjoy happiness away from the turmoil of town life there are few places equal to the Kawau. Sir George Greys character for simplicity and order are more fully exhibited at his Island home than in any other place. The Island comprises about 6 or 7000 acres of land intersected with bays, gullies old Pahs on projecting points and the usual variety of New Zealand soils, the Pohutikawa covers the sea coast with its deep green foliage and its branches the Cape dove coo coos or Ku Koooos-Dooooooos Pa paas as if it were on its native soil. It is to be hoped Sir George Grey will yet return to his Kawau estate. At 12 oclock the bell rings for dinner sounding like a church or convent bell dinner for the work men, the usual hours for dinner are 2 PM. and 9 am. for breakfast. Went out to middle harbor shot a pea fowl and Californian Quail, missed two rabbits - the bay is full of game. Came home in the boat. 1868 Tuesday 24 March Walked over the hills with Sir George and visited several bays - a great deal has been done in the way of improvement and in one or two years the Island may be made capable of carrying a large stock of sheep - some of the valleys are rich, many of the hill sides are poor with stunted manukau but the most sterile spots in the hands of a man of wealth can be rendered capable of very great improvement. Returning to the house the waggish magpie is most amusing it seems to delight in mischief and to keep up its waggish note all day. The quiet easy yet frank and kind hospitality of Sir George Grey is not only evinced towards the visitor but every labourer on the place feels that he is working for a kind benefactor whose sympathies are of the most generous and charitable. A school attended by all the children is kept by Miss Coats who also teaches the Governors niece Miss Mathews a very pretty interesting lady like girl about 15 years of age. Sir George Grey is likely to leave his Island as an endowment to a college for which it is well adapted. I really think that Sir George is harshly treated in the manner in which he is overlooked in connection with the Princes visit it would be the the best compliment to the Prince that he should visit Sir George privately as his old friend and entertainer at the Cape. Sir George Grey could do more for New Zealand as a private settler than any other man in it if he only remained as a Settler on this Island. In old Roman Catholic times he would be regarded as a Saint of much higher qualities than very many that have been cannonised. This Island without the bleak cold of the Western Isles of Scotland or the heavy seas and violent gales of that part of the world bears many points of resemblance and may be to future generations what Iona or some of the Western Isles have been to the faith we now so highly reverence. March Wednesday 25. Finished reading Mr. Smith's visit to Skye an amusing book well written, full of anecdote and observation. It gives a good picture of life in the highlands and delineates character with great fidelity M'Ian is the finest specimen of a highlander that the book contains. The customs feelings and superstitions of the Celt are well described and so is the rise progress and wealth of the city of Glasgow and its suburbs. I am now reading the Life in a Cloister of Charles 5th. Collected some grass seed Hokianga a tufty grass suited for a dry climate I fancy it has a deep tap root. The Buffalo grass grows on all soils. And spreads at the rate of 8 yards in the season. The Doorba grass prefers light sandy soil to spread its shoots. Those grasses are of great value and deserve to be cultivated. Thursday - 26th Two small native vessels called in for shelter the vessels are owned by the Tawera of Manaia of gun powder notoriety having stolen 100 casks from here the property of the Kawau mining Coy. The natives came to see Sir George who showed them all through the house - the spears meris and other implements besides sketches and other curiosities. They also went round the garden one of them offered to take me to Auckland for £1 but on second thought he thinks the sum too small, and the weather which is rising to a gale too rough the rain is falling in torrents, I am writing this in the end room at the East or Boudoir much as I enjoy a residence here I feel being a prisoner to some extent there is no exit from an Island in mild weather. Friday - 27 - Reading Judge Cockburns essay on martial law. Still blowing a fresh gale and rain, Native vesselsstill wind bound Saturday 28th March. Went to Middle harbour at 11. Walked over to East side of the Island. Saw some wild cattle did not shoot any. Returned at 2 P.M. Saw cutter - got packed dined and sailed for Auckland heavy gale at night cutter loaded with firewood below and on deck put back anchored at Kawau, Sir George sent the boat for me got ashore breakfasted at 9. Shortly afterwards got notice to sail encountered a heavy sea put back to opposite shore saw the Sturt coming and beat back to Kawau spent the Evening on shore slept in the Sturt. Stafford Hector Williamson Fenton Lempriere Mrs. Coates and others came in Sturt to Kawau. Monday - 30th March. Heavy gale unable to go to sea spent the day in reading talking to Stafford Sir George Grey and Williamson. Tuesday - 31st. Before leaving Kawau had a walk with Sir George Grey and talked over the matter of finance between the Home Govt. and New Zealand. I certainly feel that I have very much benefited by the trip to Kawau and Sir George is a most kind hospitable host, and his house is so well conducted and regular. Are going on at full speed to Auckland. Thursday April 9 - 1868 Arrived at Coromandel in the Sturt landed with Capt. Young A. D. C. at Patapata old Downings the place looks very forlorn garden is tolerably stocked cattle have taken the place of sheep My cottage is a poor looking one but the hill with its wooded sides and Pah fortifications and ditches of olden times (Downing tells me the bones of natives crop out below the Pah) are really very pretty and if not valuable are for scenery quiet contentment and repose as delightful a spot as any one could desire. Coromandel is a pretty bay surrounded by high hills with coves and inlets beautifully sheltered and secure from every wind in January 40 I landed here just 28 years ago how fast time slips away and how many are the changes that have taken place during that period the place looks much more dull and deserted than it did then even with the small gold field village at Kapanga Arapoaoa is deserted where formerly the axe and hammer was heard from sunrise to sunset where square rigged ships called for produce and New Zealand spars. I should like to be possessed of the Island of Arapaoa its old associations are still vivid in my recollection with old Pa hatta Tai Koiwas party Jock Downing Webster, Harry Large, Dunlop and others the days spent here were cheerful and happy with romance and incident enough to fill a volume. Sir George Bownen Mr. Stafford Hector Whitaker are passengers in the Sturt. I called to see old Downing they are all gone to the digging town. Passed Manaia Te Koama Waikawau where a saw mill is erected doing a good business but which sold lately from pressure of times for £200. The little valleys and gullies skirting the Thames with patches of potato and and more pleasant travelling. Got to the Dunstan about 7 p.m., a small golddigging village, with about 300 inhabitants, a few stores, Insurances, Banks, shops, etc. - all very low-roofed, with iron roofs. Met Mr. Fraser, who had horses waiting for me; also Mr. Stewart, who was coming for letters. Washed at a nice Hotel, and crossed to Mr. Fraser's. Spent the day at Mr. Fraser's. Stewart came to meet me with a horse. Rode up to the Station, and walked out on the hills to see the boundaries. The Station looks a fine, undulating, grassy, rather high district. The portion claimed by Fraser and Strode is about 2,000 acres of good low land, indispensible to the Station. This question must be adjusted. There is another boundary with McKenzie, which may be arranged on the give and take principle. If he gives up a piece of his low land to this Station, it would save fencing over hills; and he might get to a crest on the hills,- a larger piece. Strode and Fraser, on the other hand, could have 1,000 acres at a corner near them, by way of a change; that is at the North East Corner of the Run. By giving them this, and £100, I think they ought to be satisfied; and it would be advantageous to the Station to have it settled. Rode over to the Nevis,- a hilly, but not a dangerous road, covered with abundance of good natural grasses. Judging from the appearance of the country, the Nevis will make a good run for sheep, and unequalled for cattle. I consider the Run a very good fair average of the Runs I have seen at Otago. The higher hills are only fit for Summer feed; yet they have a beautiful undulating appearance; and at the Nevis there is about 13. 000 acres of flat land, clothed with rich grass; and about 20. 000, hilly, but fine grassland. In my opinion the land is not surpassed by any other Run I have seen for maize crops on the face of the hills and here and there a small Maori whare, a canoe heaps of firewood are visible. Arrived at the Thames diggings visited Hunts at Kurunui 22 men at work samples of gold very rich. Got up to Kahuranga the hammer and anvil sounds merrily diggers with their wives and families are comfortably settled in tents and houses. Sir George Bowen is a frank kind hearted man he spoke to a crowd of diggers who gave him three cheers, a few natives met him and were frank and good humoured. Young Power who was in my office at Auckland is now a Bank manager on the diggings and is so kind and friendly. 1868 - Friday 10 April. Got up to Ohinemuri where Mr. McKay had a large meeting of natives. The country from a few miles below Thorpes is fine rich soil capable of maintaining a large population. The Governor spoke to the Natives and they seemedpleased with what he said old Taraia - te Taniwha, Taipari Moananui Te Karauna, Karaitiana and several other chiefs of the Hauraki tribes were present also Ngakopa, Taraia is the last of a race of the old cannibals in this part of the Island. The scene at Ohinemuri was a pretty one flags flying tents up numbers of women and young children. A persons knowledge of the Thames would be very limited without seeing Ohinemuri and the adjacent country. Got aground below Hikutaia and remained there till flood tide 3 hours. On board Sir G. Bowen, Stafford, Whitaker, Revd. Bruce, Carleton, Farmer, Young A.D.C. Joined party McKay, Bailie and Custom house officer. It gave me great pleasure to meet the Hauraki tribes and to find them so well disposed. Hakiri Korero Hearing talk Koropa - Taonga giving property or land