LATER FROM TAURANGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1433, 20 June 1868, Page 5

LATER FROM TAURANGA.

EXCEPTION OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. (PBOM A COHHPSPONDBNT.) Official information was received in the early part of last week, by the arrival of tlie p.s. Sturt, ha.ving on board the Hon. J. C. Richmond, Native Minister, and the Hon. Colonel Haultain, Defence Hiniiiter, and Captain Rough, to the effect that His Excellency the Governor might bo expected in Tauranga on the morning of the Cth. Captain Eraser, M.P.C., in his usual prompt attention to the interests of Tauranga, at once caused printed circulars to bo issued, announcing that a public meeting would be held in the Tau.ranga Hotel, on the evening of the 3rd instant, to consider and adopt measures for the reception of the Governor. The meeting was well attended, being represented by all the respectable citizens of Tauranga. A committee was formed to draw up an address, consisting of the Chairman (Captain Fraser), Colonel HarriugtoH, Captain Skeet, Messrs. Gill, Edgcoinbe, Norris, George, Ball, and Martin. It was also agreed that his Excellency should be invited to a public luncheon, the stewards to consist of Messrs. Norris and Edgcombe. Accordingly the large room of the Taurauga Hotel was engaged, and Mr. Cook authorised to make all necessary preparation for the august occasion. Mr. Coot, undaunted, at the short notice, set to work in good earnest, and within forty-eight hours' notice, a room capable of accommodating one hundred guests was set out and lined from one end to the other with a bill of fare that would have done credit to any first-class hotel in one of our large cities. Suffice it to say that overy delicacy that could be obtained was there spread, and in abundance. In the meantime, Captain Fairehild having taken on board Commissioner 11. T. Clarke, E.M., and Major Mair, departed for Maketu, Whakatane, and Opotiki. At Maketu the Hon. J. C. Richmond and Mr. Commissioner Clarke left the steamer to visit the Arawas, whilst the Hon. Colonel Haultain and Major Mail , proceeded to Whakatane and Opotiki, returning late on Friday night, to be in readiness to receive the Governor. Early on Saturday, a steamer entered tho harbour and took up her position in the place where men-of-war are wont to anchor, which caused many to imagine that it was H.M.S. Rosario. We were not long in suspense, as ;i number of boats found their way up to town, the steamer proving to be the Wellington. From her we learnt, that the Kosario being ii man-of-war would not take the in-shoro passages, but would keep outside the islands, whicH would prevent her making Tauranga before mid-day. At this juncture the vast sheet of water wliich expands for miles inside of our beautiful harbour, was perfectly alive, dotted with canoes and boats of all sizes and descriptions, and containing a body of loyal and respectable-class natives not to be surpassed in New Zealand. About 11 a.m., Captain Fairehild kindly invited a few friends to go on board the Sturt, .as lie was going outside to meet his Excellency. We noticed on board the Hon. J. C. Richmond, Von. Archdeacon .Brown, Commissioner Clarke, Colonel Harrington, Captain Fraser, Captain Bough, Messrs. Gill, S. Clarke, Simcox, Wrigley, and a number of others. The Sturt did not reach the Rosario until she had got six miles outside the Heads, and it being near low water the man-of-war slackened her speed, determined not to enter the harbour until flood tide. This was a disappointment to the visitors on board the Sturt, as also a great suspense to those on shore. At 2 p.m. the Rosario put on full speed, the Sturt close under her wake, and made all speed up to her anchorage, The Shirt's boat, containing the officials and the deputation (Captain Fraser and Mr. Gill) at once proceeded on board the Rosario to prosent their respects to his Excellency, and in a short space of time returned on board, with the G-overnor, accompanied by Captain Young, A.D.C., Captain Palmer, of the Rosario, and several officers of that ship. The Sturt on nearing To Papa became an object of vast attraction ; a large concourse of people, native and European, assembled near the Tauranga Hotel to welcome the approach of their new G-overnor. Captain Fraser, surrounded by the members of the committee, having approached his Excellency, read in a firm and clear voice the following address : — '"To His Excellency Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Governor and Commander-in-Chicf in and over Her Majesty's Colony of 2few Zealand and its Dependencies', and Yieo-adiniral of the same. " Mav it please your Excellency.-—"We the inhabitants of Tauranga desire to congratulate your Excellency on your appointment to the Governorship of New Zealand. We bid you hearly welcome to our district, and desire to express our feelings of devoted loyalty to her most gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. " We deeply deplore the unhappy circumstance which has prevented the looked-for visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, and yet, we feel assured that no other act than his attempted assassination could have called forth a feeling of deeper horror, or elicited from all classes such intense loyalty to the throne, and deep sympathy to the Queen, and affectioi to every member oi the 'Royal Family. "Your Excellency meets us, few iu number, and anxious in feeling ; the one arising from the departure of manv of our settlers to the Gold Fields, the other from the still unsettled state of the natives. "We looked forward, however, to future visits from your Excellency iu more auspicious days. " In our harbour, in our lands, in our proximity to the Gold-fields, and in the facility of opening roads into the interior, we possess the certain indications of future prosperity. Even the reports that occasionallv reach us of "dissatisfaction and menace from the natives, we regard rather as the last shocks of a receding earthquake, than the sounds of an approachin" hurricane. And we sincerely trust that before yotu- term of oflice shall expire you may have the pleasure of seeing the native problem solved, and both races loyally united under the same sovereign Head, —governed" by the same just and equal laws,, and animated by those common principles of religion which gives strength to Thrones and stability to Laws. " We regret that, we are prevented from paying our personal respects to Lady Bowen, but we desire to convey our best wishes for the health and happiness of yourself, Lady Bowen, and the various '/embers of your family." His Excellency replied as follows : — " Gentlemen, —I thank you and the inhabitants of Tauranga generally, in the name of the Queen, for this assurance of your devoted loyally iq her Majesty; and I thank you also, in my own ix-huk' for the welcome which Vou have accorded to ino on my first visit to your district. The support and sympathy of their fellow-countrymen is always a strength and comfort to men placed in positions of responsibility. "lam much pleased at the appearance of your township and its neighbourhood, which is already historical in the annals *f New Zealand. I believe that the progress already made is only the germ of the prosperity to wliich your industry and energy will one day raise"you, and in your oivn well chosen lan-guao-o.'l earnestly trust that before my term of office shall expire, I may have the satisfaction of seeing thenative problem solved, and the races loyally uni.-d under the same Sovereign head. " In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me to reciprocate your kind wishes for Lady Bowen and ,/.ir children, and to pray that Heaven may grant health and happiness to vour homes and families. 11 " " G. F. Bowxx. '•' Tauranga, June C, IS6S." The Governor, through Mr. Commission:.-; , Clarke, then informed the natives that he should be happy to listen to them. Upon which Hohepa Hikutaea, came forward and read a Maori address •-> wliieh his Excellency graciouslyreplied :w-!/l v all the principal chiefs rose and spoke fcelin-iy," when it became known that the Governor v'--" "oing to leave very early on the Monday niorniiu- o meet the great body of Arawas at Maketu. Au ■;. .us as his Excellency tho Governor was to draw the Isjnuterangi chiefs out, he was unsuccesful; and it was not until they found that it ires totally useless to get him to prolong his stay, it being then past 4 p.m., and horses having been brought up to convey the Govomor to see the memorable Gate Pa, that The cliief Enoka rose, and in an able speech spoke on the leading subject which is afflicting Tauranga t h e j an a. He said that they had been informed by Jud»e Fenton and His Honor the Superintendent

that the Government held possession of the whole block of land witliin Tauranga, commencing at Wairalei South on to the Katikati North. He thought this act of Government, if true, was very unjust anil dishonest, inasmuch as Sir George Grey, late Governor of New Zealand, had solemnly declared that, hy their ceding over to him 50,000 acres as payment for the part the Ugatcraugis had taken in the rebellion the remainder of their lands would be restored to them ns bonafdc their own property to be 1.-ased. or sold bv them as they thought; best. At the late investiVation at the sitting of the Native Land Cow. It iWu, His HonSr Judge. Munro declared that Hori Tupaea had proved lits claim to Motiti (Flat Island), "but as the Government held a clmm over certain hinds confiscated at the tame of war, in Which Motiti lands wore inc uelc.l, he (Jnjlgo Munro) could do nothing further-fat is he could not order a Crown gmnt h> ho issued to the nrfitlu owhow, it™; •r.iiw l "i'-« D-irlT. -Knoka also spoke of the. delny which exist* in the "withholding from them the Crown to their reserves at the Wuiron. and Katikati; but the great complaint Ei:okii wished to impress nnon Hi- Kxeelleney was the necessity of removing the -eit of Government from Wellington to some more central position in this isluid, because it was iiere 'it TaunuK-a that the great bulk of the natives resiled- whereas bv Jetaining the seat of Government at ■\Velliiml--Jii", native atftirs were presided over bv centlemen who knew nothing of their character and"habits. The iwisequeneo was (he interminable blunders that are continually springing from that place, and which will always continue until native affairs are taken entirely out- of Southern hands and control. His Excellency llren rose ami distinctly told them that no more land than the 30,000 acres should he taken by Government from the Xgr.terangis, and that, when these claims h:ul been investigated by the Kuti've Lands Court, that Crown grants would be issued to them. He also assured them of his deep anxiety to promote their interests and prosperity, and to that end lie proposed, when lime would allow, to return to this important district and make himself thoroughly -acquainted with everything concerning Tauranga anu its interests. The natives then divided themselves into parties, some shaking the Governor's hand most unmercifully, others performing tin same act on those of his friends. Mr. Richmond was hunted by a host of individuals preferring pitiful complaints, some for their property which had suffered at the hands of our soldiers, and "others jireierrins claims io portions of land which the Government had confiscated. About half-p.ist I- p.m. the Governor and suite rode out to the Gate I'a, and returned about G p m. The luncheon which had been prepared war-turned into :i dinner, and lit 7 p.m. precisely Hi* Kxcelleney ancl suite arrived and t-.-ok their respective seats at each side of tiro chairman. Captain Vraser ; His Excellency sitting on his righi, and the Venenible and much-este.-nie'd Archdeacon Brown on his loft. Mr. Commissioner Clarke sat next to the Governor, and j during the evening was constantly to be seen speak- | ing with him. At ihe principal tal-U- we noticed Captain Palmer, of IT.M S. Kosario. Colonel Harrington, Hon. C. J. Kiehm.m.i. Captain Young. A.O.C, Major Mair. K.M.. Samuel Clarke, Us.]., vice-presi-dent, &c. &e. After justice had been done to ihe sumptuous re- ] past, prepared originally -.!< alune}ieon, I The Chairman rose to propose the usual loyal i.-.nsts. I which required no eloquence from him !o cause any additional fooling of loyalty than that which ivigiied in the breasts of every one pivsc;it. The Yen. Aivhdcacon iSiwn rose to propose the toast of the evening. " Tin , health of his Excellency Sir George F. Bowen and familv." He dwelt at considerable length on the advantages which arc to be derived by having Governors endowed with qualifications such as his Excellency possessed, to govern il people who for many years have, through the troubles of war and the consequences arising out of it, had to contend with dividing interests which would require extreme care and wisdom, lie assured the meeting that we might with confidence repose our all'airs in his hands, knowing that they would lie well cared for. His Excellency, on rising to respond to (lie (oast, was most enthusiastically cheered, and it was after -some considerable time that he was permitted to address the anxious assembly ; his speech embodied all his good wishes and expectations, as to what Tauranga is or.laiiie-.i to become before many years is over —-a city of wealth and importance. He deeply regretted that time would not allow him to visit and examine personally the resources which are in store for :his rising yet troubled district; he was convinced that such did exist, and that during tliesummer months he would devote some time ■amongst them, thereby becoming acquanted with all that concerns them. The whole speech was an assurance of his anxious de?ire to see Taur.inga and the Bay of Plenty living in peace, and enjoying the blessing with which God lias so richly endowed it. Colonel Harrington, J.P., responded to the toast of " The Army and Volunteers," after which Captain Palmer, of H.M.S. Eosario. in a humorous and most eloquent speech, responded to the toast of "The health of the Duke of Edinburgh and her Majesty's Xavy." The Governor then rose and proposed " Success and prosperity to Tauranga ;" he dwelt at great length on the advantages wind)" Tauranga possesses, and that it ■would be his object to foster and cultivate a good understanding betwixt, the two r;ices, in fact to remove every obstacle which would tend to stop the advancement and permanent settlement of this delightful and charming district. Mr. Horsbrongii responded to the tonst in a long and interesting speech of encouragement to all enterprising settlers, during the delivery of which he was repeatedly applauded. " Our llaori visitors " was then proposed and responded to by the chiefs Knoka, Hohepa, To Moananui, Ilori Tupaca, and Wi Parent. The Hon. J. C. Richmond then proposed, " The health of the chr.irman, Captain Frascr," which was given by three hearty cheers, at the conclusion of "which His Excellency proposed a hearty cheer for Mrs. Fraser, when the meeting separated, all cheered and delighted with what they had seen and heard, the like of which had never befoie taken place in Tauranga. To the committee and stewards the public of Tauranga arc deeply indebted, and many have been the flattering compliments which His Excellency and suite have expressed to the gentlemen who undertook in a country place to provide so handsome a reception in so short a time. AVe only hope that when His Excellency again visits Tauranga. that we may again give him and his suite a banquet on a more extended scale, with the same satisfaction and like success. On Sunday, the Governor and suite, accompanied by Captain Frasor, rode over to Otumaotae to visit the riclily carved and decorated Roman Catholic Church. This is supposed to be the only remaining piece of Maori art in New Zealand. The Governor expressed himself delighted beyond description witli his visit to this place. In the afternoon his Excellency attended Divine service at the Mission Chapel, Te Papa ; the Von. Archdeacon Brown officiated, and preached an eloquent and impressive sermon to a large and respectable congregation. On Monday at 5 a.m. the Sturt's gun was fired informing those who* were slumbering that the Governor would, in a few minutes, leave us for Makct.u. Mr. Commissioner Clarke, Col. Harrington, Von. Archdeacon Brown, Captain Eraser, Major MailMessrs. Gill, S. Clarke, J. A. Wilson, No'rris, Warbrick, and about 30 of the principal chiefs were favoured also with a passage. On the Sturt Hearing the Eosario her speed slackened, and, as the day was breaking, two boats ■were observed approaching our little steamer containing Capt. Palmer with a number of officers and men. Nothing particular occurred except a cold piercing wind, which told strongly upon our poor constitutions. At 9 we crossed the Maketu bar, but, did not proceed up the river on account of the. ebb tide, wliich was running out very strong. The Rosario's launch which we had towed down ■with us was soon put into requisition, and manned by her new crew took Mr. Commissioner Clarke, Mrs. Harrington, and others, on shore. The natives on seeing the boat, pulling up the river, thought His Excellency was on board, and began to /ire off their guns to ■warn their friends, and also as a welcome. On their finding out that the Governor was not on board they •were uiucli pleased, observing that the natives had Dot finished their morning's repast. The Arawas, we were informed, had not arrived from their inland settlements, but were expected in the course of the day ; the Mutnta portion, under Arnma Karaka, had arrived, and wero assembled near the beach where the landing woidd take place. An hour's iiine after this the natives began to assemble from the different portions of the pa, and with rifle and spear in hand prepared for the war dance which was

to welcome the Governor, who by this time was close to the landing place. Hero a guard of honor had been prepared by Capt. Palmer, from amongst the men of H.M.S. Rosario, wliich was very imposing, and attracted the attention of the natives ; this over, the natives fell back and lustily, by war dance gesticulation, received His Excellency on his first visit to the Arawa country. There was no real set speechifying on this occasion. About a dozen of the- leading chiefs got up and heartily welcomed the Queen's representative to the Arawa country. One and all were ns urgent us the N"atern,n<n in urging the Governor to remain a day or°two with them, but all to no effect. He explained, through Mr. Clarke, the necessity of his being tit Wellington ft short time before the meeting of Parliament) which will assemble next month. lie assured them that lie, along with Lady Bowen, would spend some time in visiting and becoming acquainted with each particular settlement belonging to the Arawa tribe. Another attempt wa« made by the Arawa chiefs present to defer his departure until the next morning, in order that the great tribe might have an opportunity of knowing that lie had spent, a night and partaken of their humble hospitality. His Excellency then rose and spoke to the following ell'cct:—Oh 'my friends, oh chiefs and people of the Arawa, this is the word of the Queen and of me (he Governor and representative of the Queen ; I thank you for your loyal speeches and for the hearty welcome which you have accorded to mo to-day. Ever since 1 came to New Zealand I have longed to visit your tribe, and your wonderful country, so richly endowed bv nature, and the fame of which has gone forth so far. I have heard and read much of your loyalty to the Queen, and yonr friendship for your neighbours of European blood". Your bravery in war is celebrated throughout New Zealand, and my heart rejoices to learn that you are now determined to become equally celebrated in the arts of peace. It is well that the children of the Arawa should set the example to all the Maori tribes in their good works. 1 have heard that, you are making provision for the education of your youth by founding schools. The Government will help you in the terms of the law ; and hero let- mo say that I am glad to see so many children in your settlements, which is mainly due "to the temperance and sobriety of your lives. You recollect that the Holy Scriptures say, " Blessed is the man who has his home full of children." I hope to-day to visit your school at Maketu, and to visit your other settlements and schools next year —in the summer time, when T shall travel to see your beaut ifid lakes and hot-springs, over the road which your loyalty has induced you to make for the Queen's son. the Di'ike of Edinburgh. 1 have already written to the Queen and to the Prince to inform them of this proof of your hospitable devotion ; and 1 know that they will rejoice at it, and will wrile letlcrs to ihank you, so soon ;u» the tidings reaches England. You know already the unfortunate circumstances which prevented the Queen's sou from visiting >*ew Zealand. IJe has requested me to inform you that lie deeplv regrets (that his heart is very dark) that he ha* bi-n prevented from visiting his .Maori friends, and a*surin.' them of the Koyal aileetiou which the Queen his mother bears (o Ilicin. The desire of the Queen is that her Moari children, and her pakeha children, should be governed by the same laws and should become, as it were, one people. The Queen also tnwU that all dissension amongst the Moaries themselves should cease. Some of you have referred to these dissensions; oh my frien.ls hearken to my words, and let not the land be a cause of strife among yourselves, hut refer your diil'u-uliics to I he Courts and your Magistrates, who arc equally friends to all parties, and have no interest but to do justice to all alike. 1 am gratified at Ihe wishes wliich many of you have expressed in your speeches, that I should stav longer at Maketu. The Parliament or Kunanga is soon to meet at Wellington to deliberate alike for tlie welfare of the Maori and the pakeha. 1 visit Wellington for these deliberations, but as I have said already 1 hope to return in the summer. And now once more, oh my friends, 1 thank you for your welcome, and 1 pray that God the giver of nil "good, may grant you happiness and prosperity. The delivery of this address acted wonderfully on the minds of 'the Arawas. They appeared humbled but delighted, and his Excellency, taking advantage of this, told them that lie would now visit, their great pa and their habitations, afterwards he should visit, along with his suite, the school and examine the. scholars. About 1 p.m. the school bell rang merrily, n.nnouncing that the Governor had completed visit to the pa, and a few minutes afterwards his Exectlencv, accompanied by the Yen. Archdeacon ISrown, the Hon. J. C. Kiciinioiul, Cuptniii Palmer, and several of his ofllcers, Captain Young, A.D.C., Colonel Harrington, Captain l'rascr, Mr. Commissioner Clarke, Dr. Xcsbitt, K.M., niul a number of gentlemen from Tauranga, proceeded to inspect the native school conducted by Mr. E. P. Tuit, The native runanga in charge of the school were also present, "and took n very lively interest in the crimination ; all were surprised at the progress made by the children in reading, writing and arithmetic ; again and again did the Governor express his satisfaction at what he saw, and complimented Mr. Tait on the success attending the good work in which he is engaged. The children read English with remarkabfe purity of accent, and appeared quite at home in arithmetic as far as compound multiplication. The school is conducted according to a system adapted by Mr. Tait for native instruction, and' it is a striking example of how much may be accomplished in a school where the word punishment is unknown, and where respect is the agent employed instead of fear. At the conclusion of the inspection His Excellency called Mr. Tait, and publicly complimented him on the success which has attended his efforts ; he also expressed his intention of establishing a model school at Maketu, as a pattern for all future native schools, of which Mr. Tait is to be principal. The Governor made himself remarkably agreeable and condescending to the natives, which pleased and gratified the Arawiis. At 4 p.m. the Governor returned to Tauranga, remaining only an hour or two, when the Sturt finally .started for Wellington, calling at Opotiki, Hicks' Hay, Poverty l>ay, and Napier. H.M.S. Roßtirio sailed the same day for' Wellington. .Tune 11. A prospecting party from Whanganui, overland through Tanpo, consisting of Robert- C Nicholson, William .T. licid, Arthur Jervis, and Noah Parsons, arrived here late last evening, having left. Whanganui on the Gthof May. They give the following account of their journey : —- Went up the Whanganui River in canoes as far as Jerusalem, and after prospecting there, were satisfied that there was no gold there. Came down the river to London and travelled through the bush for four days. When we engaged the canoes at Whanganui, Captain William McDonnell told the natives not to take us. We complained to the Committee of the Gold Prospecting Company, and they spoke to Captain McDonnell and caused him to undo the mischief he had done, anil lie excused himself by saying that we were faking the canoes he might want; but the natives afterwards told us that they were ordered not to give us the canoes. At London we were told not to go on, as Captain McDonnell had said so, and that he was appointed by the Government. He also stated that he. had been through Io Taupo, and the natives had given liim permission to go through again, hut it would not be safe for us to cross the Ilauhau country between that place and Taupo. This was untrue, for we did not meet any Hnuhaus —no natives at all—between Wlianganui and Taupo. When we got through the bush we met sonic natives, —Captain McDonnell had gone on before—and they showed us the wrong road, misleading us by putting us on the road to Napier, instead of that to Taupo, which they said Captain McDonnell had told them to do. Tin's threw us seven days out of our way, and caused us fo consume seven days' provisions more than necessary—a very serious "loss, as wo had to carry everything with us. While on the road to Napier—the wrong road—Captain McDonnell met us, and instead of setting us right, asked us if wo had seen his men, knowing at the .same time that his men hud taken the other road. The natives told us that he had sent letters all along the road to tell them to mislead us. When we found that we were wrong we crossed the Kaimauawa ranges to strike the right road. It was snowing and raining at, the time, and our provisions were exhausted, so that after sinking several holes we were forced to go clown to Lake Taupo, in the hope of getting provisions there, but there were none to be had. We stopped at Wailii, between the two lakes. We should state that we had Maori passes give.ii to us by :v man whose brother was with Captain McDonnell, which passes, we thought, were to allow us to pass through the district, but whon we got them translated we found they were telling the Maoris to beware of üb, for that we were all thieves. When we got. there the natives at first wore very friendly, and pressed us to stay, as our next stage was too far to go that day, but when Captain McDonnell arrived and had a korcro with them they

Quito changed, and sent us away in the morning without breakfast. We taxed him with being the cause of this altered behaviour, and hte replied that he had done his best for us. We told him we would show him up, to wliich he answered that he did not care. "We went on to the next settlement, where they appeared very anxious for us to go out of the country, so that we could not stay there. The chief of the "place where Captain McDonnell was, said that if we prospected on the lake ho would put us into the lake ; he would let Captain McDonnell prospect but not ns. We went through tho Ilauhau country, where we were very well treated, but were not allowed to prospect, for fear that if gold wero'.found Europeans woidd come in great numbers, and their land woidd be taken from them and their children. But they gavo us abundance of food, and never asked for payment, oven offered us tobacco for our journey. We were expecting to get stores, but were disappointed, and forced to go through the Arawa country, where the natives -would not give or sell us imvtliing, and we found them the worst natives to deal with of all. They asked us £1 for a sucking pig, 15s. for n fowl, and ss. for two billies of potatoes. Wo tried the country in many places we passed through. On the Mohoug river, but no gold. The Kuiraauawa country is the most likely that we saw. On tliis side of the range it is all pumice stone, and no indications of gold, but on the other side there is quartz. We travelled a distance of about four hundred miles the way we came. Arrived at Botorua, from thenee to Maketu, and came into To Papa on tho 10th June. We put down four holes on one side the range, and three on the other in the place the natives pointed out as where thev McSweenys had found gold, but did not see a speck. To show the obstruction we received, one of our party having left Jerusalem by night, at London was taken prisoner by tho natives, andjtaken buck, and at London they tried to stop the party,' but we pushed past them, and came on. At tho pa at. l'okui, Captain McDonnell's head quarters, we were told by Unu that they had received orders not to give us anything to cat. Wo were greatly indebted to a man on the road to Napier, who put us on the right way —sent a native with us to shew us the way to Taupo, and sent us a horse. We could not account for the opposition we met with from Cuptnin McDonnell, except that he was actuated by jealousy, and ambitious of earning tlie promised reward of £1500, because we were a party independent of the committee — defraying our own expenses. We certify the above account to be strictly correct: —Robert C. Nicholson. William J. Reid, Arthur K. Jarvis, Noah Parsons.