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Pages 1-20 of 56

Pages 1-20 of 56

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Pages 1-20 of 56

Pages 1-20 of 56

E—No. 3.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE INSURRECTION.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His hxcellejicy.

II

SCHEDULE.

CORRESPONDENCE AND MEMORANDA IN NEW ZEALAND.

it m o FROM WHOM. DATE. SUBJECT. * £ 1 Mr. McLean to Aug. 26, 1857 Mr. Parris. Instructions for guidance of District Land Purchase Commissioner in purchasing land from Natives at Taranaki. 2 The Governor to March 29, 1859 I Sir E. B. Lytton. 1 March 23, 1859 Narrating occurrences (luring his visit to Taranaki, hi* interviews with the Native Chiefs there, and the measures adopted by him— enclosing Circular to Officers of Native Department, enjoining them to observe a strict neutrality in their intercourse with Natives. 2 3 3 to 13 14 3 Natives and Go- March 15,1859 to vernor, &c. \o 13 I Oct. 18, 1859 14 Mr. Parris. Dec. 4, 1859 I Correspondence relative to the purchase of land at Waitara. 4 to 10 Reporting payment of instalment of purchase money ; and statement as to ownership of land at Waitara. 15 and 16 17 15 Governor and Te December, 1859 md Teira. Respecting the completion of the purchase of his land. 10 it) 17 The Governor to Jan. 25, 1860 the Duke of Newcastle. Informing His Grace of the measures taken with respect to purchase of land offered by Tβ Teira. — enclosing Instructions issued to the Military and Civil Authorities respectively in relation thereto. 12 l« IS Mr. Stafford to Jan. 26, 1860 1 Superintendent of of Taranaki. Informing him of steps taken with regard to the survey of the land at Waitara, and requesting the co-operation of the Civil with the Military authorities. 12 19 19 The Governor to Feb. 27, 1860 I the Duke of New- . castle. Stating that W. King had resisted the survey of the land purchased ; and that precautionary measures will be taken in the further proceedings with respect to it— enclosing Reports from the authorities of Taranaki upon the state of the question, and of the Province generally. 12 13 20 « • March 2, 1860 Advising his arrival at Taranaki, and informing His Grace of further proceedings taken. 11 21 .... J March 12, 1860 Reporting the military occupation of the Waitara in anticipation of the commencement of hostilities— enclosing Letter to Colonel Gold, requesting him to take military possession of the land— also Manifesto to the hostile Natives. 15 March 3, 1860 16 22 " " ; March 20, 1860 i Transmitting a Report from Colonel Gold of the destruction, on the 17tli March, of the P;ili erected by the Natives on the Government land at the Waitara. 17

III

u S FROM WHOM. DATE. SUBJECT. c p. __i 23 The Governor to the Duke of Newcastle. March 22, 1860 :h22, 18 ch 17, 181 cA20, 18 560 160 $60 Reporting that a collision with the Natives had taken place, stating his views generally upon the state of the Colony, with respect to the relations between Europeans and Natives, and requesting an immediate strong reinforcement -— enclosing Comprehensive statement relative to the purchase by the Government of Te Teira's land at Taranaki— and Memoranda from Military and Civil authorities urging an immediate large augmentation of Forces for the protection of the Colony. 18 19 March 17, 18CO March 20, 1860 23 21 c< « March 31, I860 :h31, 18 360 Transmitting later Report, informing his Grace of the murders committed by the Taranaki tribe, the action at Waireka, capture of the Pah, and the battering by the "Niger" of Native Pahs on the coast. March 31, I860 25 25 « a :h31, 18' iGO Transmitting official Reports from the Officers in command of the Troops, the Seamen and the Militia, of the action fought at Waireka, on the 28th March, and a further Repo.t by Captain Cracroft of the subsequent operations of the " Niger " on the coast. 26 u « April 24, 1860 •il 24, 18£ 60 Describing the precautions taken for the protection of Auckland, and the state of defence of the various out-settlements. 29 20 80 27 Memorandum by the Governor. April 21, 18C0 il 21, 18( 60 Inviting an expression of the views of Responsible Ministers on the present state of Maori Affairs. 31 2« Memorandum by Mr. Richmond. April 27, 1860 ■il 27, 18( 60 In answer to the above, explaining the state of the Taranaki Land Question, its connection with the Native King Movement, and the consequent necessity for a large augmentation to the Military Forces of the Colony. The Governor to the Duke of Newcastle. April 27, 1860 81 28 ril 27, 18( 60 Describing the progress of the Maori King Movement ab initio ; the Meeting of Natives at the King's place of residence on the Waikato ; announcing his own intention of inviting a Meeting of Chiefs of importance, at Auckland, to discuss the question of the relations between the Races ; reiterating his request for reinforcements. 37 SO ft « May 21, 1860 t> Y 21, 181 160 Announcing the organization of the Militia for the protection of Auckland, and that it is tolerably secure from attack. 38 • I 1 to 50 March 20, 1860 March, 18G0 April 19, 1860 April 23, 1860 April 23, 1860 April 25, 1860 May, 1860 May 2, I860 May 16, 1860 May 19, 1860 ■ch 20, 18 irch, 1861 ril 19, 1® ril 23, 18* ril 23, 18' ril 25, 18 lay, 186C y 2, 18i y 1(5, 18i y 19, 18' B60 10 !60 560 S60 560 0 SCO S60 >60 Congratulatory Addresses to the Governor upon his policy, from the Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay. Provincial Council of Canterbury. Inhabitants of Wanganui. Inhabitants of Otahuhu. Public Meeting at Nelson. Provincial Government and Inhabitants of Taranaki Auckland Volunteer Cavalry Guards City Company of Auckland Volunteer Rifles, Provincial Council of Wellingtm. Public Meeting at Auckland. —with His Excellency's replies. 39 40 40 41 42 43 41 44 4:> 4C 51 Petition to Her 1 Mα JE8TY from Inj habitants of Ai ck- ! land. 52 : Col. Gold to the J Governor. Way, 1860 lay, 1860 Addressing Her Majesty upon the state of the Colony. 40 June 30, 1860 ie 30, 18 360 Transmitting correspondence with Major Nelson as to the events at the Waitara on the 23rd, and the 27th June.

IV

DESPATCH FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

. 03 a f< DAl'E. SUBJECT. K %t 1 Aug. 20, 1859 (No. 8) Expressing his satisfaction and approval of the measures adopted by His Excellency on the occasion of his visit to Taranaki, and interview with thu Native Chiefs there, in March, 1859. -!'.

E—No. 3,

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE INSTJKKECTION. No 1.

INSTRUCTIONS TO DISTRICT LAND PURCHASE COMMISSIONER RELATIVE TO PURCHASE OF LAND FROM THE NATIVES AT TARANAKI. Chief Land Commissioner's Office, Auckland, August 26th, 1857. Sic,— I have the honour, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, to convey to you the following Instructions for your guidance, in conducting the purchase of Land from the Natives in the Taranaki Province. 1. In order to facilitate your negotiations, it will be necessary for you to study with great care the history and genealogy of the Taranaki tribes, from their early location at Ngapuketurua, on the banks of the Waiongona River, up to the date of their dispersion and conquest by the Waikato; also to make yourself acquainted with the subsequent migrations, inter-marriages with foreign tribes, and other changes affecting title, that have occurred amongst the Ngatitama, Ngatimutunga, Ngatiawa, Ngamohi, Taranaki, Ngatiruanui, Ngarauru tribes, from that period up to the present date. 2. Having well fortified yourself with this general knowledge, which will greatly facilitate your future operations, you should devote your attention to a careful and minute investigation of the rival claims of the several sub-divisions of those tribes in such localities as they are most anxious to cede to the Government, bearing in mind that the object of your investigations should not be confined to acquiring a knowledge only of the Natives actually residing on the land, but should be extended to those also who are inter-married among neighbouring tribes, as well as to those who are living in distant districts of the Colony. 3. In pursuing your enquiries amongst the resident Natives, you should not appear to attach much weight to the claims of absentees, as it may be assumed that they have acquired a vested interest in lands elsewhere, and should not now be considered as having an equal claim with their relatives who remain in actual possession of the soil. 4. At the same time I am desired to state that it is His Excellency's wish to have a separate investigation of the claims of absentees instituted at the places where they reside; when they will be settled with, in proportion to the relative merits of their claims, on a basis which will fully preserve the distinction which should be made between resident and non-resident proprietors. 5. To acquire a knowledge of the state of Native Title in your district is a preliminary of such urgent importance, that I cannot too earnestly request your attention to it; and I believe you will generally find the Natives willing to communicate all that is requisite on this head, if you will only lead them to the subject, by referring to their past history—their feuds, wars, bravery, defeats, conquests —or any other subject of personal or tribal interest that may encourage them to converse freely and without reserve on the Land question. 6. A record of all claims submitted by the Natives should be noted by you in a book kept expressly for that purpose, more especially in those cases where conflicting interests have to be dealt with; and great care should be taken not to give too much prominence to that class of claimants who are frequently the first to offer their lands for sale, from the fact of their title being in many instances very defective. The actual owner, in contra-distinction to the class to which I have just referred, seldom makes a noisy or boasting demonstration of what his claims really are; it may therefore be inferred from his silent and uncompromising demeanour, that his rights are not to be trifled ■with, and that without his acquiescence, it will be impossible'to make a valid purchase. This class of claimants it will be your duty to search out, as they will be the least likely, from feeling secure in the justice of their cause, to press themselves upon your notice. 7. Having thus adverted in general terms to the preliminary duties devolving upon you, I have now to direct your attention to the more practical part of your operations, including those ot a financial nature. 8. I have applied for, and obtained, the sanction of the Government to have the sum of three thousand pounds (£3,000) placed at your disposal whenever an opportunity offers for transmitting it to the Sub-Treasurer at New Plymouth, to be drawn from him on your requisition, as you may need it for land purchases, and to be accounted for by you to that Officer from time to time as the disbursements take place. 9. Duplicates of such Accounts must also be duly forwarded to this Office, with certified vouchers, showing how the expenditure was incurred, and the extent of land obtained by you to represent such expenditure. 10. It may be requisite for you to retain the original Deeds at Taranaki, and to have them registered in that Province; but in all such cases duly certified copies, with translations, must be transmitted with the duplicate accounts for registry in this Office. 11. It is of importance that the Government should be kept constantly advised of the actual and probable liabilities that may be from time to time incurred for the acquisition of land in Taranaki, in order that provision may be made for any sudden demands under particular emergencies,—such as an unexpected and unanimous offer by the Natives to sell land, for which a large sum may be called for. You will therefore furnish monthly accounts of your disbursements, together with an approximate estimate of what may be needed for this service in each ensuing month. 12. From the great difficulty of obtaining land at New Plymouth, and the numerous claimants that have to be satisfied before any valid purchase is concluded ; it will, no doubt, be found necessary

1

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

No. 29. MiscELiiNKous == ~

to pay a higher price for Waste Lands in your district than in any other part of New Zealand. The exact terras on which land can be acquired it is difficult to state. I need not, however, add that it is an object of great solicitude on the part of the General Government to have purchases made on terms the most advantageous for the public interests. You may consider yourself authorised to pay at rates varying from one shilling to three shillings per acre, according to quality and position, for land of fair average value ; and even that limit may, in some special and extraordinary cases, be exceeded, if you give timely notice of the necessity for so doing. 13. Much must, however, be left to your own judgment and discretion in making the best and most economical terms with the Natives : and I may add, that it is not the desire of the Government to fetter you with any instructions that will impede your operations in carrying out such an important and peculiarly difficult duty as the purchase of land in the Province of Taranaki. 14. "If you find it necessary to make purchases, subject to the condition of large reserves for the Natives, I should prefer that you should follow the system adopted in the Hua purchase; that, namely, of allowing the Natives (subject to certain limitations) a pre-emptive right over such portions as they may desire to re-purchase ; such land to be thenceforward held by them under individual Crown Grants,—instead of having large reserves held in common. 15. I enclose herewith, for your guidance in such cases, copies of correspondence in reference to the Hua Block ; together with Mr. Commissioner llogan's report upon the selections and repayments for the several sections re-purchased out of that Block. 16. In making reserves for such of the Natives as are indisposed to be interspersed with the Europeans, you will endeavour, as far as possible, to induce them to select situations that are well defined by rivers or other natural boundaries ; as a means of preventing the endless cases of cattletrespass and other disputes that must be of frequent occurrence in the Taranaki district. At the same time every possible facility should be afforded to the young and more intelligent Natives to acquire land by re-purchase from the Crown ; in order that their present system of communism may be gradually dissolved ; and that they may be led to appreciate the great advantage of holding their land under a tenure more defined and more secure for themselves and their posterity, than they can possibly enjoy under their present intricate and complicated mode of holding property. 17.1 enclose also a copy of the Draft Form of Native Deed to be used by you, subject to such variations as you may find necessary. 18. From your long residence at New Plymouth, and knowledge of the Natives, there is every reason to hope that your negotiations will shortly be attended with success ;—and I trust that every due precaution will be used by you to effect purchases in such a manner as to prevent disturbances amongst the Native?. To this point His Excellency the Governor directs particular attention. 19. It is most essential that the utmost harmony and unity of action should prevail between the several Officers of the Native Department; as nothing will prove so destructive to the influence that should be preserved over the Natives as disagreement between the Officers of the same service; and nothing of which a keen and discerning race like the Maories will be so apt to take advantage. Whatever differences, therefore, of opinion may be entertained by Officers in reference to Native subjects, I feel that it is hardly necessary for me to do more than incidentally remark that such differences should never be allowed to interfere with the friendly relations that ought always to subsist between gentlemen in the same Department of the Public Service, and which will, I trust, remain unimpaired as between yourself and the Assistant Native Secretary at New Plymouth. 20. Wishing you every success in your negotiations ; and generally in fulfilling the delicate and difficult duties which now devolve upon you, I have, &c, (Signed) Donald McLean, Chief Commissioner. Robt. Parris, Esq., J.P., District Commissioner, Taranaki. No. 2. copy of a DESPATCH from his excellency governor gore browne, c.b., to the right noN. SIR E. B. LYTTON, BART. Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, 29th March, 1859. Sir,— I have the honor to report for your information that I have recently visited the Province of Taranaki. I found the settlers dissatisfied with the Government and ill pleased with the Maories, who, though they possess large tracts of land which they cannot occupy, refuse to sell any part of it. The settlers complain that they have not sufficient pasturage for their flocks, and that immigrants and capitalists are driven to seek in other Provinces the accommodation which Taranaki cannot, under present circumstances, afford. 2. I received two separate deputations commissioned by the settlers to state their grievances, and discussed the subject fully with them. I informed them of what had been done by the Government, and of what is now in progress; assuring them of my earnest desire to meet their views when

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E—No. 3.

NATIVE INSURRECTION.

I could extinguish the Native tiMe to land satisfactorily, and without compromising the neutrality which I had determined to observe in all Native quarrels. I will not trouble you with details of these interviews, but the accompanying address, which was signed by the Superintendent and nearly the whole of the respectable inhabitants, shews that I | was fortunate in being able to afford satisfaction. 3. 1 had also an interview with the Chief, Wm. King, and a large part of his tribe, who came to see me. I took advantage of the opportunity to declare that, " for the future, I had determined that • " every man, whether lie be Maori or Pakeha, who may commit any violence or outrage within the ' " European boundaries shall be arrested and taken before the Judge, and the sentence of the Judge, ' " whatever it may be, shall be carried into effect; that I was determined the peace of the settlers •• should no longer be disturbed by evil doers; and that the Maories who are not content to live in " peace among the Pakehas had better go elsewhere." This declaration was received with satisfaction by both races who dwell within the European boundary, and will, I trust, have a beneficial effect. Wm. King and his men, who live outside the boundary, remained silent. 4. After this, a Chief, named Teira, offered some land for sale, which he and his relatives desired to dispose of to the Government, and which, as being situated at the mouth of the Waitara river, on the South bank, will be a valuable acquisition to the Province. He pressed for an immediate answer, and I replied that if he could give a satisfactory title I would accept his offer. Another Chief rose to object, but when asked if he had any claim to the land, admitted that he had not. William King then rose, and while asserting no claim to it, said he would never permit that land to be sold; then, waving his hand to his people, he and they left the meeting with some want of courtesy to myself. 5. Since then, progress has been made in ascertaining Teira's right to dispose of the land (of which there seems to be little doubt) and, if proved, the purchase will be completed. Should this be the case, it will probably lead to the acquisition of all the land South of the Waitara river, which is essentially necessary for the consolidation of the Province, as well as for the use of the settlers. It is also most important to vindicate our right to purchase from those who have both the right and the desire to sell. 6. The right to sell land belonging to themselves without interference on the part of the Chiefs (not having a claim to share in it) is fully admitted by Maori custom ; any recognition of such a power as that assumed by W. King would therefore be unjust to both races, because it would be the means of keeping millions of acres waste and out of cultivation. I have, however, little fear that Wm. King will venture to maintain his assumed right ; but have made every preparation to enforce obedience should he presume to do so. Copies of the instructions 1 have given to both the Civil and Military authorities are herewith enclosed. J 7. I found the settlers extremely anxious that favor should be shewn to Ihaiah, the Chief with i whom W. King is at feud, and who has always been a friend to the English. His quarrel with King « is chiefly because the latter has some claim on the land which he desires to sell, and which King will neither yield nor sell. I have, however, declared my firm determination to remain entirely neutral in this and all other Native feuds, and to purchase no land without the consent of all who have L a claim to it. „ 1 granted an amnesty to Ihaiah because the murder of which he was cognizant was a retributive T one, and quite in accordance with the Maori law of right ; but I positively declined to interfere any 21 further in his favour. Ihaiah then wrote to me, requesting that I would take him and his people under my protection, and declaring that he and they would submit to English law, I replied that he would find the same protection which is invariably afforded to all who seek it, without distinction of race or tribe, if he chose to come into the Settlement and under the British flag, but that I should not send an escort to brinij him in, as my so doing would make it appear that I was a partizan of his. 8. On the whole, I venture to say that my visit to Taranaki has been useful; it has enabled me to satisfy the settlers that their interests have not been neglected; the Natives have had an opportunity of discussing various matters; and if the land now under negotiation can be obtained legitimately and without breach of Maori ideas of right, I have little doubt that other tracts of land of considerable extent will be offered for sale, and I shall thus be able to satisfy the demands of all moderate men among the settlers. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. Enclosure in No. 2. CIRCULAR TO OFFICERS OF THE NATIVE DEPARTMENT AT TARANAKI. New Plymouth, 23rd March, 1859. The Governor wishes to impress upon the Officers connected with the Native Service that he desires to maintain a strict neutrality. If Criminal Offences are committed within the English boundary the law must take its course without distinction of race.

No. 1Address of Set' tiers, Taranaki. 15th MarchTlM9.

No. 2. The Governor'! Address to Natives, Taranaki. Bth March, 1859.~

No. 3. Instructions to Civil Officers, Taranaki, 33rd March, 1859.

No. 4. Letter to Major Murray, Coranainlirig at raranaki. 'let March, 1859,

3

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

Any oneclaiming the protection of the British flag must be permitted to avail himself of it, and be guarded from all danger while under.it; but no aid should be given to enable Natives to elude or overawe their opponents in order that they may reach the settlement. It must be clearly understood that no force must ever be used against the Natives, or any party of them, unless in order to punish some direct and distinct outrage on their part. Individuals should not be allowed to pass through or out of the town armed as if for offence. Armed bodies would be prevented from so doing , by the Officer Commanding the Troops. By His Excellency's command, (Signed) F. G. Steward, Private Secretary.

No. 3. COPT OF A LETTER FROM TE TEIRA AND RETIMANA TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. Te Hurirapa, March 15th, 1859. Go thou, my loving letter, to the Governor, to Mr. McLean, Mr. Cutfield, and to Mr. Parris. Salutations to you all. I have received, and am greatly pleased, with the copy of the Governor's Address. Friend, it is true I have given up Waitara to you; you were pleased with my words, I was pleased with your words. It is a piece of land belonging to Retimana and myself, if you are disposed to buy it never mind if it 'S only sufficient for three or four tents to stand upon, let your authority settle on it, lest you should forget your child Teira; but my regard towards you shall not cease as long as I live; it rests with the Almighty to preserve the body and the soul. You are the strong pa to protect the orphan, the widow, and the poor throughout life. Let other Natives occasion evil respecting land, and give it hands. Those Natives who are obstinate about the sale of land are seeking destruction; but those who wish to live by the Word of God, seek life everlasting, therefore I say to them, pass from death to life, never mind false notions, but consider the great sacrifice made for us by Christ, the Lamb, who knew no sin. Go straight, this letter, to your father, Governor Browne, —to your father now here, and who will preserve you. From Teira, and Retimana.

No. 4. COPT OF A LETTER FROM TE TEIRA AND RETIMANA TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. Te Hurirapa, March 20th, 1859. Go, this letter of love, to my father. Governor Browne, to Mr. McLean, Mr. Parris, Mr. Halse, and Mr. Cutfield. Salutations to you. I am endeavouring to find out the justice of the interference of the people with our (himself and Richmond) love to you. Your word advising them to mark off their own pieces of land within our line (boundary of the block offered by Teira) they have received, but they do not consent. I consent because it is correct. The advice comes from a healthy source. Be stout-hearted, and move quickly in what you intend to do. Consider also you are the beginner and finisher of what is to be done. If they continue to oppose U9, how will you act ? but see for yourselves personally how they are likely to act; if they persist, adopt a safe plan for finishing it, and for us. You see their interference with other men's rights. This word of mine is a sign for the living: my thoughts are, that they think by their anger to prevent marriage, and to reject the food prepared by God; but this I will explain to you, if you come to-morrow (Monday). Be mild and collected; if they use bad language pay them with the Word of God. From Te Teira, and Retihana.

No. 5. ASSISTANT KATITE SECRETARY TO MU. FARKIS. Chief Land Purchase Commissioner's Office, Auckland, March 29, 1859. SiK,— With reference to a letter from Te Teira and Retimana addressed to His Excellency the Governor, and dated the 20th instant, with the contents of which you are acquainted, I have the'

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E—No. 3.

NATIVE INSURRECTION.

honor, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, to request that you will visit Te Teira in person, for the purpose of conferring with him on the subject of hi 3 communication. I have, &c, E. Parris, Esq., T. H. Smith. District Commissioner, Taranaki.

No. 6. ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY TO HE. PARRIS. Chief Land Purchase Commissioner's Office, Auckland, April 2nd, 1859. Sir,— I have the honor to enclose herewith, for your information and perusal, two open letters addressed to Te Teira and VViremu Kingi on the subject of the offer by the former of his land at Waitara, and to request that you will be good enough to seal and forward them as addressed. I have, &c, For the Chief Commissioner, E. Parris, Esq., J.P., (Signed) Thos. H. Smith. District Commissioner, Taranaki.

Enclosure 1 in No. 6. ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY TO TE TEIRA. Auckland, April 2nd, 1859. Friend Te Teira,— Salutations to you. Your letter of the 15th day of this month has been received relative to the land which you offer for sale. The Governor consents to your word, that is, as regards your own individual piece, but be careful that your boundary does not encroach upon the land of any person who objects to sell, that is, let it not be included within the boundaries of that land which you publicly offered to the Governor in the presence of the meeting held on the Bth day of March ; but consent will be given to the purchase of land that belongs to yourself. From yours, &c, (Signed) Tβ Mete (T. H. Smith). To Te Teira, Taranaki. Enclosure 2 in No. 6. ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY TO WIREMU KINGI. Auckland, April 2nd, 1859. Friend Wiremu Kingi,— Salutations to you. Word has come from Te Teira offering for sale his piece of land at Waitara. The Governor has consented to his word, that is, as regards his own individual piece, not that which belongs to any other persons. The Governor's rule is, for each man to have the word (or say) as regards his own land ; that of a man who has no claim will not be listened to. This is merely written to let you know the word of the Governor in answer to Te Teira's and Te Eetimana's lttter. From, &c., (Signed) Te Mete (T. H. Smith). To Wiremu Kingi, Taranaki.

No. 7. MR. PARRIS TO ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY. Land Purchase Office, New Plymouth, April 23rd, 1859. Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, enclosing one for Te Teira and one for William King of Waitara, which I forwarded in due course, and the following

5

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

day I received Te Tc-ira's reply, which I have the honor herewith to transmit for the information of His Excellency's Government. With respect to the allusions about the letter to King Potatau, I beg to report that the last mail from the North brought information that an anonymous letter had been sent to Waikato purporting to offer the land from the European boundary, to the Maori King, and that an anonymous letter was to be sent in reply, which has not yet been received. I have, &c, (Signed) Robert Pakris, T. H. Smith, Esq , J.P., District Commissioner. Assistant Native Secretary, Bee, Bk., Auckland.

Enclosure in No. 7. TE TEIRA TO THE GOVERNOR. Hurirapa, Waitara, April 20th, 1859. Go, this letter of love, to the Governor. Your letter to myself and Richmond we have received. The land that I and Richmond consented for you to have, belongs to myself, Richmond, Hemi Watakingi, Paranihi, Rawiri, my father Thomas, and Nopera. It belongs to all of us, the laud that we two consented to, the seven consent to our offering it to you. it is our laud from our ancestors, and therefore we consent rightly for you to have it. lam not rashly interfering with other people's hind, the land is ours, and therefore we were right in giving it to you or. the Bth of March near Mr. Parris's house, in the presence of a Council of 158, who heard me consent for you to have it. Do not listen to the words of others, but look to us seven. The thought was mine and Richmond's to sell to you. Mr. Parris is holding us back for the movement for peace with Ihaia and his people. I tell him not to do so, but that he and the Governor should settle it at once. Mr. Parris says, wait until Ihaia and William King have made friends. If peace should not be agreed upon, what will you do ? Pay us, because there is a letter sent to the King about the piece of land I and Richmond have offered yon and Mr. McLean, and therefore I say pay us. From your loving child, Teira; also Richmond, Hemi, and To our loving Father the Governor, Paranihi. and Mr. Smith. I have a word to say to you about a summons for our land which I and Richmond gave you and Mr. McLean. The Councillors of Wiremu Kingi Witi Rangitake have sent a letter to King Potatau to prevent the sale of it. I tell them it is no good, I shall do as I think with my land. I think favorably of the Governor, Mr. McLean, Mr. Parris, and Mr. Cutfield for my laud. Look towards me, and do not turn from your child Teira, from his true word to God and to the Governor.

No. 8. WIREMU KINGI TO THE GOVERNOR. Waitara, 25th April, 1859. Friend, — Salutations to you. Your letter has reached me about Te Teira's and Te Retimana's thoughts. I will not agree to our bedroom being sold (I mean Waitara here), for this bed belongs to the whole of us; and do not you be in haste to give the money. Do you hearken to my word. If you give the money secretly, you will get no laud for it. You may insist, but I will never agree to it. Do not suppose that this is nonsense on my part; no, it is true, for it is an old word; and now I have no new proposal to make, either as reganL selling or anything else. All I have to say to you, O Governor, is that none of this land will be given to you, never, never, not till I die. I have heard it said that lamto be imprisoned because of this land. lam very sad because of this word. Why is it? You should remember that the Maories and Pakehas are living quietly upon their pieces of laud, and therefore do not you disturb them. Do not say also that there is no one so had as myself. This is another word to you, 0 Governor. The land will never, never be given to you, not till death. Do not be anxious for men's thoughts. This is all I have to say to you. From your loving friend, Wiremu Kingi Whiti. To His Excellency the Governor, Auckland.

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NATIVE INSURRECTION.

No 9

ME. TAURIS TO ASBISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY. Land Purchase Office, New Plymouth, May 23rd, 1859. Sir,— I have the honor herewith to transmit a letter from Te Teira and others of Waitara to His Excellency the Governor. I beg to state that I have not taken any steps in this matter with Wm. King and his people, on account of the meetings they have been holding, for the question of a General peace, which I considered it would not be prudent to interrupt. The result of their meetings so far, has been satisfactory for the people South of Waitara, for the feeling of enmity which has existed for many years, appears to be removed; but as yet Wm. King refuses to extend it to Nikorima and lhaia, although many of his people are anxious that it should be, and are urging it upon him. Te Teira and his party are growing very restless, particularly since the news of the purchase of Waitotara. i I have, &c, (Signed) Robert Parris, T. H. Smith, Esq., J. P., District Commissioner. Assistant Native Secretary, Auckland.

Enclosure in No. 9. TE TEHJA AND OTHERS TO THE GOVERNOR. Hurirapa, May 23rd, 1859. Go, this letter of love, to Governor Browne. Salutations to you. Listen to our words. lam pressing Mr. Parris to settle our question for Waitara. You consent to our words to you for our piece of land at Waitara, which we consented to give to you, Mr. McLean, and Mr. Parris. Our thoughts are, that you should shorten our work, and pay us for our piece of land at Waitara, because if it is prolonged, it will be the same as a female forsaken by her lover. But marry, then we shall sleep properly upon the sacred Law of God. From TEiaA, Kawiri, Him, Tamati, RITIMANA, NOPERA. Paranihi,

No. 10. ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY TO MR. PARRIS. Chief Land Purchase Commissioner's Office, Auckland, May 27th, 1859. Sir, — , I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 18th and 28rd ultimo, enclosing communications from Te Teira, who has been informed that his letters will be brought under the notice of His Excellency the Governor on his return from the South. I have, &c, R. Parris, Esq.. (Signed) T. H. Smith. District Commmissioner, Taranaki.

No. I\. ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY TO DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, TARANAKI. Native Land Purchase Commissioner's Office, Auckland, July 19th, 1859 Sir, — I have the honor, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, to forward to you, open, the enclosed letter to Te Teira on the subject of the land offered by him at Waitara, which, having perused, you will have the goodness to hand to Te Teira. I have, &c, (Signed) Tiios. H. Smith. Diitrict Commissioner, Taranaki.

7

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

Enclosure in No. 11

ASSISTANT NAIIVE SECRETARY TO TE TEIRA.

Auckland, 19th July, 1859. Friend Te Teira,— Salutations. Your letter of the 30th May has been received relative to the land at Waitara, which you offer for sale. The Governor says that you had better apply to Mr. Parris, to the person appointed by the Governor to purchase land in that district; it is for him to arrange the terms and other matters relative to land offered to the Government, the Governor merely accepts or rejects the offer. In this case the Governor has agreed to take the laud ; be under no apprehension, therefore, the Governor's word will be kept, although the matter may not be arranged in a day. The Governor still keeps it in mind, he will neither forget nor alter. The Governor is in favour of the land being purchased; but the best thing, in his estimation, is for peace to be preserved at Taranaki. The arrangement of what you mentioned will not be delayed. From your friend, (Signed) Nα Te Mete (Thos. H. Smitii.) To Te Teira, at Taranaki.

No. 12. ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY TO MR. FARKIS. Native Land Purchase Department, Auckland, September 27th, 1859. Sir,— With reference to the offer to the Government by Te Teira and others of a block of land on the south bank of the Waitara River, I have the honor by direction of the Governor, to convey to you His Excellency's authority to make an immediate advance in part payment for the land referred to, should you be able to satisfy yourself that the parties offering it, have an indisputable title. You will, however, inform Te Teira that the purchase will not be completed until Mr. McLean visits Taranaki. I have, &c, R. Parris, Esq, (Signed) T. H. Smith. District Commissioner, Taranaki.

No. 13. TE TEIRA AND OTHERS TO THE GOVERNOR. Ohuka, New Plymouth, October 18th, 1859. Go, this letter of love, to His Excellency Governor Browne and Mr. Smith. Your letters have been received by me, and your love also to your children, who love that good matter which I gave up in the open daylight to you and Mr. McLean, but your love is still kept by Mr. Parris (that is) our ring, Hemi, Paranahi, and I wish the matter to be settled at once, according to your word; and Mr. Parris wishes it to stand over till Mr. McLean arrives, when it will be given to me. I said no; Mr. Parris must give me the payment for my ancestor which was given to His Excellency and Mr. McLean by Te Teira. If you receive this letter write to Mr. Parris and request him to give it to us, and the payment for our daughter to me. I have spoken your word to the people, and they do not consent. Mr. Parris has been to Waitara three times, but Wiremu Kingi did not agree with his words. Mr. Parris said " The Governor and I will not cease to act in this matter." Wiremu Kingi asked " Shall I go to the mountains?" Mr. Parris said "It is with you;" but Mr. Parris will not cease to act in this matter. These are all the words on this subject. This is another word: we have heard from Europeans that the coppers (money) have been sent, but Mr. Parris did not tell us. Is this word true? So ends. From Te Teira, Hemi, PARANim. His Excellency the Governor, and T. H. Smith, Esq., Assistant Native Secretary. Auckland.

8

E—No. 3

NATIVE INSURRECTION.

No. 14,

DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, TAEANAKI, TO CHIEF LAND PURCHASE COMMISSIONER.

New Plymouth, December 4th, 1859. Sir, — I have the honor to inform you, that on Tuesday, 29th ultimo, I paid an instalment of one hundred pounds to Teira and others for their land at Waitara. On Friday, 25th ultimo, I went to Waitara, and informed Wm. King that I purposed doing so. On Tuesday, 29th ultimo, he came to town with a party of about thirty to oppose it. I prevailed on them to meet Teira and party and discuss the question, which was done in a very orderly manner, in the presence of a large audience of Europeans. Wm. King avowed his determination to oppose the sale, without advancing any reason for doing so; upon which I put a series of questions to him, which I called upon the Rev. Mr. Whiteley to witness. Q. Does the land belong to Teira and party?— A. Tes, the land is theirs, but I will not let them sell it. Q. Why will you oppose their selling that which is their own? — A. Because I do not wish for the land to be disturbed; and although they have floated it, I will not let it go to sea. Q. Shew me the justice or correctness of your opposition? — A. It is enough, Parris, their bellies are full with the sight of the money you have promised them, but don't give it to them; if you do, I won't let you have the land, but will take it and cultivate it myself. Teira stops in town since he received the instalment, considering it not safe for him to stop at Waitara. I have, &c, (Signed) Eobert Parris, District Commissioner. I hereby certify that the above questions were put, and the answers given, as reported by Mr. Commissioner Parris. (Signed) John Whitelet. The Chief Commissioner, &c, &c, &c, Auckland.

No. 15. ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY TO TEIRA AND OTIIERS. Auckland, 21st December, 1859. Friend Te Teira, — Salutations to you. Your letter of the 18th October, respecting the money—the payment for your piece of land—has come. The Governor has sent instructions to Mr. Parris regarding that matter. You had better go and talk with him about it. He will carry out the Governor's instructions at the proper time. From your friend, (Signed) Nα Te Mete. (Thos. H. Smith.) To Te Teira, Hemi, and Paranihi, Taranaki,

No. 16. TE TEIRA AND OTHERS TO THE GOVERNOR. Waitoki, January 19, 1860. Go this loving letter to Governor Browne and to Mr. Smith. Friends, salutations to you. This is our word to you. Hearken. Why do you delay? You say that Mr. Parris has the arrangement of the matter. Mr. Parris says that it lies with the Governor to consummate our marriage with the beautiful woman, Waitara—with the land which we have given up to you. Give your consent at my request. You said that it was deceit on my part. Agree that Mr. Parris shall complete it; do not delay the matter. If you are willing to do so, write to me; and if you are not, write to me. Write speedily, that it may come straight to your children who are residing with Mr. Parris. We are sad, because of our marriage with this woman being deferred so long. This woman that we gave to you in the face of day is now lying cold. You had better turn her towards you and

9

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

warm her that she may sleep comfortably in the middle of the bed. Come also yourself, that I may know your intentions, and that you may hear my word to you. Come my father the Governor. This is our letter to you. From Te Teira, Paranihi, Hemi, Te Retimana, Tamati, Rawhiri, Weterinj, Matiu, Ebuera, Hori. To His Excellency Governor Browne, Auckland.

No. 10. Miscellaneous.

: i. Native Minister to Mr. Farrii, 25th Jan., iB6O. «• ; The Gorernor to Col. Cold, a.',th Jan,, 1860, with enclosure. lii. Colonial Secretary to Col. Murray, 25th Jary IBfiO.

No. 17. COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.8., TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE. Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, 25th January, 1860. My Lord Ddke, — In my despatch No. 29, of 29th March, 1859, I informed Sir Bulwer Lytton that I had accepted the offer of a Chief named Teira to sell to the Government a portion of land at " Taranaki, provided he could prove an indisputable title to it, and that I would not permit any Chief to interfere with that engagement unless he could shew some claim to the land in question, a decision which your Grace has been pleased to approve. The title of Teira and the other proprietors having since then been proved and extinguished, and a large instalment of the purchase money having been paid, I have directed the survey to be made in the usual manner. Rumours have reached me that the survey will be interrupted by the Chief William King (who has evidently been advised by some disaffected person) and that difficulties may ensue. Ido not put much faith in these rumours, or anticipate resistance when the Natives see that, though always ready to consider every reasonable objection, I am not the less determined to enforce Her Majesty's right to deal with her own subjects without hindrance from any one not having a legitimate interest in the transaction. I have, however, taken every precaution, and made preparations for any contingency which may arise. I have the honor to enclose a copy of the instructions sent to the Assistant Land Purchase , Commissioner, together with the copy of a letter I have written to Col. Gold, the Officer Commanding the Troops in New Zealand, and one from the Colonial Secretary addressed to the Officer Commanding at Taranaki. I trouble your Grace with the present Despatch only as a matter of information, and trust it may not be necessary to refer to it again. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c, &c.

j n • "•

Enclosure 1 in No. 17. HR. RICHMOND TO MR. PARRIS. Office of Minister for Native Affairs, Auckland, 25th January, 18G0. Sir,— I have the honor, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, to inform you, that His Excellency, with the advice of the Executive Council, has determined that the survey of Te Teira's land at Waitara shall be proceeded with without further delay. The survey is to be commenced in the first instance, without any display of force, by a Surveyor attended only by an ordinary survey party—all being unarmed—-you yourself being present on the ground, or not, as may seem expedient. You are to take care that the intended commencement of the survey is publicly known ; and in particular that Wiremu Kingi and his party are made fully aware of it, and of the firm determination of His Excellency to complete the purchase. You will, however, avoid any official or formal announcement which might wear the aspect of an irritating challenge to the opposing party. Should resistance be made to the survey, -the survey party will quietly retire ; and you are then to intimate to Lieutenant-Colonel Murray that the assistance of a Military Force has become necessary. Military possession of the Block will thereupon be taken and kept by the Forces under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Murray, who has received instructions upon the subject, and the survey is to be prosecuted under the protection of the Troops.

10

E—No. 3

NATIVE INSURRECTION.

As regards the payment of the balance of Te Teira's purchase money before commencing the survey, or at any subsequent time, you are to use your discretion. The Sub-Treasurer at New Plymouth has been instructed to make the necessary advances on your requisition. The Governor relies upon your tact and firmness in the execution of the difficult service entrusted to you, hoping that matters may be so conducted as to obviate the necessity of resorting to force, but feeling at the same time that it is impossible for himself, as Her Majesty's Representative, to withdraw from the position which he has deliberately assumed in reference to this affair. I have, &c. (Signed) C. W. EiOhmond. R. Parris, Esq., New Plymouth. Enclosure 2 in No. 17. GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.8., TO THE OFFICER COMMANDING THE TROOPS. Government House, Auckland, 25th January, 1860. Sir, — I have the honor to forward an extract of the Minutes recorded in the Executive Council, held 25th January, 1860, and request you to give such instructions as you may deem necessary to the Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Troops at New Plymouth, to enable him to carry into effect the views and wishes of the Executive Council. A copy of the instructions sent to the Assistant Native Land Purchase Commissioner is herewith enclosed. A Proclamation enabling the Officer Commanding at New Plymouth to declare Martial Law, and power to call out the Militia, will be forwarded by first mail to Colonel Murray direct. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne, Governor. The Hon. the Officer Commanding the Troops, Auckland. Sub-enclosure to Enclosure 2 in No. 17. EXTRACT FROM MINUTBS OF THE EXECUTIVE COtTNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 25TH JANUART, 1860. PttESBNT: His Excellency the Governor, The Honorable the Attorney-General, The Honorable the Officer Commanding the Troops, The Honorable the Colonial Treasurer, The Honorable the Colonial Secretary, The Honorable Mr. Tancred. The Governor submits to the Council the question of the completion of the purchase from the Native Chief Te Teira of a certain block of land, situated in the Province of Taranaki, at the mouth of the Waitara, on its South and left bank, as a preliminary to which, a survey of the land is necessary. The Council, after a full consideration of the circumstances of the case, advise : Ist. That Mr. Parris be instructed to have the said land surveyed in the ordinary manner, and te take care that the Native Chief William King be indirectly, but not officially, made aware of the day on which the survey will be commenced. 2nd. Should William King or any other Native endeavour to prevent the survey, or in any way interfere with the prosecution of the work, in that case that the surveying party be protected during the whole performance of their work by an adequate Military Force under the command of the Senior Military Officer; with which view power to call out the Taranaki Militia and Volunteers, and to proclaim Martial Law, be transmitted to the Commanding Officer at New Plymouth. 3rd. That when the survey shall have been completed, the Officer Commanding at New Plymouth shall, until further instructed, keep possession, by force if necessary, of the said land, so as to prevent the occupation of, or any act of trespass upon it, by any Natives. 4th. That the Civil Authorities at New Plymouth be instructed to assist and co-operate, by every means in their power, with the Military Authorities in carrying out these instructions. And the Honorable Colonel Gold and the Honorable C. W. Richmond are to give the necessary directions accordingly. (Signed) F. G. Steward, Clerk of Executive Council,

Nβ. 7.

11

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

Enclosure 3 in No. 17

MR. STAFFORD TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL MURRAY. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 25th January, 1860. Sir, — Referring to instructions which you will receive from the Officer Commanding the Troops in New Zealand, relative to the employment of a Military force, if necessary, in maintaining occupation on behalf oi the Crown of a block of land at the mouth of the Waitara, purchased by the Crown from Te Teira and ordered to be surveyed, I have the honor to forward herewith to you a Proclamation by His Excellency the Governor proclaiming that Martial Law will be exercised throughout the Province of Taranaki from the date of the publication in that Province of the said Proclamation. I also transmit an Instrument appointing you to be the Governor's Deputy for the purpose of directing the Officer commanding the Militia in the District of Taranaki to draw out for actual service the Taranaki Militia, or such number thereof as you may judge necessary. It will be obvious to you that the Proclamation should only be published by you, and operative effect given to the other instrument, under such circumstances as in your opinion render it impossible to carry out the wishes of the Government without resorting to the powers conferred by these documents. I have, &c., Lieutenant Colonel Murray, (Signed) E. W. Stafford. Commanding Detachment, New Plymouth.

l>o. 01.

No. 18. MR. STAFFORD TO SUPERINTENDENT OF TARANAKI. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, January 26, 1860. Sik,— j jj aye t}] e honor to transmit for your Honor's information copy of instructions to Mr. Parris relative to the survey of the land purchased from Te Teira at the mouth of the Waitara, and to inform your Honor that the Government will for the present retain and occupy that land on behalf of the Crown, for which purpose a Military force will be employed if necessary. The Government relies upon the cordial co-operation of the respective Civil Authorities of Taranaki with each other and with the Military Authorities in the event of Military operations being necessary to carry out the instructions of the Government. The Resident Magistrate at New Plymouth has been informed of the views of the Government on this subject. I have, &c, (Signed) E. W. Stafford. His Honor the Superintendent, New Plymouth.

-. T JNo, "• Mihtaey. ~" --■'

j eoionei Gold,' 56th Feb., leeo, with g enclosures. "• ' m . (Eztnett) o. Cuifleid, Ttranati, 24th Feb. iB6O.

No. 19. COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.8., TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE. Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, 27th February, 1860. My Lord Duke, — Contrary to the expectations I expressed to your Grace in my Despatch No. 10, of 25th January last, the Chief William King has resisted the survey of the land purchased from the Chief Teira, at Waitara, in the Province of Taranaki. No violence was offered, but the unsettled state of the tribes both North and South of that district, and the continuance of the King movement led me to think it necessary to take every possible precaution to prevent bloodshed, the consequence of which it would be impossible to foresee. I enclose copies of the reports sent to the Officer Commanding the Troops, by Lieut.-Colonel Murray, the Officer Commanding at Taranaki, together with such other information as I have received. P™ate letters are full of surmises and alarms, and talk of a war of races; but I do not put faith in them, or anticipate any real opposition, when the Chief Wm. King sees that I am determined Dot to permit him to defy Her Majesty's Government. j have, however, thought it my duty to make every preparation in my power; I have accordingly requested the Captain of H.M.S. "Niger," to proceed at once to Taranaki; Col. Gold will embark as

12

NATIVE INSURRECTION.

E—No. 3.

many men as the " Airedale," steamer, (now in the Manukau harhor) will accommodate; and he and I will accompany them to Taranaki, which we hope to reach on Wednesday, the 29th instant. Should we then deem it necessary, the " Airedale" will return for the remainder of the 65th Regiment stationed in Auckland; so that in eight or nine days from this time, there ought to be about 450 regular Troops and the " Niger" at Taranaki. Volunteers will be called for to protect Auckland during the absence of the Troops, and I have requested the Officer Commanding H.M. Brig " Elk" (which is expected in Auckland in a fortnight) to remain until he hears from me. In conclusion, I beg Your Grace to believe that I have taken these steps as a precaution against, rather than from an expectation of any serious difficulty, which nothing but a belief in our weakness, would encourage the Natives to create. On my arrival at Taranaki, I shall again warn Wm, King, and if hostilities should be forced on us, I shall communicate with the most important Maori Chiefs, explaining the justice of our cause and the absolute want of any sort of title on the part of W. King to interfere between Her Majesty's Government and any of her subjects desiring to sell property, to which he does not even allege any claim. This will, lam sure, be recognised and admitted by the Maories; and, unless other influences are brought to bear on the subject, I have no doubt they will fully acquiesce in the course I have adopted. I have, &c., (Signed) T. Goeb Browne. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c, &c.

Enclosure 1 in No. 19. COLONEL GOLD XO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOTEENOK. Auckland, New Zealand, February 26th, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to forward for your Excellency's information the enclosed letters from Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Murray, 65th Eegiment, Commanding Her Majesty's Troops at Taranaki; and having duly considered his application for a reinforcement, I have the honor to recommend that in order to stop further troubles on behalf of the Natives headed by the Chief William King, 2 Guns, and as many Artillery and Infantry as can possibly be spared from this Garrison, be forthwith despatched to Taranaki; and that the Militia and Volunteers of Auckland be called out to carry on the duties of this Garrison. I propose going down there to assume command myself, by the earliest opportunity. I have, &c, C. E. Gold, Colonel 65th llegiment, Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, Auckland.

No. 2393.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 19. New Plymouth, February 20, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to inform you that on arriving at Waitara this morning with a Surveying Staff for the purpose of Surveying the block of land sold to the Government, we were met by a party of from 60 to 80 of Wm. King's Natives, who refused to allow us to proceed with the work. I have now the honor to intimate to you (in accordance with my instructions from the Government) that the assistance of a Military force has become necessary. I have, &c, (Signed) Robert Parris, Colonel Murray, District Commissioner. Commander of Forces, New Plymouth.

Enclosure 2 in No. 19. Superintendent's Office, Taranaki, February 21st, 1860. Sib, — In conformity with instructions contained in a Despatch from the Colonial Secretary of the 26th ult., I had the honor to place the Provincial Surveyor under the directions of the District Land

13

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

Purchase Commissioner, for the survey of Teira's land at Waitara. The surveyor has just returned, and reports that the survey has been resisted by Natives residing in the neighbourhood. The importance of the issues that hang on this event will, I hope, be held to justify me in doubling your Excellency with the following remarks. The opinion of those persons in the settlement on whom I most rely in Native affairs, is divided in every possible way as to the turn this business may take, and I think it may be said, the future is sealed to anything like confident speculation. Under such circumstances it is prudent to anticipate the worst in our preparations—to look forward to the possibility of a protracted state of hostility on the part of the rebellious Natives, gradually absorbing all minor differences and uniting the body of the Maori population in opposition to your Excellency's Government. There is in roost parts of the settlement, a desire among the settlers to remain in their districts, organised as Volunteers and Militia for the protection of their property. That this is practicable, is the view of some persons of experience here ; end, if practicable, it is surely highly desirable. The Natives will make little resistance in the o|>cti field, but they look to intimidate and punish the Europeans through their large stake in the undefended country district*. It will be to take from them their hope of a successful resistance if we are prepared to meet them in this. On this ground, therefore, I respectfully submit to your Excellency the importance of such reinforcement of the regular troops as may dispense with the necessity for employing any part of the irregular force iv active Military operations proper. I pray your Excellency to take this suggestion into your consideration, and if it meets your approval, to take action thereupon. There is a very general desire that your Excellency should visit us in person at this time, and that a fully authorised member of your Executive Council should take up his residence among us. The time, lam sure, you will consider critical. I can assure you of the good will and determination of the settlers. All that is required to work the beet results from this disposition, is the presence of those in whom the fullest powers and most complete acquaintance with the intentions of your Excellency are united. Your presence would give the deepest satisfaction to all. It is also of the highest importance, in connection with one of the most delicate parts of the situation, the position of the loyal part of the Natives. Anything tending to make them feel their position equivocal, tends to slacken their adhesion to your Government. I am confident, therefore, on these grounds, in pressing on your Excellency's consideration the importance of your visiting us, to clear up all doubts and to put the whole business in such form, as may enable the Officer in Command of the Forces (in whom we feel hearty confidence) to act with the certainty of a man, who has that full knowledge of the whole of your plans which it is so difficult to convey by writing. I have, &c-, G. Cutfield, To His Excellency Superintendent. Colonel Gore Browne, C. 8., Governor and Commauder-in- Chief in New Zealand, &c., &c, &c.

Enclosure 3 in No. 19. EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM HIS HONOR G. CUTFIELD, ESQ., TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. New Plymouth, 24th February, 1860. * # * 'Pwo years since, when the Native war raged, and we had only our neutrality to maintain, there were in barracks 100 rank and file more than at present, and in addition, Captain King and his Artillery. Colonel Murray has, with the modesty of a Commanding Officer, asked for 50 more men ; I would ask for all that could be spared, and a ship to boot, so that the insurrection may at once be quelled. It would be cheapest in the end, and prevent an outbreak in some other quarter, not improbable, should it linger too long here. • * * I have, &c, (Signed) G. Cutfield.

Separate. -

No. 20. copy of a DESPATCH from governor gore browne, c.b., to his grace the dukb or NEWCASTLE. Taranaki, New Zealand, 2nd March, 1860. My LORD DUKE, — I have the honor to inform your Grace that I arrived at this place in the

14

NATIVE INSURRECTION.

E—No. 3

" Airedale " steamer, on the morning of the Ist March, and H.M.S.S. " Niger," arrived in the evening of the same day. The strength of the Troops assembled at Taranaki is shown below. * I sent immediately Messrs. Parris and Ilogan (gentlemen of the Native Department intimately acquainted with the JNlaorics of this Province) to the Chief William King, desiring him to come and see me, and giving him a written promise of safety under my own hand. These gentlemen were sent from place to place, and would not have succeeded in obtaining an interview with him had it not been for Mr. Whiteley, a Wesleyan Missionary, whom I requested to accompany them. Mr. W hiteley went some distance from the pah alone, and succeeded in bringing the Chief back to his people, where he held a conference with Messrs. Parris and Ilogan. After a long desultory talk, in which he asserted no proprietary claim to the land, he said he would either come or send his final decision to me this day. The place to which he has retreated is far back in the woods and exceedingly difficult of access, but enables him to command many straggling settlements recently occupied by Europeans, most of whom have taken refuge in the town. I have now the honor to forward a translation of his letter in reply, which is nothing but a mockery and a subterfuge to obtain time until he can get assistance. It is now my intention to request Colonel Gold to occupy the land at the mouth of the Waitara with Her Majesty's Troops, taking every possible care to avoid a collision unless it is forced upon him. T shall there erect (at the expense of the local government) a block house large enough to hold a Company of regular troops, and strong enough to be left in charge of twenty men. My future movements will depend on the conduct of W. King, but I am still in hopes of being able to avoid bloodshed. I learn from the Missionaries and others that the Natives generally, have been for some time alarmed by the most mischevious and unfounded reports of our intentions towards them, that they generally admit the justice of the course I have adopted, and would not think of interfering were they not prompted to do so by their own fears and suspicions. To allay these fears as much as possible I caused certain documents to be printed and circulated in Maori of which a translation is enclosed. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. Ilia Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c., &c, &c.

No. 21. copy of a DESPATCH from governor gore browne c.b. to his grace the duke OF NEWCASTLE. New Plymouth, New Zealand. 12th March, 1860. Mi Lord Duke, — In continuance of my Despatch "separate" of the 2nd M<»rch, I have now the honor to inform Your Grace that Colonel Gold marched to the Waitara with the troops as below f on the morning of the sth March and reached the encamping ground about 11 a.m.

No. 2i. Military.

15

* Strength of Force it Taranaki, 3! :d Man :h, I861 00 5 £ I UQ 2 s •e Corps and Departments. ■5 I a I 2 c 2 S3 s V> General Staff Commissariat Department.. Military Slore Department Medical Department Purveyor's Department Royal Artillery Royal Engineers GSlh Foot .. i 1 1 3 1 1 a 1 8 '2 1 29 19 10 3S1 1 3 3 9 Totals 1 4 10 9 330 34 » (Signed) James Paw,, Captain, 65th Kegt., Actini Major Brigade.

Corps, i> •, Officers. Sergeant!. Drummers. Rank and File. Staff m, Royal ArtUltry Royal Engineers Cilh Regiment 5 1 1 32 2 1 sa 111 10 N8 u TOIAM 1:) 1)41

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

NOB. l and U. The Governor to Colonel Gold. 3rd March, 1860. No . 2. — TheGoTemortoNativej, 6th March, iB6O. No 3 R.ParrU, eth Mar., iB6ONo, 4. h. h. Turton, 7th Mar., Rev.j. n. Reim'ensneider nth March, iB6O.

I reached that place in H.M.S.S. "Niger" about four hours earlier. Some boats from the ship landed at once, and my Private Secretary, Captain Steward, Lieutenant Blake, R.N., and Mr. Rogan, Native Agent, seeing no one, advanced to meet the troops. They soon, however, discovered a number of natives lying in ambush, well concealed. After some talk with the Native Agent, who told them they were between the troops and the sailors, they retired, saying they would return. During the night W. Kingi's natives built a pah commanding the road, r.nd the following mornins: , ,° . • • , ,-, i • r i • -r i ■■-.. n ° , stopped an escort coming into camp. On hearing th;s, I sent a message by rrty Private Secretary and Mr. Parris, Native Agent fvide enclosure marked 2) saying, that if they did not evacuate it in twenty minutes, I should instruct the troops to fire on them. This had the desired efJect, and the pah (which was f oun( ] 0 have traverses and to be extraordinarily well designed) was burnt by the troops. I then returned to New Plymouth in lI.M. S.S. "Niger," information hav'ng been received that the natives on the south would attack the town at once.—See reports enclosed : Parrig, marked 3 ; Turton, marked 4; Missionary, marked 5. f orce j n tne town at th ; s t ;. me cons i s ted of about 300 Militia and Volunteers and 26 regular troops. Friendly natives also informed me, that other tribes were likely to join Wm. King, and that every endeavour would be made to cause a war between the races. I therefore oent for the company of the 65th Regiment stationed at Wellington, directing the Officer Commanding thers, to entrust the care of the town to the Militia; fifty men, a six-pounder gun, and a 12-pounder rocket tube were also landed from the " Niger." The European inhabitants cf the Tats.raimaka block were recommended to come into town, and two block-houses—one about four miles on the north, and the other five miles on the south—were erected to command the main roads and afford protection to stragglers. The native pali in the town was closed, and Maories admitted by passes given only to those who will sign a declaration of allegiance to Her Majesty. I further prepared to enrol the few natives who can be depended on, into an irregular company under the charge of Mr. Richard Brown, a gentleman who has been resident among them for very many years. The whole of the population is now assembled in the town, and the Militia and the Volunteers perform the ordinary military duties by day and night, with a good will which is deserving of the highest commendation. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c, &c.

Enclosure 1 in No. 21. THE GOVERNOR TO COLONEL GOLD. New Plymouth, 3rd March, 1860. Sir, — The reply from the chief, William King, received last night having been unsatisfactory, and evincing only a desire to gain time, I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to take military possession of the land purchased from the chief Teira, at the Waitara river. *#**♦# * It will be desirable that some policemen and some of the natives to whom the land belongs, should attend you in case of any attempt at what the natives consider passive resistance. Finally, I beg to observe that it is very desirable that collision should be avoided as long as it is possible to do so. * * * I shall be obliged, if you will keep me acquainted with your proposed movements. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. The Honble. Colonel Gold.

Enclosure 2 in No. 21. THE GOVEBNOR TO NATIVES. To the Chief who obstructs the Queen's Boad. You have presumed to block up the Queen's road, to build on the Queen's land, and to stop the free passage of persons going or coming. This is levying war against the Queen. Destroy the places your have built; ask my forgiveness and you shall receive it: if you refuse, the blood of your people be on your own head. I shall fire upon you in twenty minutes from this time if you have not obeyed my order. (Signed) T. Gore Browne.

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E—No. 3.

No. 22

COPT OF A DESPATCH FROM GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.8., TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 20th March, 18G0. My Lord Ddke, — I have the honor to forward a Report, received from Colonel Gold, of the destruction of a Native pah, together with a letter I addressed to him previous to his undertaking the operation. ■ I have, &C, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c, &c.

No. 26. mutiu. 1. Colonel 19 March, — The Governor, 11 March. '«so.

Enclosure in No. 22. COLONEL GOLD TO THE GOVERNOR. Gore Browne Redoubt, Waitara, 19th March, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to report, for your Excellency's information, that having been informed by Mr. Parris, Native Commissioner (copy of letter marked A, attached), that William King's party had erected another pah on the Government block of land for hostile purposes, I determined to destroy it as soon as the 24-pounder howitzers, I had ordered from New Plymouth, arrived. I accordingly on the 17th instant, at 12.20, marched with the force as per margin, leaving one Company 65th Kegi- ( raent under Captain Bulkeley of that Corps, who, though very unwell, cheerfully volunteered to protect ; our camp and stores. ' We passed the pah, which was about 1 J miles distance from this, leaving it 200 yards to our left, , and took up a position suitable for Artillery, having the Mounted Volunteers on the extreme right, to threaten the line of retreat of the enemy, and the Infantry, part extended and part in companies, to ' protect the guns. I then sent a summons to the Natives to surrender by Mr. Parris, whose services have been very valuable throughout; he speedily returned, and reported that the rebels vpould neither read nor receive it. The guns and rockets now opened upon the pah at about 750 yards. In half an hour I moved to the right to batter another face at shorter range, when the Natives opened fire upon us. I again took the same direction and fired at about 300 yards. Having made considerable havoc on this side, and a swamp debarring our further progress, I took ground to the left, when a rash but flaring move- i ment of the Volunteer horsemen occurred towards the pah. A heavy and well sustained fire was then ' opened upon us from two faces, on which occasion Mr. Sartin, of the Mounted Volunteers, and two privates, fisth Regiment, were dangerously wounded ; one of the latter, private William Corbett, I ! regret to say, is since dead. The enemy's musketry was silenced by the guns, and I continued the movement as far as the road on which we had advanced in the morning, 200 yards from the pah, where we should have commenced operations at first, had it not been necessary to make a show of turning the rebels' flank, ere I summoned them to surrender. The troops were now halted and formed in closed column, covered by the guns. A line of intrenchment was then drawn out by Lieutenant Mould, R.E., which the soldiers speedily converted into a suitable cover, guided by the intelligent non-commissioned officers of the Royal Engineers. During this operation we were within good range of a rapid anil continuous fire from rifles and musketry, and but for a kind Providence, might have sustained considerable loss. The guns were put in rear of the trenches, and it being nearly dark, we laid down on our arms, the fire from the pah continuing nearly all the night. On the morning of the 18th, as soon as there was sufficient light, the guns were advanced towards the stockade, covered by skirmishers of the 65th Regiment, who, with the Royal Engineers, soon threw »ip a trench in their front ; fire was then opened, after which another approach to about 50 yards, protected as before was made, and a breach in the pah soon made; into which the troops entered at 11.40 a.m., finding it, to their great disappointment, evacuated. The pah was strong and well built, with a fine double palisade of green wood, and curiously hollowed out and banked up with timber, fern, and earth. I have the honor to enclose a plan. After much labour it was taken to pieces and burnt. They left their flag and several tons of potatoes. We filled in our trenches and arrived at the camp by 4.30 p.m. I have, &c. (Signed) C. E. Gold, Colonel 65th Regiment, His Excellency the Governor, Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. &c, &c, &c. ■

No. 2422.

General Staff—l Colonel, 1 Lieut.-Colonel, 1 Captain, 2 Staff Sergeants. Royal Artillery—l Sub., 2 Sergeants, 17 Rank & File, 2 24-pounderhowi tiers, 112-pounder howitzer 65th Regt.—l Capt.. 6 Subs., 2 Staff, 10 Sergti., 7 Drs., 210 Rank it File. Royal Navy, " Niger"— 1 Lieutenant, 6 Seamen; 1 Rocket Tube. Mounted Volunteers—l Officer, 20 Men. Civil Aide-de-Camp to Officer Commanding the Forces—Lieutenant King, Militia. Royal Engineers—l Sub-, 9 Rank and File.

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A.—Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 22

No. 27. Military.

No. 1. Statement.

Camp, Waitara, March 17, 18G0. Sir,— I have the honor to inform you that the Natives, under William King, have erected a pah for hostile purposes upon the block of land sold to the Government. I have, &c, (Signed) Robert Parris, Colonel Gold, District Commissioner. Commanding the Foreeg. True Copy. (Signed) James Paul, Captain 65th Regiment, Acting Major of Brigade. No. 23. copy of a DESPATCH fkoji uovernor gore browns, c.b., to his grace the duke OF NEWCASTLE. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 22nd March, 18G0.. Mr Lord Duke, — It is with much regret that I have to inform your Grace that notwithstanding every endeavour. ;on my part to avoid hostilities, a collision has taken place between Her Majesty's Troops at the Waitara and the Natives. For your Grace's convenience, I enclose a printed statement of what has occurred up to the 18tU March. It is now clear to me that W. King has been encouraged in his opposition by an assurance of formidable support, and that the question of the purchase of an insignificant piece of land is merged iv the far greater one of nationality. I have insisted on this comparatively valueless purchase, because if I had admitted the right of a Chief to interfere between me and the lawful proprietors of the soil, I should soon have found further acquisition of territory impossible in any part of New Zealand. Even if the right of " mana" (viz., a feudal superiority without proprietary right in the land) exists at all, W. King could neither possess nor exercise it, Potatau; the Chief of the Waikatos, having obtained it by conquest, and sold all his claims at New Plymouth to the New Zealand Company. Without admitting this right, (whjch is the only one asserted by W. King) I could not vritb. reason have rejected the offer made to me by Teira and his party, because that was the only obstacle to their selling their land, and (by the Treaty of Waitangi) they are prevented from selling to any one but the Government. It follows that I must either have purchased this land, or recognised a right which would have made W. King virtual Sovereign of this part of New Zealand, which is the object of his avowed ambition. The condition of this Province has been for years unsettled and perilous. A desire to sell on the one part and a refusal to do so on the other, having been the cause of chronic feuds between the Natives themselves, frequently ending in battle and murder, fought or perpetrated indiscriminately ou European or Native land, and always liable to entangle the settlers with or without their own consent. Non-interference in these quarrels, so long as they were confined to the Native race, has been my invariable rule; but the time has arrived when to remain passive is quite as dangerous as to act with decision. Your Grace is aware that I have always considered that the Governor of New Zealand is tha natural guardian and trustee of the Native race; that I have strenuously maintained their right to do as they please with their own, and have resisted all attempts to coerce even a small minority of proprietors objecting to alienate land to which they can prove any title even according to Maori custom. I feel confident, therefore, that you will believe that the course I have now adopted is not only equitable, but has become unavoidable. I now turn to what is in my opinion the real question at issue. The Maories have seen with alarm the numerical increase of the Europeans, and recognise with bitterness of heart their own decrease. It is in vain to suggest precautions which might be adopted, and which would (under God's providence) probably arrest or diminish this decrease ; they connect their own decline with our ascendency; they talk and think of themselves as a race dying out; and the King movement, and the land league, are only practical results of thU feeling. The old savages, of whom there are still many, remind their hearers that the decrease of their nation commenced with the arrival of the Europeans, atid they have a firm superstition that we are in some way connected with it. From the best information I can obtain, I am led to believe that the present is an exceedingly critical time; the progress of civilization, which I have watched and reported with so much satisfaction, and the increased community of interest between the races—especially in the North—has alarmed tl H e old Chiefs and others who cling to a distinct nationality, and has led to extensive combinations on national grounds against what they term foreign, dominion. llcnco the extension of the King-

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NATIVE INSURRECTION.

E—No. 3.

movement. Tribes heretofore at deadly enmity with each other, and who would have gladly joined us to be revenged on their opponents, have buried their tribal quarrels, and are ready to uuite to arrest the progress of the Europeans and throw off their dominion. Had Her Majesty's Government thought it expedient to maintain a larger Military force in this Colony, it is probable that any local opposition (like the present one, which even the Maories cannot justify) might have been stamped out before it had time to spread; but though I denuded Auckland and Wellington of protection, and brought every soldier I could collect, embodying in a Militia every able-bodied man in this Province, the Maories entertain but small respect for our numbers, and believe that they cannot or will not be increased. A Pah which they erected in one night, and which was garrisoned only by about seventy Maories —occupied our Troops two days to capture and destroy ; a «torm of shot and shell did scarcely any execution, and finally it was evacuated with trifling loss. Meantime strong apprehensions have been entertained for the safety of the town, which is crowded by the families of settlers, who, with about one hundred and twenty of Her Majesty's 65tli Kegiment, form the Garrison, In making these statements, I beg to disclaim any doubt as to the superiority of Her Majesty's Troops, when able to induce their opponents to meet them in fair field, even with a great inequality of numbers. The Maories too are perfectly aware of this superiority, and will never meet us in the field; but their knowledge and ability to avail themselves of the fastnesses of the country, enable them to inflict severe loss on us and escape scathless themselves. Indeed it is not generally known that during the war in the North of New Zealand, the Maories were always far inferior in numbers to Her Majesty's Troops, but their deficiency in this respect was made up for, by the strength of the country in which they fought. Their skill in forming traverses and covered earthworks in their Pahs is also surprising and most admirable. In fact, lam inclined to believe that shot and shell are thrown away on these defences, and that nothing but an approach by earthwork will be found efficient. In the same way, the broken nature of the ground, the fern swamps and forest which surround the town, would enable them to pass our outposts unobserved, and to penetrate the town itself before they would be discovered. I have placed all these difficulties before your Grace—not as considering them as in any way insuperable-—but in the hope of convincing you that unless matters take a more favorable turn than m have any right to expect, a much larger number of troops than has hitherto been asked for, will be necessary to maintain possession of the Colony at all. I have written to the Governors of the Australian Colonies requesting them to send me such support as they are able, and they will inform your Grace how far they have been able to comply with my request. Finally, I transmit to your Grace the opinions of the two Military Officers in command, of the, Minister for Native Affairs, and the Native Secretary (Mr. McLean); and I submit respectfully that the peace of the Colony can only be ensured by the presence of a considerable Military force. Failing this protection, the Colony may be engaged in -war at any moment; immigration to the' Northern Island will then cease; many will abandon their homes, and their places will be supplied by bands of lawless men reproducing that state of anarchy ■vyhich existed prior to 1840, and to put an end ( to which, New Zealand was declared a British Colony. It is needless to say that such a contest would terminate only in the extinction of the Native race. I have some diffidence in expressing any opinion as to the number of troops required ; hitherto I ] have considered that 2000 men, with a strong Company of Artillery, would have enabled me to bring such a force into the field suddenly as would extinguish the first sparks of rebellion: now I am reluctantly compelled to say that I believe 3000 men, a Steam Gun Boat, and a Steamer of War, will be necessary for some time to come to ensure the maintenance of peace. I have, &c., (Signed) T. Goke BitowKi. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c, &c.

No. 2. Col. Gold, 20th March, ; 1860. NOT Col. Murray, 20th March, ; iB6O. No. 4. C. W. Richmond, 20th March, 1860. No. 5. D. McLean, 17lh March, lacii.

Enclosure 1 in No. 23. STATEMENT RELATIVE TO THE PURCHASE BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT OF TE TElRa's LAND AT WAITARA, TARANAKI. What took place upon the original offer of Te Teira's land to the Governor is reported in the following article extracted from the Taranaki Herald of 12th March, 1859. On Tuesday a meeting of the Mpturoa, Town, Waiwakaiho, Puketapu, and Waitara Natives, was held in a paddock adjoining the residence of the Laud Purchase Commissioner. It was less numerously attended than many former ones, the muster of the YVaitara Natives being particularly small. Shortly after 11 o'clock His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by his Private Secretary and the Chief Land Purchase Commissioner, arrived on the ground and was welcomed by the assembled Natives, the ■whole rising up to receive him, with the exception of William King and some few of his followers. The principal Chiefs then paid their respects to the Governor. Tahana, a Native Assessor, opened the proceedings by acknowledging the benefits conferred on the Natives by the introduction of Christianity and European customs, and expressed the desire of himself and his tribe to have British law established amongst them.

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Mr. McLean, on behalf of His Excellency spoke as follows :— The Governor wished them to understand ,that the Queen regards equally all her subjects ; that all her Governors have had and would have the same instructions, viz., to do their utmost to promote the welfare of her subjects without distinction of race. The Missionaries had imparted to them the blessings of Christianity and translated the Bible for their use. It was not in the power of man to confer any other gift which would bear comparison with that of the Bible ; but, out of regard for the Natives, His Excellency had caused an abstract of English laws to be translated into Maori. He had no wish to enforce this law ; on the contrary, it would only be put in force in those districts where the people are wise enough to desire it, and prepared to carry it into effect themselves. Some tribes in the North had already desired to have English law ; and a Magistrate had been employed to instruct them how to put it into practice. They were now engaged in doing so, with every prospect of becoming a peaceful and prosperous people, and uniting themselves with the Pakeha. This tribe is the Ngapuhi. The Governor had but two subjects on which he desired to speak, particularly to the tribes living near Taranaki, and they were—First, in reference to criminal offences ; Second, in reference to land. Hβ wished these subjects to be considered separately, and as having no sort of reference to each other. The tribes in the vicinity of Taranaki ha*e greater advantages than most others, as they are much intermixed with the Pakeha, and ought to profit by their intercourse with them. If they chose to live peaceably and cultivate their lands they would grow rich and multiply, instead of which they were constantly at war with each other, and their numbers were decreasing. Their disputes were almost always about matters of little or no importance, or about land which was not worth quarrelling for. Had the Governor been in New Tealand when Katatore slew Rawiri he would have had him arrested and brought before the Judge, and, if the Judge had sentenced him to be hanged, he would have caused him to be hanged ; that he had not thought proper to arrest Ihaia, because though the murders to which he was a party were horrible and disgraceful, yet they admitted of some extenuation, inasmuch as they were committed in retribution for the murder of Rawiri. All this, however, now belongs to the past ; but, for the future, he had determined that every man (whether he be Maori or Pakeha) who may commit any violence or outrage within the European boundaries shall be arrestpd and taken before the Judge, and the sentence of the Judge, whatever it may be, shall be carried into effect. He was determined that the peace of the settlers should no longer be disturbed by evil doers, and that those Maories who are not content to live in peace among the Pakehas, had better go elsewhere. In reference to the second subject, the Governor thought the Maories would be wise to sell the land they cannot use themselves, as it would make what they could use more valuable than the whole ; but that he never would consent to buy land without an undisputed title. Hβ would not permit any one to interfere in the sale of land unless he owned part cf it; and, on the other hand, he would buy no man's land without his consent. Tahana again addressed his tribe, approving of that portion of His Excellency's speech declaring that if murders were again committed that the murderer should be arrested and tried by British law. He then supposed a case of a Native Policeman or Assessor (himself) shot whilst arresting , a murderer, and inquired who would avenge him. He stated that if he were assured of the support of His Excellency, as he knew His Excellency would receive the support of the Queen, he could hereafter, single handed, arrest offenders. Tβ Teira, a Waitara Native, then stated that he was anxious to sell land belonging to him, that he had heard with satisfaction the declaration of the Governor referring to individual claims, and the assurance of protection that would be afforded by His Excellency. He minutely defined the boundaries of his claim, repeated that he was anxious to sell, and that he was the owner of the land he offered for sale. He then repeatedly asked if the Governor would buy his land. Mr. McLean, on behalf of His Excellency, replied that he would. Te Teita then placed a parawai (bordered mat), at the Governor's feet, which His Excellency accepted. This ceremony, according to Native custom, virtually place 9 Teira's land at Waitara in the hands of the Governor. Hemi Kuku, then followed and stated his desire to dispose of land at Onairo, but in consequence of violent opposition, his offer was not then entertained. Piripi, a relative of Ihaia's, then offered his land at Waitara ; his right to sell was denied by Te Teira, Te Waka (a town native;, and several other of the Waitara Natives, who asserted that his land was forfeited as payment for the murder of Katatore by his relatives. Paora then informed the Governor that Te Teira could not sell the land he had offered without the consent of Weteriki and himself, as they had a joint interest in a portion of it. Te Teira replied to him, and was immediately followed by William King, who, before addressing the Governor, said to his people, " I will only say a few words and then we will depart," to which they assented. He then said, " Listen, Governor. Notwithstanding Teira's offer I will not permit the sale of Waitara to the Pakeha. Waitara is in my hands, I will not give it up ; ekore, ekore, chore" (i.e.), I will not, I will not, I will not. " I have spoken !" and, turning to his tribe, added " Arise, let us go " I —whereupon he and his followers abruptly withdrew. Kipa, a Waiwakaiho Native, then expressed the satisfaction that the Governor's speech afforded him, and proposed that henceforward British law should not prevail beyond the Waitaha. Matiu, a Hua Native, wished to address His Excellency on the King movement, but was informed that another opportunity would be afforded him. The meeting then separated. The report of the Herald is correct, except in omitting to state that the Governor's acceptance of Teira's offer was conditional upon his shewing a satisfactory title. At the meeting of 12th March, 1859, no substantial exception was made to the right of Teira and his party to the land, W. King insisting merely upon his own possession.

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E—No* 3.

NATIVE INSURRECTION.

As to the possession, the facts of the case are, that when King returned to Taranaki from Waikanae in 1848, being in fear of an invasion of the Waikatos from the North, he asked permission of Tamati Earu, Teira's father, to build a pah upon the piece of land on the South bank of Waitara, now sold to the British Government. Permission was granted, and King's pah was erected on the South bank, his cultivations being on the North bank. King's followers have, however, encroached with their cultivations upon the South side of the river ; and these encroachments have been, for a long time, a source of continual dissension. After the Governor's conditional acceptance of Teira's offer, the District Land Purchase Commissioner, Mr. Parris, made careful inquiry into the validity of the rights of Teira, Kawiri liaupongo, Ketimana, and the other sellers. This inquiry was prolonged till the close of the year 1859 ; not from any doubt that existed as to the title, but in the hope that the opposing party might be brought to reason. In the frequent interviews which he had with the District Commissioner, King never pretended to deny the right of property, but insisted upon his own right of putting a veto upon all sales at Waitara. In this he was supported by a number of Natives who have gradually gathered about him since his settlement at Waitara ; and who, as they have been, like King himself, enjoying the use of the land, without any claim to share in the proceeds of its sale, were naturally averse to its alienation. A large section of W. King's tribe residing at Queen Charlotte's Sound, including Roopoama te Ore and his followers, affirm the right of Teira's party. It was at length decided to pay an instalment of the purchase money, full notice being given to King. The transaction is officially reported by Mr. Parris in the following letter :— New Plymouth, 4th December, 1859. Sir,— I have the honor to inform you that on Tuesday, the 29th ultimo, I paid an instalment of One Hundred Pounds to Teira and others for their land at Waitara. On Friday, the 25th ultimo, I went to Waitara to inform William King that I purposed doing so. On Tuesday, the 29th, he came to town with a party of about thirty to oppose it. I prevailed on them to meet Teira's party and discuss the question, which was done in a very orderly manner in the presence of a very large audience of Europeans. W. King avowed his determination to oppose the sale, without advancing any reason for so doing, upon which I put a series of questions to him which I called upon the Rev. Mr. Whitely to witness, yiz. :— Q. Does the land belong to Teira and party ? A. Yes ; the land is theirs but I will not let them sell it. Q. Why will you oppose their selling what is their own ? A. Because I do not wish that the land ihould be disturbed, and though they have floated it, I will not let it go to sea. Q. Show me the correctness or justice of your opposition ? A. It is enough, Parris, their bellies are full with the sight of the money you have promised them, but don't give it to them. If jou do, I won't let you have the land, but will take it and cultivate it myself. Teira stops in town since he received the instalment, considering it not safe to stop at Waitara. I have, &c, (Signed) Robf.iit Parris, District Commissioner. The Chief Land Purchase Commissioner, &c, &c, &c, Auckland. On the same occasion a document setting forth the boundaries of the Block was read to the by Mr. Parris. Appended to the document was a declaration on behalf of the Governor, that if any man could prove his claim to any piece of land within the boundary described, such claim would be respected, and the claimant might hold or sell, as he thought fit. No such claim, however, was put forward. Soon after the receipt of Mr. Parris's letter of 4th December the Governor in Council gave directions for the survey of the land. Accordingly, on the 20th February, the survey was attempted by a small unarmed party, but was put a stop to by a crowd of King's people. The Governor thereupon proceeded to Taranaki, where he arrived on the Ist March, and immediately despatched a message to William King, requesting that, to prevent misunderstanding, he should come into the Town, and learn the Governor's intentions, and offering a safe conduct. King, however, refused to come. It was now finally determined to carry the survey by a military force, and on the sth March troops were moved down to Waitara and occupied a position oil the purchased block. The following Manifesto had been previously published in the Maori language, and widely circulated by special agents amongst all the Tribes in the Northern Island . — MANIFESTO. 1. When the Pakehas first came to Taranaki, there were no Natives at the Waitara. The Ngatiawa had been dispossessed by the Waikato. 2. The Waikato transferred their rights to the Government, and received a payment for the land. 3. Afterwards the Ngatiawa returned and occupied the land ; the Government acquiesced in this occupation. 4. In March, 1859, some of these occupants, Te Teira and others, openly offered to sell to the Government; their claims to a portion of the land at Waitara.

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5. William King opposed this offer, and said that no land at the Waitara should be sold. But the "mana" of the land was not with William King, and he had no right to forbid the sale of any land which did not belong to him personally. G. The Queen has said that all the Natives shall be free to sell their lands to her, or to keep them, as they may think best. None may compel the Maori people to sell their lands, nor may any forbid their doing so. 7. William King sets his word above the Queen's, and says, though the rightful owners of the land may wish to sell, he will not allow them to do so. 8. The Governor cannot allow William King's word to set aside the words of the Queen. 9. The Governor has said that he will not allow land to be bought the title to which is disputed. He has also said that he will not allow interference with the rightful owners in the sale of their lands. When land is offered, the title to which is clear, the Governor will use his own discretion in accepting or declining the offer. 10. The Governor accepted Te Teira's offer conditionally on its being shown that he had an undisputed title. 11. Te Teira's title has been carefully investigated, and found to be good. It is not disputed by anyone. The Governor cannot therefore allow William King to interfere with Te Teira in the sale of his own land. 12. Payment for the land has been received by Te Teira. It now belongs to the Queen. 13. William King has interfered to prevent the survey of the Queen's land by her own surveyor*. This interference will not be permitted. 14. The Governor has given his word to Te Teira, and he will not go back from it. The land has been bought and must be surveyed. The Queen's soldiers will protect the surveyors. If William King interferes again, and mischief follow, the evil will be of his own seeking. 15. The Governor desires peace. It depends upon William King whether there shall be peace or not. If he ceases to interfere with what is not his own, he will be treated as a friend, and there will be peace. An article explanatory of the Governor's intentions was also inserted in the Maori Messenger, a Government newspaper published twice a month in the Native language. A translation of the article is here annexed :— TRANSLATION. Yesterday, the 28th inst, His Excellency the Governor and suite, with a detachment of troops, embarked on board the steamer Airedale, which left Manukau early this morning for Taranaki. In order to prevent our Maori friends in various parts of the country from being misled by mere reports, we are anxious to give them correct information respecting the object of His Excellency's present visit to Taranaki, and to caution them against giving credit to any contrary statements which they may hear. The practice of raising and spreading unfounded reports is not peculiar to the Maori people. Among the Pakehas, as among them, there is no lack of persons more anxious to have something , to tell, than careful that what they tell shall be true. It is wise, therefore, always to inquire before believing anything heard in this way, and to ascertain upon what authority and from what source it comes. We have no doubt that the news of the Governor's having gone to Taranaki with the soldiers will be carried far and wide. It will naturally be asked, For what purpose ? And some one will probably reply, To fight with the Maories at Taranaki about the land. Such, however, is not the case. The Governor has gone down to Taranaki and has taken troops with him for the purpose of preventing fighting. There will be no fighting unless William King or his people are foolish enough to provoke a quarrel with the soldiers who will be sent to protect the surveyors while surveying a piece of land at the Waitara which has been purchased by the Government from its rightful owners. William King has said that this land should not be sold. But the land was not his, and he had therefore no right to say this. The land has been sold by Te Teira and others to the Government, and the Queen's money has been paid for it. If William King had owned part of the land, and he had not been willing that it should be sold, the Governor would not have directed that it should be bought. If, again, he had really possessed any authority over Te Teira, and had been able to prevent his offering his land to the Government, the Governor would not have interfered, and the land would not have been bought. Even after the offer of the land, if William King had succeeded in preventing Te Teira from applying for and receiving the payment, no attempt would have been made to take possession. But after the land had been publicly, offered to the Government in William King's presence without any attempt on his part to dispute the title of the parties offering it, and subsequently, the Queen's money had been received by the undisputed owners in payment for it, what possible ground could William King have for interference ? He did interfere, however, and sent back the Queen's surveyors who were directed to mark off this land. We can only suppose that he thought the Governor was not in earnest when he publicly accepted Teira's offer, and promised him that if he could show au indisputable title to the land it would be bought by the Government. It will now be seen by all that the Governor means to keep his word. And we hope William King will be wise and give up his obstinate and groundless opposition. At all events, we trust he will not be so ill-advised as to attempt further interference. If otherwise, the blame of what may follow must rest with him. The Governor's word will be made good : the land will be surveyed. If the surveyors are molested the soldiers must go to protect them. William King must understand that he will not be permitted to interfere with that which does not belong to him. He is at liberty to do as

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he pleases with his own land, but not with land which is the property of the Queen. And as he is free to do as he pleases with his own land, so was Te Teirafree with respect to his land, and the attempt to interfere admits of no justification. But, let it not be said that the Governor is gone with soldiers to Taranalci for the purpose of fighting. He is gone to prevent, if possible, the necessity for fighting. Peace will continue unless it is broken by William King. But it is necessary, for the sake of preventing future misunderstanding and difficulty that it shall be clearly understood by all—First, that the Governor will make no promise incompatible with the maintenance of the just rights of any of Her Majesty's subjects in New Zealand, Pakeha orMaori; and secondly, that he will break no promise which he has once made. The Officer commanding the Troops was instructed to confine the operations of the Force at Waitara within the bounds of the purchased block. The pahs on the block, with the houses they contain, were not to be interfered with by the Troops, and payment was to be offered for crops consumed or destroyed. Up to the present time these instructions have been adhered to. Two of the pahs have been destroyed, but they were fired by Teira's party, and not by the Troops. The day after the Troops reached Waitara a small pah was erected on the block by the opposing Natives in a situation commanding the road from New Plymouth to the Camp, and some carts carrying supplies for the Troops were stopped ; but on a firm front being shown by the mounted escort the carts reached the Camp in safety. The same day the pah was evacuated on a summons from the Governor. On the 13th and 14th March, the sellers pointed out the boundaries of the block which were duly •urveyed and and the lines cut; the sellers aiding in the work. On the night of the 15th March another pah was built by some of the rebel Natives within the purchased land about a mile from the Camp, and the war dance was performed by the same party. The following day they proceeded to pull up the survey stakes, and made fires along the line. On the 17th March the Officer commanding sent a written summons to the pah ; but the war party refused to receive it, and threatened the messenger. Fire was then opened on the pah and continued during the day, and on the 18th the pah was evacuated and occupiedbbathey a the Troops, with the loss of three men wounded, one of whom is since dead. New Plymouth, March 20th, 1860.

Enclosure 2 in No. 23. COLONEL GOLD TO THE GOVERNOR. Gore Browne Redoubt, Waitara, 20th March, 1860. Sir,— As hostilities have actually commenced, and the Force under my command is far too weak to enable me to protect the various settlements and keep an adequate one in the field, I have the honor to request your Excellency to be pleased strenuously to urge upon the Home Authorities the necessity of an augmentation to the Force here in Artillery, Engineers, and Infantry : which, if done promptly, will, I have little doubt, bring matters to a speedy conclusion, and secure the safety of this fine Colony. I have the honor to enclose a copy of my application to the Horse Guards on this subject. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant, (Signed) C. E. Gold, Hi* Excellency the Governor, Colonel Commanding the Forcei. &c, &c, &c.

No 2426.

50th March, 18C0.

Enclosure 3 in No. 23. LIEUT.-COLoNEL MURRAY TO THE GOVERNOR. New Plymouth, 20th March, 1860. Sir,— I deem it my duty most respectfully, but earnestly, to bring under the consideration of Hie Excellency the Goveinor the inadequate Force at my disposal for the proper protection of New Plymouth, threatened as we are with attack from neighbouring tribes, mustering, as is rumoured, some 1200 men well armed. I have already pointed out the most assailable points requiring immediate defence, but a glance at the Garrison state will show how utterly impossible it will be to keep up the duties by day and night, which circumstances render absolutely necessary, and I regret to say that present appearances leave but little hope, of any speedy termination to this state of affaire unless promptly and strongly reinforced. I am sure His Excellency will exonerate me from any wish unnecessarily to magnify evils ; the facts of the case are palpable. We have on three sides of us powerful tribes who, there is reason to believe, would combine, should a favourable opportunity offer, for the purpose of trying to re-establish Native iovereignty. I hope 1 am not travelling out of my proper course in alluding to this question, but I act solely from a sense of duty, and I think I should fail in the proper performance of that duty did I aot strongly urge the necessity for a Force of at least 1200 men in this Province at the present

23

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

moment for the proper protection of the scattered settlements, bearing in mind that if the present disturbances spread, this Province will in all probability be the ground on which the struggle will commence, and on which it will be longest maintained. I have, &c, (Signed) G. F. Mtjrrat, Bt. Lieut.-Col. 65th Regt. P.S. I beg to observe that I have confined myself solely to the subject of the defence of Taranaki, where I have been stationed for upwards of four years ; the proper provision for garrisoning New Zealand 13 beyond my province. G. F. M. The Private Secretary, &c, &c, Ac-

Enclosure 4 in No. 23. COPT OP A MEMORANDUM BY MR. RICHMOND. New Plymouth, 20th March, 1860. I have read the letter dated 17th March, addressed to His Excellency the Governor by the Native Secretary, Mr. McLean, in which that officer urges the necessity of an immediate augmentation of the Military Force in New Zealand. The leading promoters of the Maori King movement in Waikato and elsewhere, assert the National independence of their race, and oppose the further extension of European settlement. They sympathise profoundly with armed resistance to the British Government, more especially with armed resistance to the further cession of territory to the Crown. It has long been manifest that the first attempt to enforce obedience to the Governor's decision on any question affecting Natives, might bring the disaffected tribes to the point of open rebellion. Hence the anxious desire, so frequently expressed, of His Excellency and his Advisers, for an increase of the Military and Naval Forces in New Zealand. An occasion has now arisen on which it has become necessary to support the Governor's authority by a Military Force. The issue has been carefully chosen—the particular question being as favourable a one of its class as could have been selected. In the absence of a powerful Native party, leagued and organised to oppose the sale of land, it would easily be disposed of. But in the present condition of Native feelings it cannot be doubted that the state of the Colony is critical, and British authority is in jeopardy, simply because it has been boldly asserted. I therefore entirely concur in the opinion of the Native Secretary, that the Military Force in this Colony should be forthwith augmented to the greatest extent practicable. (Signed) C. W. Richmond.

Enclosure 5 in No. 23. MB. MCLEAN TO THE GOVERNOR. Taranaki, 17th March, 1860. Sir,— From the present combination among the Native tribes around this settlement, I feel it my duty to report to your Excellency that the present Military Force is not sufficient for the protection of the place. It is stated, on good authority, that the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki tribes, mustering 1200 warriors, are prepared to make an attack upon the town, while W. King and his immediate followers, at least 300 strong, will fight to the last at Waitara. Independently of this combination, it is much to be apprehended, now that the Natives have buried the hatchet among themselves and yielded allegiance to King Potatau, that the powerful Waikatos—several thousands strong —and many of the numerous and disaffected tribes on the East Coast, in the vicinity of Poverty Bay, may be implicated in the present contest with a view of asserting their National independence, and throwing off their nominal allegiance to Her Majesty. These circumstances, together with the manifest symptoms of bad feeling recently displayed by the Natives, induce me to urge most respectfully on your Excellency the necessity of obtaining a stronger Force, without delay, for the protection of the English settlements, and for vindicating Her Majesty's sovereignty over the Island. lam of opinion that it would require a Force of not less than 5,000 men to defend the various isolated and scattered settlements of the Northern Island. I have, &c, (Signed) Donald McLean, His Excellency the Governor, Native Secretary. &c, &c, &c.

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E—No. 3

No. 24.

copy or Jl DESPATCH from governor gore browxe, c.b., to his grace THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 31st March, 1860. My Lord Duke, — Having arranged that the Steamer from Nelson should call at this Port on her way to Australia, I am enabled to forward a report of later date, than that sent by the ordinary Mail. On the 24th March I received information that an advanced party of the Taranaki Tribe (witli whom we have no sort of difference) were about to build a Pah four miles from the Town in a very formidable position. It was reported that they were determined to destroy the Europeans root and branch, and considered themselves able to do so. The Garrison of the Town being exceedingly weak, I communicated with Colonel Gold who was then at the Waitara in an entrenched Camp with 400 men. Colonel Gold received my letter at a little after 4 p.m., and with great promptitude marched at once with half his Force into the Town, which he reached at half-past 10 p.m. As soon as I heard of his approach I prepared guides and information to enable him, should he think proper, to make a sudden attack upon this party, which had only reached their present ground at noon on the same day. Colonel Gold assented, and a party went out for that purpose but failed in attaining their object, the Natives having retired into the Bush. On 26th March a report reached me that the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui tribes were coming up with all their force to attack the town, stating that they had no intention of joining W. King, who has declared he will not make war on unarmed people—but that they should act for themselves. Your Grace will observe that these tribes come from the South of New Plymouth, and that we have had no difference or disagreement with them. W. King, on the other hand, lives on the North, so that the Town is between the two hostile forces. On the 27th March, three Settlers and two boys, who had gone into the country to look after cattle, were savagely murdered, and on the morning of the 28th these tribes came close to our Stockade on the Omata, (4 miles South of the Town) danced the War Dance, and fired some shots at it. They were reported to have taken up a strong position between the Block-house and the Town ; they had also built two Pahs, one of which was close above the Block-house occupied by the Settlers, who were uneasy at their situation. Colonel Gold therefore organized a Force for the purpose of relieving the Block-house and bringing in a Settler's family who had unwisely remained in the country. At two o'clock this Force left the Town by two roads : the Volunteers took the road by the sea, and wero attacked by the Natives almost immediately. A reinforcement of Sailors was sent out, and a heavy fire kept up whilst daylight lasted. Just before dark Captain Cracroft captured the Maori Pah with his Sailors most gallantly, after which the Force returned to Town. Colonel Gold will give details and full particulars of what took place, but my object is to keep Your Grace acquainted with events as they have occurred, and to draw your attention to the fact that five unoffending people—two of them boys—have been barbarously murdered, and we have been attacked by tribes who have nothing whatever to do with the disagreement between W. King and the Government. From this it is evident that other combinations may be made against us, and that a trial of strength between the two Kaces will take place unless I am able to prevent the junction of the powerful tribes living on the Waikato and their allies, with those now in arms against us. This, however, I hope to be able to do. On the 28th, the Natives, though occupying a very difficult country, did not confine themselves to the dense bush, and their numbers were estimated at 460, while ours reached 330 to 350 men. The fight, however, was well maintained, and their loss is known to hnve been very considerable. In the course of the next day, they retired to their Pahs. These Pahs being on the sea shore, 25 miles South of the Town, I requested Captain Cracroft to batter them from the " Niger," which he did with good effect on 30th March. The foregoing details will satisfy Your Grace that the Maoris are more formidable than most other savage races with which we have yet been engaged, and I beg to submit to you that three strong Regiments, bringing into the field at least 3000 rank and file, should be sent to the Colony with the least possible delay. One Regiment should be divided between Auckland and Wellington, and the remaining two should be ordered direct to New Plymouth. If the Waikato tribes and their allies unite against us, this Force, together with what wo now have, will not be at all more than sufficient ; but if I am fortunate enough to prevent such a collision —as I trust I may be—the 65th Regiment, which has long since exceeded the usual time of service in the Colonies, might be withdrawn, and any reinforcements received from Australia sent bank to those Colonies. The remaining 3000 men will be required for a considerable time to ensure pence and prevent the destruction of life and property elsewhere which has commenced in this Province. Finally, I have to inform Your Grace that the Provincial Authorities are making arrangements to send away as many women and children as possible to Nelson, as they look forward to protracted troubles. I have obtained from Nelson a small Steamer able to enter the Waitara river and keep up a communication with the Detachment stationed there, which is no longer possible by land. Tha Garrison being now quite strong enough to protect the Town, my presence here is no longer necessary, and I propose to return to Auckland, where I can more easily communicate with the Waikato

No. 28.

25

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

tribes, and those friendly tribes in the North on whom alone I can put any dependence for support should it be required. From thence I shall proceed to Wellington to meet the Assembly, which, as there is no immediate prospect of tranquility, ought not to be again prorogued : indeed the sanctioD of this Body to certain necessary expenses is very desirable. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. Hh Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c, &c.

No. 29.

No. 25. COPT OF A DESPATCH FROM GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.8., TO HI9 GRACE THE DUKB OF NEWCASTLE. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 31st March, 1860. My Lord Duke, — I have the honor to forward a report from Colonel Gold, Commanding the Troops in New Zealand, detailing the operation which took place on the 28th March, to which I have added a further report from Captain Cracroft relative to the operations of H.M. S.S. " Niger" on the 30th March. The conduct of H.M. Navy and Army is so invariably gallant that any comment from me would be superfluous; but I beg to bring to Your Grace's notice the gallant conduct of the Militia and Volunteers who were for the first time engaged: their opponents behaved like brave and skilful soldiers, and are by no means a contemptible foe. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c, &c.

No. 2459.

Enclosure 1 in No. 25. COLONEL GOLD TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. New Plymouth, 30th March, 1860. IK ' — I have the honor to forward reports from Captain Cracroft, R.N., H.M. S.S. "Niger," Commanding on this Station, Lieut.-Colonel Murray, 65th Regiment, and Captain Brown of the Taranaki Militia, relative to their most gallant and successful attack on the insurgents at Omata on the 28th instant. I sincerely congratulate Your Excellency on the achievement, which redounds to the honor of the small force—all that (with safety to this town) I was then enabled to detach, and whose exertions and bravery have effected the object for which I originally sent them (though in a different manner from which I contemplated), as the complete defeat of the rebels enabled the Rev. Mr. Brown and the party isolated beyond the Omata to return in safety to this town. I beg, in conclusion, to recommend to your favourable consideration the officers of the Militia and Volunteers particularly named by Captain Brown, and have the honor, &c., (Signed) C. E. Gold, Colonel Commanding the Forces. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c.

fnd , *!; Men*" 3 ° fflcers. fisth Rest.-4 officm, »nd 84 R»nk »nd File,

Enclosure 2 in No. 25. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MURRAY TO MAJOR OF BRIGADE. New Plymouth, 30th March, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to report, for the information of the Officer Commanding the Forces in New Zealand, that, on the 28th instant, I proceeded agreeably to orders, in command of a force, as per margin, to Omata, for the purpose of rescuing some European families statf dtobe in the hands of the rebel natives assembled in considerable force at that village.

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NATIVE INSURRECTION.

E—No. 3

The plan of operations was, that Captain Charles Brown, in command of the Militia and Volunteers, should proceed by the beach, keeping the sea coast, and passing in rear of the natives, who had built a pah on the Waireka Hills, —whilst I should proceed by the main road with a view to dislodge a party of rebels reported to have taken up a position at a spot called Whalers' Gate, for the 1 purpose of cutting off the communication between Omata and the town. In the meantime, Captain , 15rown, should he succeed in recovering the European families, was to join me, at or near this spot, j On reaching the spot named, I found the road clear and no trace of natives anywhere near. I; accordingly moved on leisurely with a view to sooner meeting Captain Brown; but, on reaching the top of a hill about a quarter of a mile on this side of the Omata stockade, the sound of rapid firing, about two miles off and towards the sea, made it evident that the Volunteers were hotly engaged. I accordingly pushed on to the stockade, when I despatched Lieutenant Blake, R.N., with his men, supported by a subdivision of the company, 65th Regiment, under Lieutenant Urquhart with orders to proceed in a direct line to the assistance of Captain Brown's party, —whilst I continued along the road with the remainder of the force to a lane about a quarter of a mile beyond the stockade, which leads from the road down to the sea. About half way down this lane I turned into the fields and formed line of skirmishers, with the intention, also, of proceeding to the assistance of the volunteers, &c. The rebels, however, showed such a disposition to get round our left, and so cut us off from the main road, that J was obliged to abandon that intention, and manoeuvre to prevent it: keeping up a fire whenever they gave us an opportunity, as they were covered by a wood and deep ravine, out of which we attempted to dislodge them with rockets. I ultimately took up a position in the lane so as to secure the main road; and the natives seeing us retire came down through the wood and ravine, but such an effective lire was kept up wherever they showed themselves that they retired to the bush again. Considering my force, however, too small to keep our communication open, should they attack us in force, I recalled Lieutenant Blake's party and Lieutenant Urquhart's, particularly as the day was far advanced and my orders were to return by dark. I continued to occupy this position until it became absolutely necessary to return, keeping up a frequent fire of rockets on the pah and any groups of rebels we observed. It became necessary, however, to detach LieutenantUrquhart a second time to drive back the rebels, who were attempting to get up on our right; and between us and the Volunteers, which, having accomplished, he rejoined me in time to return. I beg to add that nothing I can say would adequately describe the steadiness and gallantry of both officers and men composing my little force. I have but one regret in reporting, that I was early deprived of the very able assistance of Lieutenant Blake, H.M. S.S. " IN'iger," who was severely wounded. I enclose returns of casualties. I have received no report of Captain Brown's proceedings, who was too far off for observation, apparently in a gully, with the natives above him. I have, &c, (Signed) G. F. Murray, Bt. Lieutenant-Colonel, 65th Regt., Commanding Garrison. The Major of Brigade, Taranaki.

Militia and Volunteer Hiflcs— No detail received. About KiO. Names of Officers— Lieut.Urquhart, 05th Hgt " Whitbread, •• Surgeon White, •• Lieut. Blake, It. N., lI.M. S. Niger.

Enclosure 3 in No. 25. CAPTAIN CIIACKOFT, R.N., TO COLONEL GOLD. H.M. Steam Ship "Niger," New Plymouth, 28th March, 1860. Sin, — In compliance with your requisition, I landed the force noted in the margin at 2 p.m. this d»y, and, at your request, that I should advance to the support of Colonel Murray, who was represented to" be hard pressed by the natives and short of ammunition, I proceeded to the Omata blockhouse, from which post I was enabled to obtain a good view of the country and of a pah constructed on the crown of the hill about a mile beyond, which displayed flags, and from which a continued fire of musketry i r« 1 1 v Isi *i. •.? i t • v.i •. j J was kept up upon Colonel Murray s force on my right, with whom I immediately communicated. It was now about half-past five, and, as there was only half an hour's daylight left, I determined to attack this pah at once. I accordingly planted the 24-pounder rocket tube about 700 yards from it, and after a few discharges the men stormed this pah under a heavy fire in the most gallant style—William Odgers, leading seaman, doing duty as my coxswain* being the first man in it—and having captured the flags and destroyed everything living in the trenches, as far as could be ascertained in the dark, landI returned to the blockhouse. In performing this service, I am thankful to say that there were only four men wounded, which may be in some measure accounted for by the rapidity of the attack, taking the enemy completely by surprise, and giving no time for the usual Maori tactics, while the increasing dark ness also favoured our small force and prevented a good aim being taken by their sharpshooters. It is difficult to estimate the numbers opposed to us, nor could their exact loss be ascertained. Sixteen dead were counted inside the entrenchments, and several were lying in the road outside. After a short rest at the blockhouse I returned to town, placed the wounded in the military hospital, and re-embarked my men, as I did net consider the ship safe without them at this exposed anchorage.

Lieut, a. j. vniiers Mr, w. \v. Smyth, Act- ™* mm Mr. J. Carsiake, Mid. Dr - w ' <*»**•* surg. Mr. W. 11. Hyde. Assist, Paymaster. officers ~Z ~ 7 stamen _ _ c Marlnes - -'" Totai~ ~00 and a 24p»under Kocket IUI

27

PAVERS RELATIVE TO THE

I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of all engaged in this affair, and I should wish t« recommend to your notice three of the "Volunteers, who accompanied me from the blockhouse and pointed out the road to the pah. beg to enclose for your information the surgeon's return of casualties, and I have, &c, (Signed) P. Cracroft," Captain and Senior Officer, At New Zealand. The Honble. Colonel Gold, Commanding the Forces in New Zealand.

Enclosm-e 4 in No. 25. CAPTAIN BROWN To MAJOR HERBERT. New Plymouth, 29th March, 1860. Sir, I have the honor to report what took place yesterday, from the period when I left.the town with the force under my command at half-past one, p.m., until I returned at half-past twelve this morning. The officers and men who accompanied me were — Captain and Adjutant Stapp, Militia. " H. A. Atkinson, Volunteer Rifles. Lieutenant M'Keckney, Militia, M'Kellar, " Hurst, Volunteer Rifles. " Hammerton, " 2nd Lieutenant Webster, " " Jonas, " Ensign Messenger, Militia. t> i j r>l i Militia, r<2. Rank and File <~ , ' ■„■„ ~o ( Volunteer Rifles, 98. After a quick march of about two hours we reached the stream Waireka, where it runs on to the beach. We here perceived that ihe natives were rapidly running down from their pah about a mile off on the Waireka hill to meet us. We were, however, able to get into position without difficulty on the high land in the following manner, under Captain St.ipp's direction. A company of Volunteers under Captain Atkinson were thrown forward, and reached the high ground on the south side of the Waireka, driving back the natives; but greater numbers of the enemy coming on both flanks, Captain Slap]), who had joined and taken command, ordered a retreat on position No. 1, shown in the enclosed tracing made by the Provincial Surveyor —the position consisting of a house, stacks, and furze and rail fences on level ground on the brink of two gullies running out on the beach. From this point Captain Atkinson was moved on to No. 2, to cover the rear of the main body. Lieutenant Hurst with his company occupied No. 3, and was joined by Lieutenant M'Keckney and myself, when I pushed Lieutenant Hurst forward to endeavour to occupy the bush in the Waireka gully, under cover of which the natives were swarming, and followed myself. Lieutenant Blake with a party of the " Niger's" men having thrown themselves in advance by another route, I directed Lieutenant Hurst to turn his attention to the natives on the lower and open part of the Waireka Gully whence they were annoying Captain Atkinson's party as well as our own. Lieutenant Hurst having done some execution, passed across the gully by No. 2to Captain Stapp at No. 1. The Natives soon made us aware that they possessed pieces of long range against which our muskets were of no use, and I had to fall back on the scanty cover at No. 3, where I had not been long when Lieutenant Urquhart, Goth regiment, with some 25 men joined me as also some stragglers of the Naval Brigade, and some Volunteers from the Omata Sockade under Lieut. Armstrong, Militia, and Lieut. McNaughten, R.A. With their gallant assistance we drove the Natives out of sight into a straggling and slight line of cover in the gully that runs into the Waireka, and as I perceived the intention of the Natives was to intercept our line of retreat to the Omata Stockade by occupying the cover of flax between Nos. 3 and 4, I requested Lieut. Urquhart to If aye me a few men, and with the remainder occupy No 4, thus placing the Natives creeping along the gully, between two fires and securing one communication with the Omata Stockade; to my surprise and regret Lieut. Urquhart had not many minutes occupied No. 4 before I saw him ami his men retire, recalled as I am informed by Colonel Murray, by his orders; the position commanded my own, was uneommanded by any other, had open and level country between it and the Omata Stockade, and had excellent cover of flax at the edge of the position to seaward. When the Natives saw them retire, they called out "Ka horo, Ka horo," and boldly ran along the open part of the gully to the cover on t!>e North side of the Waireka, bringing themselves under the murderous fire of Captain Atkinson which dropped them in twos and threes about the ground; at this time finding my position untenable and valueless to the Natives, I ordered our wounded and dead to be carried to Captain Slapp's position. These consisted of one of the Marines of lI.M. S.S. " Niger," wounded in the head and since de id, one militia man shot through the neck, and Sergeant Fahey of the Stockade at Omata shot dead, the first

28

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and last were shot by the same Native, who was himself shot by Mr. P. Wilson with a fowling piece. I then sent my men to join Captain Stapp, while I went to see Captain Atkinson, who joined me in going to see Captain Stapp and conferring , with him; when I saw the extensive defences we should have to maintain at this place and their weak nature, I was of opinion that the whole Force should be concentrated at No. 1. Captain Stapp and Captain Atkinson differed with me and considered that No. 2 ought to be maintained to the last. I gave way to their opinions and am happy to say their judgment proved correct, as Captain Atkinson from his position killed at least two-thirds of the Natives that were killed; we then proceeded at No. 1 to make our position defensible by throwing up breastworks of sheaves of oats and fencing, so as to enable us to enfilade our position. While thus employed we became aware of the diversion effected in our favour by the attack on the pah by Captain Cracroft, E.N., and his Naval Brigade, and which I consider enabled us to retreat after dark unmolested; had my men been concentrated at No. 1, I would have endeavoured to ascertain what had taken place at the pah with a view of joining Captain Cracroft, but under the circumstances, very few charges of ammunition being left, and believing that the retreat for our wounded by No. 4, the shortest route, would be open after dark, in consequence of the diversion effected, I determined to remain in our positions till the moon had set, when Captain Stapp took charge of the advance to No. 4, followed by the ■wounded, and thence on to the Omata Stockade. I told off the men by fours, and marched from No. 1, one four just keeping another in sight; when the last four had left No. 1, I went to Captain Atkinson and directed him to follow with his men, and eight men of the 65th who had been left with us, and who did us gallant service, as did the three men from the Naval Brigade and the party from the Garrison of the Omata Stockade. After a short rest at the Omata Stockade and reinforcing that post with 20 men, we resumed our inarch to Town, passing the Whaler's Gate, without seeing anything of the support, which according to my instructions, I was to expect there; we reach Town unmolested at about 12£ at night bringing with ug also the dead and all the wounded but two, who were left at the Stockade. Where every one behaved so well it would be invidious, not to say impossible, to recommend individual officers or men for particular notice. I will, therefore, limit myself to commending the gallantry and coolness of Captains Stapp and Atkinson, of Lieutenant Urquhart, 65th, and of Private Inch of the Volunteers, who shot two Natives after he had himself received a wound across his chest. The casualties are as follows in my Detachment:— Killed. Sergeant Fahey, Militia. Wounded. Lieutenant Hammerton, Volunteer Rifles Private W. Bayley, junr., Militia " J. Climo, " J. Hawken, Volunteer Rifles " Inch, " " Messenger, " " W. Oliver, Militia " Rawson, Volunteer Rifles. I am happy to state that the wounded though not all out of danger are all doing well. I have carefully estimated the number of the enemy killed at not less than thirty, besides wounded. I have, &c, (Signed) Charles Brown, Senior Captain of Taranaki Militia. Major Herbert, Commanding Militia and Volunteers.

Enclosure 5 in No. 25. CAPTAIN CRACROFT, R.N., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. H.M.S.S. " Niger," Taranaki, 30th March, 1860. Sir, — In compliance with your Excellency's wishes, received at 3.30 this morning, I proceeded immediately to sea, and about 8 a.m. arrived off the War§a Pah. This Pah, or Pahs, for there appeared to be two, surrounded by stockades, stand almost on the beach, close to the entrance of a very small stream, only navigable for canoes. The coast in the vicinity is fringed with Rocks and Reefs, projecting a considerable distance to seaward, upon which the sea breaks violertly; it has never been surveyed, and I found the bottom everywhere foul. Although it was doubtful whether an anchor would hold long in the heavy sea running, I soon caw that it would be impossible to shell the Pahs without anchoring, and about 9 a.m. the ship was skilfully placed by Mr. Veitch, the Master, in a position about 2,500 yards off, as near as it was possible to go with regard to her safety. During this interval the Natives shewed in great numbers in one of the Pahs, and discharged their muskets at the ship in token of defiance; they did not hoist any flags. Shortly after 9 a.m., I opened fire from the Guns and 24-pounder Rocket; and considering the circumstances, most admirable practice was made; many sheila exploded inside the Pahs, and must hare

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done much damage; but although more than one rocket fell within the stockades, I failed to set them on fire, and could only most deeply regret that the tremendous surf which broke occasionally, even outside the ship, prevented any attempt to land, and complete the task your Excellency had set me : but it was impossible to do more, and the Natives having long disappeared, I weighed before noon and returned to this anchorage. I have, &c, (Signed) P. Cracroft, Captain, and Senior Officer, New Zealand. His Excellency Col. T. Gore Browne, C.8., &c, &c, &c.

No, 85. HATITB.

Ike Gorernor to Super-1 jiiuendeot. 6th April, 1860..

Notice. A Deftucm of Auckland. ?>ef>ncoi of District of Auckland.

No. 26. copy op a DESPATCH from governor gore browne, c.b., to his grace the duke of NEWCASTLE. Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, 24th April, 18G0. My Lord Duke, — In continuance of my Despatch No. 28 of the 31st March, I have the honor to inform Your Grace that as soon as I was satisfied of the safety of the Town of New Plymouth I sailed in H.M.S.S. " Niger" for Auckland, and on my arrival lost no time in sending Agents (whose proceedings will form the subject of another despatch) and in concerting with Colonel Mould, the Commanding Royal Engineer, the means of placing the Town of Auckland in condition to be defended. Reports of an intended attack upon Auckland by the powerful tribes on the Waikato had caused a panic as general •and extreme as it was groundless : this was however somewhat allayed by a letter (enclosure No. 1) •which I addressed to the Superintendent, and by news from the Waikato, giving assurances of continued goodwill from the Chiefs in that district. 2. These fears were scarcely dissipated when it was reported to me that friendly natives were insulted in the town ; that a canoe with a large number of Natives passing one of the Pensioner villages narrowly escaped being fired into ; and that the Natives, friendly and unfriendly, were viewed with a feeling so bitter, that unless something was done to prevent it, collision would be inevitable, and the whole Native population would be in arms against us. I therefore published a notification, copy of which is enclosed. 3. I have also the honor to enclose two sketches of the Town and District of Auckland, and beg to inform Your Grace that, in consultation with Colonel Mould, I have made the following arrangements, the object of which is to make Auckland as secure as it is in my power, against any probable contingency. The Town is divided into five Districts, each of which is to furnish a Company of Militia ; those who have Arms of their own will form an inlying picket, and the remainder will be required to ballot for such Arms as the Government is able to supply. At present we can furnish 60 staud of Arms to each Company but we hope to obtain more from Sydney. In addition to the Militia, a Volunteer Force of nearly 400 men, a mounted Volunteer Troop of about 43 men, 110 of the Csth Regiment and 40 Marines, will form the Garrison of the Town. Blockhouses, or houses rendered musket-proof will be established round the Town, as sliewn in a sketch marked A, and lI.M. Frigate "Iris" is now anchored in the Harbour. 4. The outer defences are as follows : H.M.S.S. " Niger," attended by a Gun-boat furnished by the local Government, is anchored in the Manukau. Lieut-Colonel Kenny, lately in command of the New Zealand Pensioner Force, has been placed in command of the settlement of Onehunga, and has been directed to protect the Wliau portage and river which forms the western boundary of the Peninsula on which Auckland stands; and at the portage itself a Blockhouse is in course of erection. This however will be the weakest part of the defence. Lieut-Colonel Nixon, formerly Major in the 39th Regiment has been placed in command of the Pensioner Settlements of Otahuhu, Panmure, and Howick, and has been directed to protect the line of the Tamaki from the Waitemata to the Manukau ; a Blockhouse is in course of erection on the narrow neck of land leading to the village of Otahuhu, 500 stand of arms (including carbines for a mounted force) have been supplied to this outpost, and 300 to the outpost on the West. When a further supply of arms is leceived from Sydney an addition will be made to both these numbers. 5. The settlers at Papakura have enrolled themselves and form a troop of Volunteer Yeomanry : those at Waiuku place much dependance on the Native Chief Katipa, who professes great personal friendto myself. It is beyond our power however, to protect either of these Settlements, if a conflict really ensue. C. The Europeans living at Waingaroa (Raglan) and Kawhia—on the West Coast and straggling settlers on the Waikato, have been iv a great state of alarm, many of them having abandoned their homes and come into Auckland. 7. To the North of Auckland there has been but little apprehension, and the settlers at Wangarei only have desired to form themselves into a Volunteer Corps. 8. At Wellington and Whanganui, the Natives are as yet apparently very well affected towards the Government, and at Napier no fears have been expressed, though less confidence is felt in the Natives of that district.

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9. Thus, My Lord Duke, I have I believe adopted every precaution in my power, and put in requisition every means of defence. I shall be guided by events as they become developed, and shall not fail to report on them in detail. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Brottne. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle. &c, &c, &c.

Enclosure 1 in No. 26. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO SUPERINTENDENT OF AUCKLAND. Government House, Auckland, 6th April, 1860. Sir,— Learning from yourself and others that unfounded rumours have been circulated, and many persons, both in town and country, have been unnecessarily alarmed, I beg the favour of you to contradict these reports. Incorrect accounts of the difference between the Government and William King have been industriously spread in the Waikato districts, and some part of the Maori population in these districts, are at this moment considerably excited at what they consider an aggression on the part of the Europeans. A gentleman from the Native Office has been sent to the Waikato to correct these misrepresentations, and I have every reason to believe that he will succeed in satisfying the Chiefs and most influential portion of the Maories, that they have been misinformed. It may also be satisfactory to you to know that every military precaution has been adopted which could be taken, if danger really existed, and I have pleasure in assuring you that the town and district of Auckland is perfectly secure against any attack which could be made, by the largest force the Maories could bring into the field. I have, &c, • (Signed) T. Gore Browne. HU Honor the Superintendent, Auckland.

Enclosure 2 in No. 26. NOTICE. Friendly Natives visiting the Town complain that during the last few days they have been treated with marked rudeness by the Europeans, and are frequently told that they will be turned out, and no longer permitted to carry on their trade as heretofore. His Excellency is satisfied that it is only necessary to call public attention to the subject, to ensure friendly treatment for individuals of the Native Race. By His Excellency's command, (Signed) Henry John Tancred.

No. 27. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. The Governoi invites an expression of the views and opinions of his Responsible Ministers on the present state of Maori Affairs. (Signed) T. Gore Browne. Government House, April 21st, 18C0.

No. 28. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY MB. RICHMOND. Auckland, 27tli April, 1860. That the present crisis in the affairs of New Zealand may be properly understood, it is, in the first place, requisite to give some account of the views and intentions of the Native agitators known in the Colony as the Maori, or Waikato, King party. The contest in Taranaki, between the British Government and the Chief Wiremu Kingi and his followers, derives all its importance from its connection with this movement. For without the sympathy and expected support of the Waikato league, the Taranaki Natives would never have ventured upon armed resistance to the British Government.

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The first proposal for the erection of a separate Native state under the Waikato Chief Te Whero Whero, (now generally called Potatau) seems to have been made as far back a3 1854. There was at first considerable diversity of opinion amongst the promoters of the movement, and great consequent uncertainty as to its precise objects. Many well-disposed Natives seem to have joined in it without any thought of disaffection towards the British Government, and purely, or principally, with a view to establish some more powerful control over the disorders of their race than the Colonial Government has found it possible to attempt. But there are others whoso objects have been, from the beginning , , less loyal. These men have viewed with extreme jealousy the extension of the settled Territory and the increase of the European population. Various influences have combined to augment the effect on their minds of tliis natural feeling. The lower class of settlers, sometimes wantonly, sometimes utuler provocation, have held out threats of a coming time when the whole race will be reduced to a servile condition. Of late a degraded portion of the Newspaper press has teemei with menaces of this kind, and with scurrilous abuse of the Natives, and all who take an interest in their welfare. False notions respecting the purposes of the British authorities have been industriously spread by Europeans inimical to the Government, and whose traitorous counsels enable them to maintain a lucrative influence over their credulous Native clients. And there may have been some few honest friends of the Maories, ■who, looking only to the better side of the agitation, have given countenance to a movement which, in their opinion, promised to promote the establishment of law and order and the advance of civilization, and to afford a beneficial stimulus to the languishing energy of the Maori people. The Government at one time entertained a hope—a hope now deferred, but not abandoned— that the good elements in the King movement might gain the ascendency, and become the means of raising the Native population in the social scale. It must, however, be admitted that the agitation has of late assumed a most dangerous phase. The two objects of the league may now be affirmed to be, first, the subversion of the Queen's sovereignty over the Northern Island of New Zealand, and, secondly, the prohibition of all further alienation of Territory to the Crown. As regards the first object, the more advanced partisans of the Maori king now distinctly declare, that the Queen of England may, for aught they know, be a great sovereign in her own country, but that, here, in New Zealand, she shall become subordinate to their Native monarch from whom the British Governor shall take his instructions : the utmost conceded to the Queen is an equal standing with King Potatau. The absolute prohibition of further land sales is a necessary part of the new policy. For it is plainly seen that unless the further colonisation of the country can be put a stop to, the Europeans will shortly outnumber the Natives even in the Northern Provinces. The general sentiment of the New Zealanders with respect to their territorial possessions entirely harmonizes with the views of the King makers. The Maori feels keenly the parting with his right* over the lands of his ancestors. The expressive words of the Deeds of Cession declare that, under the bright sun of the day of sale, he has wept over, and bidden adieu to, the territory which he cedes to the Queen. It is in vain to assure him that the land remains open to him upon the same terms as to the European settler. He cannot see the matter in this light. The soil, with all its memories, and the dignity conferred by its possession, have passed over to the stranger ; and in its place he has acquired only perishable goods, or money which is speedily dissipated. The land-holding policy of the King party is popular, because it secures to every Native the occupation, in savage independence, of extensive tracts of wild land. When the first emigrant ships arrived at Port Nicholson, and landed their hundreds of colonists, the Natives are said to have wept at the sight. They had been told, but had not believed, that the foreigners were coming to settle in great numbers upon the land which the agent of the Colonising Company had just acquired. They had not realised to themselves that their country was about to be occupied by a civilized race in such force as to be able to hold its ground in spite of Native resistance. The New Zealanders have always been fond of having amongst them a few Europeans, dependent on their good will. But they love to remain masters. It is the notion of the King party that the settlers in New Zealand should be placed much on the same footing as the European squatter in a Native village, whose knowledge and mechanical skill procure for him a certain amount of respect and influence, but whose homestead is held on sufferance, and who is obliged to comport himself accordingly. " Send away the Governor and the soldiers," they say, " and we will take care of the Pakehas." The old chief Te Whero Whero, who has buen a firm ally of the British Government, has been removed by his relatives of the new faction from his late residence at Mangere, near Auckland, to a place called Ngaruawahia, at the confluence of the Waikato with its principal feeder, the Waipa. There, his supporters have established the old man (who seems to lend himself unwillingly to the farce) in a kind of regal state. The deputation despatched from Taranaki to solicit support for W. Kingi were clothed for the occasion in a uniform dreas. They approached in military order. At a given signal all fell on their knees, whilst some one in a loud voice recited the text " Love the Brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King !" After the interview the deputation retired,*facing towards the Royal presence. They appeared to have been well drilled in this ceremonial. The absurdity of these pretensions does not render them less dangerous. Unfortunately they are supported in the minds of the Natives by an overweening opinion of their own warlike skill and resources. It must be confessed that the imperfect success of military operations in New Zealand has given some countenance to the Natives' fixed opinion of their own superiority. In the debates of the Maori Council at Ngaruawahia, the experience of the wars against Heki and Kangihaeata, and of the Wanganui war, are constantly referred to as showing how little is to be feared from the prowess and the boasted warlike appliances of the Pakeha.

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As regards the further alienation of Territory, the received interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi recognizes rights in the Native proprietor which must be respected, however inconvenient those rights may prove. But it would not be politic, or safe, or right, to submit to the usurpation of a power of obstructing the settlement of the country which the admitted interpretation will not wairant. The treaty secures to the Native proprietor the right to part with to the Crown, or to retain for himself, lands which are his own. The King party would assert a National property in, or Sovereign right over, the remaining Native Territory, and are ready to support all opposition to Land Sales, without nice inquiry respecting, and even without reference to, the merits of each particular case. In this they infringe, at once, upon the rights of the Crown and of the Native proprietor. It is by no means meant to assert that all who have joined, or who favour, the party of the Maori King propose to themselves ends so dangerous and unjustifiable. Potatau himself is probably sincerely averse to any proceedings hostile to the Government. It is, however, uncertain how far he may have power co restrain his people, and it is undeniable that sentiments quite as strong as those above described are freely expressed throughout the districts South of Auckland, and may be expected to shape the action of a large part of the powerful Tribes of Waikato. Such then, is the party to whom William King, of VVaitara, is looking for support, and it 13 to be feared, with some prospect of success ; and it now becomes necessary to give some explanation of the origin of the present disturbance at Taranaki. The Settlement of New Plymouth was founded in 1841 by the Plymouth Company of New Zealand, which subsequently merged in the New Zealand Company. There were at that time scarcely any Natives in the district. Some had fled southward to Cook's Straits, to avoid the invading Waikatos. Many others, who had been captured on the storming of the Ngatiawa stronghold, Pukerangiora, still remained slaves in the Waikato country. The New Zealand Company's agent had purchased of the resident Natives, with the assent of some of their relatives at Port Nicholson and Queen Charlotte's Sound, a tract of country extending from the Sugar Loaf Islands to a place called Taniwa, between three and four miles north of the Waitara River. The block extended about fifteen, miles along the coast, and contained 60,000 acres. It included the land now the subject of dispute. After the arrival of the settlers, the refugee Ngatiawas, and manumitted slaves from Waikato, began to return in great numbers, and disputed possession of the Block with the settlers. So completely was the Waikato light of conquest admitted, that their permission was sought, and obtained, by the returning Ngatiawas before they ventured to set foot in the district. The Waikatos had, however, previously transferred their rights to the British Government by the Deed of Cession, which will be presently referred to. In 1844, the Land Claims Commissioner, Mr. Spain, investigated the New Zealand Company's title and reported in favour of their purchase. But Governor Fitzroy took a different view of the lights of the absent and enslaved Ngatiawa, and refused to confirm Mr. Spain's award. In consideration of an additional payment, the returned Natives consented to surrender a small block of 3,500 acres, comprising the Town site ; and within these narrow limits the British Settlement was for some time confined. Other small blocks were subsequently, from time to time, acquired, and the Settlement now extends for a distance along the coast of about five miles in each direction, North and South, from the Town. The European population amounts to upwards of 2,500 souls, greatly outnumbering the resident Natives. The Northern boundary of the Settlement is little more than four miles from Wail are. But on this side of the Town the Crown Lands are intermixed with territory over which the Native Title has not been extinguished. A singular spectacle is here presented of peaceful English 1-omesteads alternating with fortified Pahf, which command the road to the Town at many points ; unpleasantly reminding the spectator that the savage law of might still rules in this fair district. It need scarcely be said that the occupants of these Pahs do not regard themselves, and practically are not, amenable to British jurisdiction. Since 1854, they have been in continual feud amongst themselves, and there has been a succession of battles, and of murders, in close proximity to the settled territory. A chief has been slaughtered on tlie Bell Block ; skirmishing Natives have sought cover behind the hedge-rows ; and balls fired in an encounter have struck the roof of a settler's house. These feuds have arisen out of disputes as to the title to land. One Native faction has been steadfastly opposed to the alienation of territory to the Crown ; the other party has been not less passionately determined to sell, and the contest has been as to their right to do so. The sellers naturally carry with them the sympathy of the colonists, who feel, that an extension of the Settlement would bring, not simply a material prosperity, which this unfortunate place has never known, but also the far greater blessings of Peace, Security, and the prevalence of British Law. It is obvious that, in such a state of things, the relations of the two races, thus closely intermixed, must be full of peril. The embarrassment to the Government is extreme. But without some knowledge of the Native character its extent will not be fully apprehended. When a Native has offered to code land to the Crown, his pride (perhaps the strongest passion of a Chief.) is commited to carry the sale into effect against all opposition; and it may be equally dangerous to the peace of the country to accept or refuse the offer. If the offer be accepted, the Government becomes involved in difficulties with the opposing party; if refused, the seller will seek to revenge himself upon his opponent, or become disaffected towards the 'Government th;it has put a slight upon him. If his passion does not turn in either of these directions, he will probably persevere in his attempts to induce the Governor to purchase —thus keeping open a source of agitation and peril. Taranaki is by no means the solo seat of such difficulties. At the present juncture in the affairs of the Colony tho Government is, in other quarters, placed in a similar dilemma, and is in the greatest danger of alienating those Chiefs who are friendly by the rigid scrutiny to which it is requisite to subject their offers of land. The truest policy would be a fearless administration of justice betweeen the con-

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tending parties. Unfortunately, to determine absolutely wli.at is just is oft":: Iβ in these case's, and were this otherwise, the British Government is not in a position to enfo u-d. In March, 1859, the present Governor visited New Plymouth, ami on the Bth of that month held a public meeting; of all the principal Chiefs of the District, the Mative Secretary, Mr. McLean, acting as Interpreter. The proceedings had reference to the establishment of British 1 r.v throughout the Taranaki district, and in the course of his address, the Governor said, " he thought the Maories would " be wist to sell the land they could not use themselves, as what they retained would then become " more valuable than the whole had previously been. He never would consent to buy land without "an undisputed title. Me would not permit any one to interfere in the sale of land unless he owned " part of it ; on the other hand, he would buy no man's land without his consent." Immediately after this declaration by the Governor, a Waitara Native, iwmexl Teira, stepped forward, and speaking for himself and a considerable party of natives owning land at Waitara, declared, that he was desirous of ceding a Block at the mouth of the river, on the Souih hank. He minutely described the boundaries of the block, stating that the claims of himself and his party went beyond those limits, but that he purposely confined his offer to what indisputably belonged to himself and his friends. Being a man cf standing, and his offer unexpected by many present, he was listened to with the greatest attention, and concluded by enquiring if the Governor would buy his land. Mr. McLean replied t'aat the Governor accepted the offer conditionally on Teira'* making out his title. Te Teira then advanced, ::nd laid a Native Mat at the Governor's feet, thereby symbolically placing his hind at His Excellency's disposal. Teira's right was denied by none eioept a Native named Paora, who informed the Governor, that Tβ Teira could not sell without the consent of Weieriki and himself. Teira replied, that Weteriki was dying (he is since dead) and that Paora was bound by the act of his relative Ilemi, who concurred in the sale. William King then rose, but before addressing the Governor said to his people, "I wish only to say a few words and then we will depart." Then, turning to the Governor, lie said, —" Listen Governor, notwithstanding Teira's offer, 1 will not permit the sale of Waitara to the Pakeha. Waitara is in my hands, I will not give it up; c kore, c kore, c /tore (i.e., I will not, I will not, I will not), I have spoken," and thereupon abruptly withdrew with his people. William King was one of the Ngatiawa who had retired to Cook's Straits, whence he returned to Taranaki in 1848. Though a well-born Chief, his land claims are not considerable, and lie chit-fly, if not wholly, to the North of Waitara. Oα his return to Taranaki, being still in fear of the Waikatos, lie applied to Tamati Raru, Teira's father, for permission to build a I'ah on the South bank, which was granted, lie put up his Pah accordingly close to one occupied by Teira's party, but his cultivations are on the North side of the river. Kav\iri Raupongo, Tamati Raru, Keumana, and the other members of Teira's party have cultivated the Block sold to the Governor. But King has been joined liy a number of Natives who have gathered about him since his settlement at Waitara, and these men have encroached with their cultivations upon the proper owners. This has been a source of dissension, and one reason determining the sellers to part with their land. King's particular followers, who have been enjoying the use of the laud without any claim to share in the proceeds of its sale, naturally support him in his opposition. During the space of eight months which elapsed between the first offer and the final acceptance of the laud, opportunity has been freely afforded to adverse claimants to come forward and establish their right. The last occasion was on the 20th November, 18.VJ, on the payment of the first instalment of the purchase money, which was publicly done in presence of King and a large number of Europeans and Natives. On that occasion a document setting forth the boundaries of the Block was read to the assembled Natives by Mr. Parris. Appended to the document was a declaration, on behaif of the Governor, that if any man could prove his claim to any piece of land within the boundary described, such claim would be respected, and the claimant might hold or sell as he thought fit. No such claim, however, was put forward. The question of title is one c n which persons not versed in the intricacies of Native usage cannon expect to form an independent judgment. It is a question to be determined upon authority. The Native Secretary, Mr. McLean, who in addition to his general experience, lass a special acquaintance with the Taranaki Land question, dating hack to L 844, denies King's right to interfere. The Rev. John Whitelev, Wesleyau Missionary at New Plymouth, and Mr. Pan-is, the District Land Purchase Commissioner, both of whom have had a long acquaintance with the subject, agree with the Native Secretary. A very valuable testimony to the same effect is furnished by a letter recently addressed to various Chiefs of Waikato and Mokau by Wi Tako, a Ngatiawa Chief, a translation of which is appended to this Memorandum—(App. No. 1.) Wi Tako's evidence carries great weight, as his prepossessions are adverse to the British Government. For some time he lias been strenuously advocating the cause of the Maori King, and the letter in question was actually written by him whilst on his return to Wellington from Ngaruawahia, where he had been attending the deliberations of the Maori Council. It is said that he was specially deputed by Potatau to inquire into the merits of the W aitara question. W. King himself does not assert a right of property, as plainly appears from Mr. Parris's official report of the meeting, already referred to, of 29th November, 1859—(App. No. 2.) In answer to the question, publicly put, " Does the land belong to Teira's party?" King says, "Yes, the land is theirs, but 1 will not let them sell it." Again, being asked " Why will you oppose their selling what is their own?" he replies, " Because I do not wish that the laud should be disturbed, and though " they have floated it, I will not let it go to sea. It is enougli, Parris, their bellies are full with the " sight of the money you have promised them. But don't give it to them. If you do, I will not let " you have the land, hut will take it and cultivate it myself." King's stand is really taken upon his position as a Chief; and possibly had the Ngatiawa not been broken up, and driven from their territory, or had the circumstances of King's re-establishment

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at Waitara been different, liis birth might liave given him the command over the Tribe which he pretends to exorcise. It is enough to s;iy that King's right to dictate to them is not recognised by the principal men of the Ngatiawa in Taranaki, and that its attempted exercise is the real cause of the disturbances which have so long , vexed the district. Still less would Te Whero Wlieio and the Chiefs of Waikato have countenanced King's ambitious views until the rise amongst them of the new ideas, of which an exposition has been given in the former part of this Memorandum. The Waikatos themselves, claiming the district by right of conquest, transferred their rights to the Crown in 1842, by deed of cession, of which a copy is annexed. (App. No 3.) The boundaries named in the deed extend from Tongaporutu, 10 miles south of Mokau, to the Waitotara River, near Wangaaui. This deed was relied upou as, at all events, precluding the interference of Waikato in the Taranaki question. It now seems that this reliance was not well founded. But should the tribes of Waikato take arms in a case in which they have so little concern, in which the Governor is so clearly in the right, and in which they are themselves so pledged and bound to support His Excellency—it will be manifest that the state of their feeling was such as that by no possible sacrifice of interest, honor, and principle, could a rupture have been long avoided. And in that case it might be, on the whole, matter of reasonable congratulation that the British Government should have come openly to an issue with the King party, before the preparations of the enemy were complete. The Districts North of Auckland are yet firm in their allegiance. But everywhere i-lse in the Northern Island the determination to shake off the British dominion has been steadily gaining ground. The agents of Government hear it everywhere avowed by Natives that their desire is to humble the Government (wkakaiti te hawanatanga), and to recover for the future Maori Nation the Sovereignty which they were, in their childish ignorance, beguiled to part with to Quren Victoria. The Waitara purchase has brought the Government front to front with the King-party before the preparations of the latter were complete. To use the phrase employed by themselves in answer to the deputation from Taraniki, " the Pah is not yet built." A view of the present political state of the Natives would be incomplete if notice were omitted of the part taken by the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki Tribes, who inhabit the country extending from New Plymouth southward, round the base of Mount Egmont, to the River Patea. These people have long cherished deisgns agaii.st the British settlers, ai;d, as far back as 1853, invited Katatore, the Pukeiapu Chief, to join them in an attack on New Plymouth. Katatore, much to his credit, firmly refused to be a party to an unprovoked atrocity, and disclosed the correspondence to the British authorities. These people have seized the occasion of the Waitara dispute to attempt the execution of their old project — which is nothing less than the extermination of the whites. They have commenced with murders already reported to the Secretary of State; and though happily repulsed with loss at Waireka, when on their way to attack the Town of New Plymouth, they are, according to the latest intelligence, preparing (or a fresh attempt. That a war between Natives and Settlers would be of a most merciless character is probable, from the approbation which many of the Waikato Natives express, of the murders of defenceless settlers perpetrated by the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui Tribes. These people have shown that they are still savages as rapacious and bloodthirsty as their forefathers. May it not be justly feared that in a contest with the settlers the impressions produced on the Natives by forty years of Christian teaching would be obliterated ? Former wars had a chivalrous character which cannot be looked for in the impending struggle. The Colonists, as a body, are in no degree responsible, directly, or through their Representatives, for the existing state of affairs. They have never had the direction of Native policy. Nor have they dictated, or even suggested, the acts of the Imperial Government in its relations with the Natives. But they approve of the stand made by His Excellency in the Taranaki case, and are naturally willing, as their present attitude proves, to risk life itself in the maintenance of the Queen's authority over the Islands of New Zealand. At the same time it is evident that the resources of so small a community are unequal to sustain, unaided, a prolonged war with the Aborigines. Industrial pursuits would be brought to a stand-still. Under continued pressure the better part of the population would drain off to neighbouring Colonies —their places being supplied by lawless and desperate men from both shores of the Pacific. The Colony, in a word, would be ruined. Nor would the Natives themselves fare better. The contending forces would be nearly matched, and the weak cannot afford to be merciful. All modes of warfare would be deemed legitimate against a savage foe ; and though the Maories might for a time gain the ascendant, their ultimate extermination would be a matter of certainty. Justice, therefoie, and Humanity require, that England should freely recognize the onerous duties cast upon her by the Colonisation of New Zealand. To avert calamities such as seem to impend, it is indispensable to place at the disposal of the Goveino l- a Military and Naval Force, adequate to support him in a Policy of equal justice to the two Kaces which have been placed by Providence in a relation to each other so singular and difficult. (Signed) C. W. Richmond.

Appendix No. 1. Wiiitoki, Taranaki, April l Oth, 1860. This is my message to Waikato, that Waikato may understand the character of this foolish work at Taranaki. I arrived here and have ascertained the causes of this war. Enough of this.

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Another word, my message is to Tikaokao Chief of Tongiporutu, toTe Wetini Chief of Tararik', to Takerei of the Kauri, to Hikaka of Papatea, to Reihana of Wliataroa, to To Wetini of Hangatiki, to Eru3ra of Mohoaonui, to To Paetai of Huiterangiora, to Hcuheu of Taup", to Paerata of the I'apa, to Te Ati of Aroheua, to Rpiha of Kihikihi, to Iliaia of Hairini, to Hoaui of Rangiawhia, and Hori te Waru, to Tamihana of Tamahere, to Rewi at Ngaruawhia—to all of you. You requested me to investigate the subject and send you tlio truth, which is this. Friends, tliis wrong is William King's. Another wrong has been committed by Taranaki greater than all the evils that have been done in the land.* Let your thoughts be true to the words (or pledges) given to me by you and which we considered to be right. Friends, the work that you have to do is that which is right anil that only. Don't you look towards the foolish works of this land. Friends listen to me—former days were days of error, the days that succeeded were days of truth, let this be your only work to obey the word of the Great Father in Heaven, which is a line that has one end above and the other reaching down to the earth. That is the fighting for us, be true to your agreement with me. Friends listen to me. The cause of this war is the land only. Not the King. Let not the evil spirit lead you into temptation. From your true friend in the Lord, From Wi Tako Ngatata.

Appendix No. 2, New Plymouth, December 4th, 1859. Sir, — I have the honor to inform you, that on Tuesday, 29th ultimo, I paid an instalment of one hundred pounds to Teira aud others for their land at Waitara. On Friday, 25th ultimo, I went to Waitara, to inform Win. King that I purposed doing so. On Tuesday, 29th ultimo, he came to town with a party of about thirty to oppose it. I prevailed on them to meet Teira's party and discuss the question, which was done in a very orderly manner, in the presence of a very large audience of Europeans. Win. King avowed his determination to oppose the sale, without advancing any reason for doing so; upon which I put a series of questions to him, which I called upon the Rev. Mr. Whiteley to ■witness. Q. Does the land belong to Teira and party?— A. Yes, the land is theirs, but I will not let them sell it. Q. Why will you oppose their selling wliat is their own? — A. Because I do not wish for the land to be disturbed; and although they have floated it, I will not let it go to sea. Q. Shew me the correctness or justice of your opposition? — A. It is enough, Parris, their bellies are full with the sight of the money you have promised them, but don't give it to them; if you to, I won't let you have the land, but will take it and cultivate it myself. Teira stops in town since he received the instalment, considering it not safe for him to stop at Waitara. I have, &c, (Signed) Robert Parris, District Commissioner. The Chief Commissioner, &c, &c., &c, Auckland.

Appendix No. 3. Know all men by this book. We, chiefs of Waikato, do let go and sell these lands cf ours tc George Clarke, the Protector of Natives for H. VI. Victoria, Queen of England, her Heire and Successors, •whether male or female, the land and all things tint are on or under this land, we sell to George Clarke the Protector of Natives for an estate for the Queen, her Heirs and Successors, whether male or female, for ever. The beginning of the Northern boundary is at Tongapourutu, the Western boundary is along the sea shore between Tongapourutu and Waitotara, and on the South beginning from Waitotara and going inland to Piraunui. We receive these payments on behalf of the tribes of Waikato for their interest in the said land, One hundred and fifty pounds money, two horses, two saddles, and two bridles, one hundred red blankets. Witness our names and signs, written in Auckland, on this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-two. (Signed) Te Kati, Witnesses— Te Wherowhero. (Signed) J. Coates, Gsohgb Clarke, Sub-Protector. True Translation—(Signed) Thomas S. Forsaith.

• Thll refeis to tb« murden committed by the Taranakii at New Plymouth.

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No. 29.

COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.8., TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE. Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, 27th April, 1860. Mr Lord Duke, — In my Despatch, No. 35, of the 24th inst., I informed your Grace that immediately on my return to Auckland, I sent agents to the Waikato district for the purpose of conveying correct information respecting recent occurrences at Taranaki (of which the Chiefs had received various false statements and garbled reports), and to ascertain the views of the Waikato Chiefs with reference to the whole question. 2. It may be first necessary that I should inform your Grace that the agitation for a Maori King took a definite form about the year 185G (though it had ils origin at a much earlier date); that I treated it with silent indifference, trusting in the assurances of all who profess to be well acquainted with the Maori character, that after a time it would, if unopposed, die a natural death (see my Despatches on this subject passim). I was the more inclined to put faith in these assurances because Potatau, the King elect, has always been a faithful ally to the Government, and he assured me that no harm should ever come of the movement. For a long time there was every reason to believe that these prophecies were likely to be fulfilled; but in July, 1809, the inhabitants of Wellington were alarmed by a threatened attack from the Natives. It then appeared (as explained in my Despatch, No. 65, of 22nd August, 1859) that the fears of the Maories had been excited by some disaffected Europeans, who assured them that the settlers were meditating their destruction. I have since learnt that malicious reports to this effect had been spread from other centres and circulated very generally among the Maories, aud, though several Chiefs communicated frankly with the Government on the subject, the falsehood appears to have taken deep root. 3. From that time the King movement, of which the chief feature is a desire for union and a separate nationality, revived and advanced with rapid strides. The agitation has been carried on with great energy and some secrecy. Emissaries have been sent in every direction to make proselytes: deputations have been received in some state: two tribes unconnected with the Waikatos have tendered their allegiance and presented their lands to the league, of which the King is the nominal head: great exertions have been made to obtain similar adhesions from other tribes : the King's Council openly assume the right to decide on the justice of my proceedings, and consider whether or not they will aid a Chief in rebellion against Her JMajesty's Government. A large number have subscribed and given money to a disaffected European for a printing press to be conducted by him. A flag has been designed, and hoisted at the King's residence; and an abortive attempt was made at Kawhia to levy customs in the King's name. Under these circumstances, the dispute at Taranaki sinks into insignificance; indeed it is evident that unless W. King had calculated on support from this powerful confederation, he would never have presumed to offer resistance, or set up a claim so entirely without foundation. I must therefore consider that the question at issue is one which affects Her Majesty's Sovereignty over the Islands of New Zealand, and nothing else. It is quite true that this Sovereignty as relates to the Maories has always been more nominal than real; but it is now evident that the Maories desire a separate nationality and union in order that they may exert a real Sovereignty, the existence of which would be incompatible even with that very mild and imperfect exercise of authority which has been hitherto maintained, and could not fail to bring on collision between the races. Your Grace will observe that though this movement has been long in gestation, it is only very recently that it has made sucli rapid strides, and I cannot but think the occurrences at Taranaki fortunate, because, to use the expression adopted at the King meeting, "It has led to the discovery of "the Pah before the builders have had time to complete it." 4. The enclosures will convey to your Grace a graphic account of the meeting at Ngaruawhia. At the interview Mr. Smith then had with the Chief Potatau, he was unable to obtain any decisive expression of opinion. It appears, however, that a Chief named W. Tako, who is one of the most active agitators in favor of the King movement, had been sent to Taranaki to inquire, and report to Potatau and his Council, on the justice of W. King's claim. Of this Chief, Archdeacon Hadfield, in a letter to me, dated Bth September, 1859, says:—"This (feeling of discontent) has I believe been produced chiefly "by W. Tako, —a man of considerable ability, but whom I have never liked or trusted, who, being " well informed, has endeavoured to accumulate every grievance he can hear of, and by presenting "them in one view, to draw a conclusion unfavourable to the Government." W. Tako's report is enclosed: lie informs the Council that he had "ascertained the causes of this war. I send you the "truth, which is this:—Friends, 'the sin' (the proper translation is 'the wrong') is W. King's: don't "you look towards the foolish work of this land." I attach also the report of a speech made by Potatau to his Chiefs alter the departure of Mr. Smith from Isgarua»vhia, when he dismissed the emissaries from the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui tribes, and forbade his people to assist them. 5. Thus stands the matter at present; but it is well known that Potatau, who is blind with age and very infirm, represents only the most moderate of the King party, and that his power to control those who advocate war, and a return to indiscriminate slaughter in prosecuting it, is very uncertain. 6. A large meeting of the Waikato tribes and those who sympathise with them, will be held in a few days at Ngaruawhia, when the subject of peace and war is to be discussed. I shall of course take

No. 39. Native.

T. H. Smith. Rev. Thai. Buddie.

W. Tako. Potatau.

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care to have agents on the Waikato, and the Bishop of New Zealand has, at ray request, consented to attend the meeting , , where he will be more likely to have influence and obtain correct information than any directly accredited agent. What may be the result of this meeting it is impossible to predict, but I have made every preparation in my power (as explained in my Despatch, No. 35, 24th April) to meet any contingency. I have also invited all the Chiefs of importance in New Zealand, to the number of 120 (excepting only some few who openly refuse to recognise Her Majesty's Sovereignty), to meet me at Auckland on the 2nd July next. I look forward to this meeting as a means of bringing to light any secret causes of discontent, and in the hope that some plan may be devised which will place our relations with the Native tribes on a firmer and more satisfactory footing than it has yet been. It might be asked why a meeting of Chiefs has not been called long ere this; but I can only reply that it would not be in my power to call such a meeting even now had not my responsible advisers, seeing the critical position of the country, agreed to incur the expense —which is estimated at £3000— and to recommend the Assembly to sanction it. 7. It will be seen that there is a party on the Waikato who are decidedly inimical to the Europeans as a race, and desire war with or without cause. I am, however, inclined to believe that they are in a minority, and will be restrained by those who are wiser. On the other hand, it is impossible to foretell what effect any untoward event, or particularly warlike speech, may have on so excitable a people. I believe also, that though the great majority of the King party entertain no ill will towards the Europeans, they would (if their party had been sufficiently consolidated) have taken up a position towards the Queen's Government which would necessarily have led to collision, unless we had been prepared to submit entirely to their dictation—or, in other words, to their rule. 8. The precautions we have adopted and the preparations we have made (of which the Maories are fully aware), lead me to think it probable that the war will be confined to the Province of Taranaki; and if so, there is every reason to hope it will be summarily concluded. Taking into consideration, however, the exasperated feelings to which many of the settlers give expression (vide my Despatch, No. 37), their open demands for unoccupied lands, the delusions of the Maories, and the subtlety with which disaffected Europeans deceive them and misinterpret the intentions of the Government, I am satisfied that a force large enough to overawe the turbulent and render successful opposition to Her Majesty's arms hopeless, is absolutely necessary for the maintenance of peace in New Zealand. I need scarcely add that the Militia cannot be embodied and employed for any length of time in regular service, as is the case at Taranaki, without interfering with all those operations upon which tho existence of a settler must necessarily depend. I trust, therefore, your Grace will forgive my again urging the necessity of your sending out three Regiments and a Company of Artillery to this Colony without delay. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c, &c.

No. 44. Military. Plan. Return. •>

No. 30. copy of a DESPATCH from governor gore browne, c.b., to his grace the duke op NEWCASTLE. Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, 21st Ma y. 1860. My Lord Duke, — I have the honor to inform your Grace that the male population of Auckland have now been formed into a Regiment of Militia, which, for the convenience of those residing in different places, has been divided into three Battalions. The town of Auckland will itself furnish five companies and comprise the Ist Battalion. A plan of the town, showing the locality of each company, is enclosed, together with a return of the Militia as it exists at present. The total number armed amounts to 1515, but it is needless to say that so large a part of the population cannot be enrolled and drilled without great inconvenience and interference with the ordinary occupations upon which the prosperity and, I might say, the existence, of the Province depends. This organisation, together with the Guard and Blockhouses reported in my Despatch No. 35 of 24th April, have however rendered Auckland and the Peninsula on which it stands tolerably secure against any attack by the Natives. With the Force and other means at my disposal, the settlements on the South and many on the North of this District are not capable of being defended ; in the event of an attack by the Waikato tribes they must be abandoned, and it will be well if this can be done without other loss than that of property. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c, &c.

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No. 31. SPEAKER OF PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OF HAWKE's BAY TRANSMITTING RESOLUTIONS OF PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. Provincial Council Chamber, Napier, 30th March, 1860. Sir, — I have the honor to enclose a Resolution passed by the Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay on the 20th instant. The Members of the Council unanimously concurring in the sentiments expressed therein. I have, &c, (Signed) Joseph Rhodes, His Excellency Colonel Gore Browne. C.8., Speaker. &c, &c, &c.

Enclosure in No. 31. RESOLUTION OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OP HAWKe'S BAY. Provincial Council Chamber, Napier, March 20th, 1860. That the Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay, ere it terminates its Second Session, is desirous of placing on record its full and entire sympathy with the Province of Taranaki, at present under Martial Law, owing to the meddiing of disaffected Aborigines. That this Council also congratulates the Province of Taranaki on the manly and self-relying spirit which evidently appears to animate the bosoms of its settlers; and on the very efficient aid so promptly rendered by the Governor of this Colony. Aud while heartily and unanimously thanking His Excellency for the same, and for his equitable and open declaration of policy —which this Council also sincerely believes to be both suited to and beneficial for the entire interests of the Province of Hawke's Bay—it further begs to be allowed to express the hope, that such policy will be for the future everywhere alike steadily and zealously adhered to. And that a copy of this Resolution be early forwarded by the Speaker of this Council to His Excellency the Governor and to the Superintendent of the Province of Taranaki. A true copy. (Signed) Gko. Tiios. Fannin, Council Chamber, March 20th, 1860. Clerk of Council.

No. 32. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO SPEAKER OF PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OF HAWKe's BAY. Government House, Auckland, 6th April, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter, conveying to me a Resolution passed unanimously by the Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay, and in return 1 beg to offer the Council my best thanks for the expressions of confidence contained in their Resolution. It may be satisfactory to the Council to know that the policy in question has been approved by Her Majesty's Government. I have, &c, Joseph Rhodes, Esq., (Signed) T. Gore BROWNE. Speaker of the Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay,

N0.33. SUPERINTENDENT OF CANTERBURY TRANSMITTING ADDRESS OF PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. Superintendent's Office, Christchurch, March 30th, 1860. Sir, — I have the honor to enclose herewith an address to His Excellency the Governor from the Provincial Council of Canterbury, on the Native disturbances at present existing at Taranaki, and to request that you will have the kindness to present the same to His Excellency. I have, &c, (Signed) W. S. Moorhouse, Capt. F. G. Steward, Superintendent of Canterbury. Private Secretary to His Excellency Colonel Gore Browne.

j,j 0 96

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Enclosure in No. 33.

ADDRESS OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL NOW IN SESSION. To His Excellency Colonel Thomas Goue Browne, C.8., fyc, fyc, Sf-c, Governor of New Zealand. Canterbury, March, 1860. May it please Your Excellency,— The Members of the Provincial Council of Canterbury assembled in Council, desire to express their deep sympathy in the trying circumstances surrounding Your Excellency by reason of the violence and insubordination of a portion of the Maori population of the North Island. While they express their thankfulness to the Almighty for having cast their lot in a portion of the Colony, in which they are spared the infliction of the personal consequences of a like revolt, they feel that their Provincial prosperity depends in a great measure upon the maintenance of peace and good order in the Colony at large. Entirely confiding in Your Excellency's judgment and in your determination to uphhold the authority of the Crown, the Members of this Council desire to assure Your Excellency of the willingness to co-operate with you to the utmost of their ability in the assertion of that authority, and to bear their share of the burthen, which under unlooked for and adverse results may possibly fall upon their fellow Colonists in the North; and while they do not doubt that many of the young men of this Province are ready to place themselves at Your Excellency's disposal in case of need, they believe that some portion of the difficulty you experience may be removed by a proposal on the part of this Province to afford an asylum to those of the out-settlers in the Province of Taranaki who, driven from their homes, may be exposed to inconveniences and sufferings in consequence of being forced into theTown for shelter, and which its limited accommodation is not capable of affording to them. Should these troubles increase, the Council offer in the name of the Settlers of Canterbury the protection of their Province, and they are ready to provide an immediate asylum for those women and children who may be cast upon Your Excellency's care. In conclusion, this Council earnestly trust that the efforts which Your Excellency has so laudably made in the extension of Civil institutions suited to the wants of the Native population may ere longbe appreciated by them, and that the present resistance to your authority may speedily give place to the conviction that under your rule the British Crown desires to form one People under one law, of the Colonists and the Native tribes. By order of the Provincial Council, (Signed) Charles Bo wen, Speaker.

No. 34. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO SUPERINTENDENT OP CANTERBURY. Government House, 21st April, 18C0. Sir,— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter dated 30th March, covering an Address from the Provincial Council of Canterbury signed by the Speaker, Mr. Charles Bowen. In reply, I beg you to convey to the Speaker and Members of the Provincial Council my grateful thanks for their expression of confidence in my judgment and determination to uphold the authority of the Crown, and their willingness to co-operate with me. I join the Council in earnestly trusting that the Aboriginal population may speedily be convinced that Her Majesty's Government desire only to form one People under one law, and assure you that no exertion will be spared by me to carry this purpose into effect. I will by the first opportunity convey to the Superintendent of Taranaki the generous offer of the Council to afford an asylum for those women and children who may be in want of it, and I venture now to assure you of their grateful acknowledgments, to which I beg also to add my own. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gobe Browne. His Honor the Superintendent, Canterbury.

No. 35. ADDRESS OF INHABITANTS OF WANGANUI. To His Excellency Colonel Thomas Gore Browne, C.8., Governor and Commander-in- Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, and Vice-Admiral of the same, fyc, fycWanganui, April 19th, 1860. We, the undersigned inhabitants of Wanganui and District, desire to express our warm approval of the policy pursued by Your Excellency in the Native disturbances existing in Taranaki. We

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regard the grounds on which Your Excellency has taken up arms to be just and necessary, and respectfully assure Your Excellency of our cordial support (should we be called upon) to measures calculated by a just and firm determination, to convey a lesson to the disaffected, which may speedily end present and prevent future outbreaks of the Native Population of these Islands. (Signed) Dueie, R.M., and 875 other signatures.

No. 36. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO INHABITANTS OF WANGANUI. Government House, Auckland, 22nd May, 1860. Gentlemen, — I thank you for the confidence expressed in your Address to me, dated April 19th. The collision at Taranaki was forced upon us much against my will, and now that it has become my duty to punish some who have outraged humanity, and to bring others to obedience, it is very gratifying to know that I enjoy the approbation, and may depend upon the support, of so many of Her Majesty's loyal and independent subjects. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne, D. S. Durie, Esq., Governor, and the Gentlemen signing the Address, Wanganui.

No. 37. ADDRESS OF THE INHABITANTS OF OTAHUHU. Otahuhu, April 23rd, 1860. To His Excellency Colonel Thomas Gore Browne, C.8., Governor, fyc, New Zealand. We, the undersigned Settlers, residing chiefly in the Otahuhu and neighbouring districts, beg respectfully to express to your Excellency the confidence we feel in the measures you have taken to put down the rebellious Natives who have appeared in arms against the Queen's authority in Taranaki. We make no doubt that ere long tbese offenders will receive that punishment which they have so richly deserved. We also take the opportunity of stating that your Excellency may rely on our services at any moment you may think fit to call for them; and we believe that not only those who have signed this paper, but that all good and loyal settlers will answer most promptly to the summons. We feel confident that your Excellency will not relax your efforts until the Queen's undivided authority is acknowledged and submitted to over the whole of the Islands of New Zealand, so that justice may be administered equally both to the English and Native population. (Signed) M. G. Nixon. [Here follow 77 other signatures.]

No. 38. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO INHABITANTS OP OTAHUHU. Government House, 24th April, 1860. Gentlemen, — I beg you to accept my'sincere thanks for the Address I have this day received from you. Publicity as to intended operations would in most cases defeat the object we all desire to attain ; the assurance, therefore, that I enjoy your confidence, and that gallant men are ready to aid me when required, is particularly gratifying at the present time. In return, I can assure you that no exertion shall be wanting on my part to inflict severe chastisement on those who have dared to violate our territory, and murder our unarmed settlers, and to place the Colony in a position to defy any future attack's, should such ever be again meditated. I have, &c., (Signed) T. Goke Browne. Col. Nixon, Albin Martin, Esq., and the Gentlemen signing the Addrses, Otahuhu.

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No. 39.

MR. NASH TRANSMITTING RESOLUTIONS OF PUBLIC MEETING AT NELSON. Nelson, 24th April, 1860. Sir,— Herewith I have the honor to transmit to you copies of Resolutions passed at a Public Meeting of the inhabitants of this City, of which I was Chairman, relative to the existing Rebellion at Taranaki, and I have to request that you will submit the same to His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, (Signed) Llewellyn Nash, Chairman. The Honorable the Colonial Secretary, Auckland.

Enclosure in No. 39. RESOLUTIONS OF PUBLIC MEETING AT NELSON. Nelson, 23rd April, 1860, 1. That this meeting entirely approves of the decision with which the Government has acted in confronting a Native rebellion at Taranaki, and trusts that it will make no peace excepting on the terms of the unconditional submission of the rebels, on which basis alone the meeting believes that any peace must be founded if it is to be lasting. 2. That, while desirous of living on friendly terms with the Maories, and rejoicing in every instance of their progress in civilization and material comfort, this meeting considers that it is no less due to them than to the British Colonists, that proceedings on the part of any of them subversive of all natural justice and moral law, and leading, as at Taranaki, to bloodshed and destruction of property, should be promptly and decidedly punished by the Government. 3. That copies of the above resolutions be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor, and to his Honor the Superintendent of Taranaki. (Signed) Llewellyn Nash, Chairman.

194.

No. 40. UNDER SECRETARY TO MR. NASH. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, May 25th, 1860. Sir, — I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 24th of April last, transmitting copies of Resolutions passed at a Public Meeting, of which you were the Chairman, at Nelson, relative to the existing rebellion at Taranaki, and to inform you that these Resolutions have been duly laid before His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, (Signed) W. Gisborne, Under Secretary. Llewellyn Nash, Esq., Nelson.

No. 41. SUPERINTENDENT OF TARANAKI TRANSMITTING MEMORIAL OF MEMBERS OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND INHABITANTS OF TARANAKI. New Plymouth, April 26th, 1860. Sir,— I have the honour to enclose for His Excellency the Governor, a memorial from the Members of the Provincial Government and other inhabitants of the Province, praying for the prosecution of the present war until a permanent and honourable peace lias been ensured. The desire of all the subscribers has been to give all possible support to His Excellency's Government in the course hitherto pursued, and to assure His Excellency of the same hearty co-operation in that course for the future. I have, &c, (Signed) G. Cutpibld, Superintendent of Taranaki. The Honorable the Colonial Secretaiy, Auckland.

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NATIVE INSURRECTION.

Enclosure in No. 41.

To His Excellency Colonel Thomas Gore Browne, Companion of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand, and Vice-Admiral of the same, SfC, Bfc. The humble Memorial of the Provincial Government and Settlers of Taranaki,— That rumours have reached this settlement from Auckland, that strenuous efforts are being made by several influential persons to bring about a premature peace between your Excellency's •Government and Wiremu Kingi, in terms which would place the British population*at Taranaki iv a more humiliating attitude than the one they occupied the commencement of the present hostilities. That for many years, and especially since the murder of Rawiri Waiaua, , the settlers of Taranak i have felt the insecurity of their position in face of a jealous native population which has never been thon ughly subjfcttd to British authority. That when your Excellency took up arms to assert Her Majesty's supremacy, the whole British population here cordially tendered their support. They knew the dangers and privations they would have to encounter, but they wore cheered by the hope that they would emerge from the war, free from future insecurity. That the settlers of Taranaki have well sustained their promise, as has been warmly acknowledged by your Excellency. They have had their homes devastated, and their fellow settlers and their children murdered by hordes of savages, biought from Taranaki and Ngatiruanui at the instance of Wiremu Kingi. They have been compelled to abandon to the chances of ajjsavage war, their well cultivated farms, and their numerous flocks and herds. To secure* the safety of their familips, they have had to endure the deprivations and discomforts of a crowded town, and the deportation of their wives and children. They trust this endurance may meet its reward at the hands of your Excellency. They are still prepared to brave, as they have braved, the inevitable dangers and trials which a continuance of the war will entail, but they entreat your Excellency to consider the position in which they would be placed by anything short of a complete establishment of the Queen's authority. Many would rather abandon the hearths for which they have lately fought, to commence again the arduous labours of founding a new home, than run the risk of being again subjected to the domination of a savage race. That the opposition of Wiremu Kingi to the sale of Teira's land has been uniformly based by him, not on any unsatisfied claim on the s:<id land of his own, or of any other member of the tribe, but on his pretensions, as chief, to control the sale of all lands belonging to his tribe. The exercise of such an authority, with the consequences necessarily flowing from it., is incompatible with Her Majesty's sovereignty in this Colony, and most fatal to the interests of both races. That the present war has been undertaken by your Excellency, in consequence of your determination to uphold Her Majesty's supremacy, in opposition to the aforesaid rights claimed by the chiefs of tribes ; and the conclusion of any peace with Wiremu Kingi, or any other native chief, by which the aforesaid pretensions are not finally annulled, would therefore, in the opinion of your Memorialists, be tantamount to a declaration that Her Majesty's supremacy cannot be maintained in these Islands. Your Memorialists, therefore, pray that your Excellency will not make peace with Wiremu Kingi, upon any terms in the least compromising the Queen's supremacy. And that as regards Taranaki and Ngatiruanui Natives, that no peace will be made with them, until they have been severely punished for the barbarous murders committed 4 by them, upon unoffending and helpless settlers. And that compensation will be exacted from them for the various losses sustained by the settlers, in the marauding expeditions of these natives. (Signed), G. Cutfield, Superintendent. And 22 other signatures. New Plymouth, Taranaki, April 25th, 1860.

No. 42. MR. TANCRED TO SUPERINTENDENT OF TARANAKI. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 28th April, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's Letter of the 26th instant, transmitting a Memorial to the Governor from the Members of the Provincial Government, and other Inhabitants of the Province, praying that His Excellency will not make peace with " Wiremu Kingi" upon any terms in the least comprising the Queen's supremacy, and with the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui Natives, until they have been severely punished for the barbarous murders committed by them, and compensation exacted from them for the ruinous losses sustained by the Settlers.

207.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

I have laid this Memorial before His Excellency who has directed me to state that, be suming it to be at all probable that the Governor would compromise the Queen's supremacy have been desirable that the Members of the Provincial Government and the other Memorii have investigated the truth of the rumours upon which alone they acknowledge to have Memorial. I have, &c, (Signed) Henry John Tancr For the Colonic! Si His Honor the Superintendent, New Plymouth.

No. 43. ADDRESS OF AUCKLAND VOLUNTEER CAVALRY GUARDS. To His Excellency Colonel Thomas Gorr Browne, C.8., Governor and Command' r-'w in and over the Colony of New Zealand, and Vice-Admiral of the s"me. May it please your Excellency,— The Troop of Auckland Volunteer Cavalry Guards unanimously desire to ex your Excellency the great gratification with which they heard oi' the determination of cellency to cause energetic steps to be taken effectually to suppress the treasonabl n Taranaki, and to uphold the Sovereign rights of our Most Gracious Queen in New '/', They believe this gratification is shared in by a vast majority of their fellow-col assure your Excellency that should the course which your Excellency has taken and expr determination to pursue, require the ai'tivo action of the Colonists, the service which this placed at your Excellency's command will be heartily rendered in the vindication of au unswi maintenance of the honor and rights of the Crown. (Signed) Thos. Beckham, Captain Commanding Auckland Volunteer Cavalry Guards.

No. 44. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO AUCKLAND VOLUNTEER CAVALRY GUARDS. Government ! 2nd May, 18' Gentlemen, — I beg you to accept and convey to the rest of your Troop my best thanks for the i>: oressions of confidence contained in the Address, and for the good feeling which has promp presentation to me. I thank you ;dso for the readiness with which you have offered your services in the defence of the Province. Should they be required for active operations, I shall gladly avail myself of such valuable aid. I have reason, however, to think that the spirit of disaffection is not I. pread beyond Taranaki, where the large force now collected will doubtless speedily bring the question to a successful issue. I have, &c., (Signed) T. Goue Bkownb. To Captain Beckliam ami Lieutenant Mayne, Auckland Volunteer Cavalry Guards.

No. 45. ADDRESS OF CITY COMPANY OF AUCKLAND VOLUNTEER RIFLES. To His Excellency Colonel T. Gore Browne, C.8., Governor of New Zealand. Auckland, 2nd May, 1860. May it please your Excellency, — The " City Company of Auckland Volunteer Rifles " unanimously desire to express to your Excellency the great gratification with which they have read the determination of your Excellency to cause energetic steps to be taken effectually to suppress the treasonable outbreak at Taranaki, and to uphold the Sovereign rights of our Most Gracious Queen in New Zealand.

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NATIVE INSURRECTION.

They believe this gratification is shared by a vast majority of their fellow-colonists; and beg to assure your Excellency that, should the course which your Exceile: cy has taken ;ind expressed your determination to pursue, require the active assistance of the Colonists, the service which this Company has placed ;it your Excellency's commaud will be heartily rendered in the vindication of an unswerving maintenance of the honor and rights of the Crown. In the name and by appointment of the Company, (Signed) Michael Keiley, Lieutenant Commanding City Company A. V. Rifles. " J. M. Clark, 2nd Lieutenant A. V. Rifles, tlis Excellency Col. T. Gore Browne, Governor of New Zealand.

No. 46. HIS BXCELLENCT THE GOVERNOR TO THE CITY COMPANY OP AUCKLAND VOLUNTERE RULES. Government House, 3rd May, 1860. Gentlemen, — I beg , you to accept and convey to the rest of your Company my best thanks for the expressions of confidence contained in the Address, and for the good feeling which has prompted its presentation to me. I thank you and them also for the readiness with which you have offered your services in the defence of the Province. Should they be required for active operations, I sh;>ll gladly avail myself of such valuable aid. I have reason, however, to think that the spirit of disaffection is not likely to spread beyond Tyanaki. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gohe Browne. Lieut. K-eilpy, The City Company of Auckland Volunteer Rifles.

No. 47. SPEAKER OF PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OF WELLINGTON TRANSMITTING ADDRESS OF PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. Council Chamber, Wellington, 17th May, 1860. Sir, — I have the honor to enclose the copy of an Address to His Excellency the Governor, passed by the Provincial Council on the lGth instant, and to request you will place the same before His Excellency without delay. I have, &c. (Signed) George Hart, Speaker. Captain F. G. Steward, Private Secretary to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand.

Enclosure in No. 47. To His Excellency Colonel T. Gore Browne C.8., Governor of New Zealand, Sfc, ftc. * May it please Your Excellency,— The Provincial Council of the Province of Wellington seizes the earliest opportunity to express to Your Excellency its earnest hope that the most vigorous measures may bu taken to suppress the Native rebellion against the Queen's authority at Taranaki, and its deep sympathy with those Colonists who have suffered thereby in life, health, and property. While this Council cannot venture to decide on the expediency, or to conjecture the probable result of all the details of the Military operations hitherto pursued for the quelling , of that rebellion or the punishment ofbarbarous murderers, it confidently trusts that your Excellency will persevere in the most i B and unceasing efforts to compel the just fulfilment of the treaty of Waitangi, to inflict - ment on the murdering invaders of our territory, to maintain the undivided authority of Her Majesty the Queen throughout this Colony, and to place every portion of it in a position to defy any future attack that might be designed. For these objects the Council believes that it agrees with every loyal subject in assuring your Excellency of its cordial co-operation and support. (Signed) George llart, Speaker.

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No. 48.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO SPEAKER OF PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OP WELLINGTON. Government House, Auckland, 22nd May, 1860. Sib,— I have the honor to acknowledge your letter dated Wellington, May 17th, conveying a copy of the Address of the Provincial Council of Wei ington, dated 15th May, 1860. Iα reply, I beg you to accept and convey to the Members of the Provincial Council of Wellington my best thanks for the assurance of their cordial co-operation and support to enable' me to act in the manner they describe. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. The Speaker of the Provincial Council of Wellington.

No. 49. ADDRESS OF PUBLIC MEETING AT AUCKLAND. To His Excellency Colonel Thomas Gore Browne, C.8., Governor and Commander-in-Chuj in and over the Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, <$c, SfC, fyc. The inhabitants of Auckland and its neighbourhood, in Public Meeting assembled, on the 19th May, 1860, beg respectfully to assure Your Excellency of the full concurrence which is felt, and the support whicl. will be given, by the inhabitants of the Province of Auckland, to your Excellency in the continuance of the pursuit of a firm and vigorous course of action, in supporting the individual rights of Her Majesty's subjects whether Brit'sli or Maori, in the Colony, and in vindicating the supremacy of the Queen's authority in New Zealand. (Signed) Robert Graham, Chairman.

No. 50. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO MR. GRAHAM. Government House, 28th May, 1860. Sir,— I beg you to accept and convey to the gentlemen who have signed the address my grateful thanks for the assurance of their full concurrence in the measures I have felt it my duty to adopt and the promise of support of which it contains. In return I beg to assure you of my firm determination to uphold Her Majesty's supremacy by every means in my power. I have, &c, (Signed) T. Gore Browne. R. Graham, Esq., M.G.A., Chairman of Meeting.

No 51. PETITION OP INHABITANTS OP AUCKLAND TO HER MAJESTY. To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, — The humble Petition of your Majesty's dutiful and loyal Subjects, resident in the Province o/ Auckland, in your Majesty's Colony of New Zealand, respectfully shewetk — That your Majesty's loyal and dutiful subjects beg to approach your Majesty with assurance's of their unshaken allegiance and devotion to your .Majesty's Royal Crown and Person. That your Petitioners have emigrated from various parts of your Mnjesty's Dominions to the North Island of New Zealand, in the lull assurance of the maintenance of the supremacy of your Majesty, and in the belief that your Majesty would graciously protect and encourage them in the peaceful of trade and industry. That your Petitioners have at all time 3 been anxious to preserve the most friendly relations with the Aborigines of this Island. That your Petitioners bear testimony to the justice and benevolence, in relation to the Maories, which have characterised the Administration of your Majesty's Representative in this Island.

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NATIVE INSURRECTION.

E-No. 3

That the Treaty of Waitangi, by which the Native Chiefs ceded the Sovereignty of the Islands of New Zealand to your Majesty, has been most scrupulously maintained on the part of your Majesty with reference to your Majesty's Aboriginal subjects. That whilst no other assistance has been rendered to the Colonists than that usually given in all your Majesty's ( olonies, your Majesty's Representatives, animated by your Majesty's benevolence, have, by loans of Public Monies from the Colonial Revenue, assisted your Majesty's Aboriginal subjects to erect Flour Mills, to purchase Vessels, and in various ways to engage in Trade and Agriculture. That it is the belief of your Petitioners that many of your Majesty';! Aboriginal subjects have latterly misinterpreted these evidences of your Majesty's benevolence, and instead of regarding them as the manifestations of y< ur Majesty's interest in their welfare, have long ceased to consider them in any other light than the tribute which weakness pays to power. That a growing contempt for your Majesty's authority has for some time been manifested by the Maories, to which tlie patient forbearance of your Majesty's Representatives, and the small number of Troops stationed in this Island, have not a little contributed. That this unhappy feeling is evidenced by the fact that the Maories have lately stopped your Majesty's mails ; and have grossly insulted your Majesty's Representative (Governor Gore Browne) ; That by electing a King to whom they have transferred their allegiance; they have combined to exercise sovereign rights over large territories in order to prevent the sale of lands by individual tribes or persons to your Majesty's Representative, thereby violating the Treaty of Waitangi. That your Petitioners believe that the present outbreak at Taranaki is a natural consequence of «uch violation of the Treaty of Waitangi. That for the maintenance ol your Majesty's supremacy, and for the defence of their lives and propeny, large numbers of your Majesty's subjects in this Province of Auckland have formed Volunteer Companies —Rifle arid Cavalry, —and 'hat your Majesty's Representative lias further made a levy en masse in the parts of this Province most likely to be endangered, and to which almost the whole population capable of bearing arms have loyally and cheerfully responded. That, in consequence of this unsettled state of affairs, the trade of your petitioners is suffering severely ; —that large numbers of people are leaving tie Colony; —and that, unless your Majesty's supremacy in this Island be speedily and decisively enforced, your petitioners believe that still larger numbers will lesve these shores; —that the interests of your Majesty's subjects, both European and Maori, wll be deeply injured;—that immigration will be arrested; —that the influx of capital will be gre'itlv retarded; —that an angry feeling "ill be engendered between the two races much to be deprecated; —and that the peaceful and prosperous colonization of the North Island of New Zealand will be indefinitely postponed. That your petitioners, therefore, earnestly beseech your Majesty to take such measures as will best maintain your Majesty's supremacy, thereby promoting the harmony, security, and welfare of your Majesty's European and Maori subjects. And your Petitioners will ever pray, &c, &c.

No. 52. COL. OOLD TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. New Plymouth, 30th June, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to forward for the information of your Excellency the enclosed copy of a correspondence en the subject of the recent engagement at the Waitara, together with the list of casualties sustained on that occasion. I have, &c, (Signed) C. E. Gold, His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand, Colonel Commanding the Forces. Auckland.

No. 262 L

Enclosure 1 in No. 52. MAJOR NELSON TO MAJOR OP BRIGADE. Camp, Waitara, 23rd June, 18C0. Sir,— I have the honor to report for the information of the Colonel Commanding the Forces, that observing this morning a fire burning in rear of a belt of fern S.E. of the Camp, and Natives apparently employed in cutting wood and carrying it to the " Pukitukauweri" Pah,* and having reason to believe that they were aggressing upon Her Majesty's land, I directed Lieut. Mould, R E., to proceed and reconnoitre the ground;—this Officer accordingly left the camp, supported by an escort. He found it to be a raupo swamp, (not a deep one), from which the hostile Natives seemingly obtain all the materials for the wharries in their new Pah. The spot is on a portion of Her Majesty's land.

* Referred to in my former letters as the Sadjle-back Pah.

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Having performed the duty, they were on their return to camp, when they were fired upon by the Natives from the old Pah at the extremity of the ridge to the S.E of the camp, and about half a mile from it (this I believe is also on Her Majesty's land), as well as along the top of the ridge in the direction of the Pah, from which Natives were seen to come out to the number of about 150, extending as they descended. Three shots were fired by the hostile Natives before the escort returned the fire ; this it did, until nearly reaching the camp. To cover the escort I directed the Artillery to open a fire. From what was observed, there were some casualties among the Rebels, but the exact number I cannot say. The officers and men behaved with great steadiness. I enclose a Return of Ordnance Ammunition expended. I have, &c, (Signed) Thomas Nelson, Major 40th Regiment, The Major of Brigade, Commanding Camp, Waitara. &c, &c, Taranaki.

No. 2883.

Enclosure 2 in No. 52. MAJOR OF BRIGADE TO MAJOR NELSON. New Plymouth, 26th June, 1860. Sib,— In consequence of the representation contained in your Letter of 23rd instant, I am directed by the Colonel commanding the Forces, to acquaint you that he sends down per " Tasmanian Maid" an augmentation to your force, as per margin, and he trusts that with them you will be enabled to teach the troublesome Natives a lesson they will not easily forget. You will be pleased to take every necessary precaution against the wily foe, as regards ambuscades, which the friendly Natives would be the best to discover, and also if possible cut off their retreat; from the elevated position of the rebels a good view can be obtained of your camp, which must be left amply garrisoned, all remaining on duty armed and accoutred. I have caused ample information to be afforded to Captain Richards, 40th Regiment, and Lieut. McNaughten, R. A., and I am directed to add that Colonel Gold (from your former experience) relies confidently on your proceedings. I have, &c, (Signed) James Paul, Captain Gsth Regiment, Acting Major of Brigade. Major Nelson, Commanding Troops, Waitara.

H»yai Artiiiery-2 24-pr. Howiizcrs, l officer, I &cr K eatvt^js^men. fZt 6 E Men neer '~' "* Naval Brigade-4 officers so Blue jackets. Royal Marines—i officer. 4nt" a ßeg* n — lV'offlcers 245 Men. '

Enclosure 3 in No. 52. MAJOR NELSON TO MAJOR OP BRIGADE. Camp, Waitara, 27th June, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to inform you, for the information of the Colonel commanding, that, in reference to your letter of yesterday's date, I moved out this morning at 5 o'clock with the detail noted in the margin, to attack the new Pahs on the mounds of the South East of the Camp, and returned from thence to Camp at half-past 11 a.m. rpj ig attac | < was conimencec l by the Artillery at 7 a.m., at a range of 400 yards to the North WeSt of the Fal,S - A breach was however not made in the large Pah of a sufficient size to justify me in ordering the men to assault it. During the time the Artillery was playing on the Pah, large bodies of Maories were seen advancing from the rear and occupying in extended order a ditch and bauk, about 400 yards in advance of our right flank, from which they kept up a constant fire. Seeing there was no means of entering the Pah, I immediately ordered an advance towards the ditch and bank just mentioned, which was made in a most continued and gallant manner until the men reached a deep ravine with an entrenchment behind, and which they found it impossible to pass, it being defended by two, if not even three large bodies of Maories, who were almost entirely concealed behind it, aivl another entrenchment in rear ; ac well as the very high fern. Here a desperate and destructive fire was opened upon us, and most gallantly returned. Our skirmishers being far fewer in number and exposed in a much greater degree than the enemy, I deemed it desirable to direct them to join the main body ; and our ammunition being nearly expended, I withdrew the whole of the men, and returned to Camp in regular order. I regret to have io report that the casualties have been numerous, but when as it is supposed the whole of W. King's Natives came down to support the Waikotos in the Pah.", the whole amounting,

48

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NATIVE INSURRECTION.

apparently, to about 800 men, (foremost among whom was an European, who was shot dead) it cannot be considered that the number is great in proportion to the numlier opposed to us. Among the deaths I have to lament that of Lieutenant Brooke, 4()th Regiment, who fell in the noble discharge of his duty, and 29 non-commissioiu-d officers and men of the d ff.-rent corps. Among tlie wounded, Captain Seymour, R.N., severely, and 33 non-comissioned officers and men of the different corps. I enclose a return of casualties. The loss of the rebels from personal observations must have been very great. I cannot speak too highly of the gallant bearing of the officers and men of all arms engaged, and I wou'.d particularly beg to mention the valuable services rendered by the several officers in command, viz., Lieut. Macnaglit-n, R.A., Lieut. Baitiscombe, R.N., Lieut. Morris, R.M.A., Captains Bowdler and Richards, 40th R' j gt. I would also desire to express my sense of the very valuable services of Capt. Seymour, R.N., who was so good as to accompany me, and affirded me every assistance until he was severely wounded. I feel much indebted to Assistant-Surgeon B. Stiles, 4 )tli Regt., Assistant-Surgeon Edivards, R.N., and Mr. J. N. Murray, Surgeon (attached to the t()th Regt.), for the very efficient services they afforded to the wounded in the field. My best thanks are due to Lieut. Mould, R.E., who attended me, and my Staff-Officer Ensign and Acting-Adjutant Whelan, Detachment 40th Regt. I have, etc., Thomas Nelson, Major 40th Regt., Camp, Waitara. P.S.—5 p.m. I have just visited the wounded in the wharries and hospital tent. There are five dangerous cases; —the remainder are doing as well as could be hoped for. (Signed) T. N.

Enclosure 4 in No. 52. List shewing the Killed and Wounded on the 27th June, 1860.

(Signed) B. Stiles, Assistant Surgeon, 40th Regiment. (Signed) Thomas Nelson, Major 40th Regiment, Commanding Camp, Waitam.

DESPATCH FROM SECRETARY OF STATE. copy of a DESPATCH from his gka.ce the duke op Newcastle to governor GORE BROWNE, C. B. Downing Street, 2Uth August, ] 859. Sir, — I have received your Despatch, No. 29, of the 29th of March last, with its enclosures, containug a report of a visit which you had made to Taranaki, and of the state and disposition of the Natives in that Province. I have to express my satisfaction at the tenor of this Report, and my approval of the measures which you adopted upon the occasion. I have, &c, Governor Gore Browne, C.8., (Signed) Newcastle. Ike., &c, Brc.

No. 8.

49

Conri. _ _ I •a I I 1 Kille: t. III O (- « U Ph U \\ I i i OUNDEI). Remarks. Ill § o 'S g> & ." tc o £ ■ _____ i. 1 t o O I Remarks. a ■ Royal Artillery ... I ... ... I ... 3 Ghand Total: K. Naval Brigade 40th Regiment 1 Total ': 1 l : i 3 25 ; ... 1 ... I 8 Officers 2 19 i N. C. Officers 5 1 ... 30 : Privates 57 1 j ... 32 64 3 I 25 I 1 Add to 40tU Regiment ! I Total I ... 1 ' i... i ... , ... 3 j 25 1 i

E—No. 3

Appendix.

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE INSURRECTION. (in continuation of papers presented on the 30th july 1860.) Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

E—No. 3

Appendix

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE I A T I V E I I\ T S U R R E C T I 0 X.

No. 1. ADDRESS 01" INHABITANTS OF THE IIUTT, PROVINCE OF WELLINGTON. To Ills Excellency Colonel Gore Browne, CIS., Governor and Commander-in-Chiefof ilic Colon// of New Zealand, We, the undersigned Electors and other Inhabitants of tlic Hult District, desire to express our entire approbation of ihe policy of Your Excellency, in proceeding to quell by force of arms, tlie insurrection of Wiremu Klngi, in the Province of Tarenaki. While we deeply deplore the circumstances which have compelled Your Excellency to such an extremity, we are convinced that, sooner or later, a collision with this turbulent Chief was inevitable ; nud that any further tampering with the question of Sovereignty, would have been construed by (he Natives as an admission of present weakness, and probably eventuated in more wide-spread disaffection. Even had we been less satisfied than we spj of the justice of the War, we should feel that there could be now no other alternative for Your txoellency, having in view, not simply the best interests, Irat the actual existence of the Colony, than to prove by vigorous cxeitioi the supremacy of the Queen'? power; until a conviction of which, is summarily brought home to the Native mind, we fear that Your Excellency will be unable to establish a lasting Peace; such as may serve, for all future ages, to cement in one bond the mutual prosperity and happiness of both Kae.es. "We offer to Ycur Excellency our most earnest co-operation in bringing the issue to such a termination; and should much regret that any Member of the House of Jvcpresentativcs, should consent to patching up present tranquillity at the risk of future security, A. LUDLAM, Ed. Augustus Carlyon, Ciiahi.ks Hunt, JTutt, September 21, 1860. And 271 others.

No. 2. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO INHABITANTS OF THE lIUTT, Government House, Auckland, 17th October, 1 800. Gentlemen, — It is very gratifying to me to know that (he course pursued towards W. King and the insurgents at Taranaki meets with your approval, and I thank you sincerely for your Address of the 21st September. I thank you also for the offer of your co-operation, and I assure you that every assistance which it is in my power to give has been, and always shall be given to the General to enable him to conduct the war to a successful termination. I have, &c, Messrs. A. Ludlam, Carlyon. T. Gohk Browne. and others.

No. 8, MR. HART TO MX. STAII'OHI). Wellington, October 22ud, 18C0. Sib,— At tke request of the Memorialists, I have the honor to forward by the " While Swan" the accompanying Memorial to His Excellency the Governor. \ have, &c., The Honble. the Colonial Secretary, Qeokge Hart. Auckland.

Enclosure in No. 3. MEMORIAL TO HIS hXCHLLENCY THE GOVERNOR, FROM INHABITANTS OP WELLINGTON. 'Jo Jlis Excellency Colonel Thomas Gore Browne, C.8., Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Islands of Neio Zealand, $c., fyc, fyc. We, the undersigned Inhabitants of the City of Wellington, have seen with the deepest regret and indignation, the opposition which has been raised in the House of Representatives, chiefly by the

3

4 FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIVE INSURRECTION. Wellington members, against the policy of Your Excellency in resisting by force of arms the Rebellion at Taranaki. We feel convinced that Your Excellency could not have avoided the War without serious detriment to the Queen's supremacy in this Island, and the true interests of both Settlers and Natives. Until the Rebels have been subjugated, and the murderers of our fellow Settlers have been punished, any Peace with those who have taken up arms against the Government, would be uncertain, insincere, and subversive of Her Majesty's dominion in this Island. With such a Peace the authority of the Law could not be maintained beyond the immediate precincts of tlie Towns, nor could the mutual feelings of good will and security, which formerly prevailed between the two Races, be restored. We beg to offer to Your Excellency our cordial approbation of the determination expressed by Your Excellency, to carry on the War with vigour, until ample retribution has been exacted for the murder of our fellow Settlers, and until the embers of Rebellion have been utterly extinguished. George Hart, Edward Augustus Cahlyon, Barrister-at-Law, C. B. Borlase, Solicitor, Wμ. Bowler, Merchant, And 433 other signatures.

No. 4. GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE TO MESSRS. HART, CARLYON, AND OTHERS. Government House, Auckland, 29th October, 1860. Gentlemen, — I beg to offer you my sincere thanks for the Address I have received from you by the last Mail, I can assure you that from the moment of my arrival in the Colony to the present time I have earnestly endeavoured to promote the welfare of both Races of Her Majesty's subjects, by every means in my power. It is most gratifying to me to know that so large a portion of the Inhabitants of the oldest Settlement in New Zealand approve the course which it has been my painful duty to pursue at Taranaki, and agree in thinking that the war could not have been avoided without serious detriment to the Queen's supremacy, and the best interests of both Races. You will readily perceive that I could not venture to express any distinct opinion in reference to the future, but I can have no hesitation in assuring you that, however much I may desire the speedy re-establishment of peace, Ido not wish to see it effected on any terms but such as would afford reasonable expectation of permanence. I have, &c, Messrs. Hart, Carlyon, T. Gore Brownk. and others, Wellington.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE INSURRECTION., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1860 Session I, E-03

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE INSURRECTION. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1860 Session I, E-03

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE INSURRECTION. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1860 Session I, E-03