NATIVE AFFAIRS. DESPATCHES FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1863 Session I, E-03a

E.—No 3a,

NATIVE AFFAIRS. DESPATCHES FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND.

(In continuation of No. 3.)

SECTION 1.-DESPATCHES FROM GOVERNOR SIR GEORGE GREY, K.CB. SECTION IT-DESPATCHES FROM HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, KG.

-RESENTED TO mx^^OFTa*MXm^^^^MC^^Dolm S EXCELLENCY.

AUCKLAND.

1863.

E.—No. 3a,

No. 84,

Nos. 72, 77, and 78.—Vide E.—No. 3.

No. 1. copy of DESPATCH fbom goveenob sik geoege obey, k.c.b., to his grace the duke of NEWCASTLE, K.G. Government House, Auckland, 1st August, 18G3. My Lord Duke, — In the Despatches noted in the margin, I have enclosed to Your Grace copies of various papers, showing the dangerous attitude the leading Chiefs of Waikato had assumed in regard to the European population, and how rapidly their plans for a general war are being matured. 2. Unfortunately those Chiefs had considerable numbers of their relatives and adherents living on different tracts of land in the midst of the most prosperous European settlements in this District, and these people had amongst them some of the most turbulent Natives in this part of the Country,' who were the instigators of the proceedings which were being taken against the European race. 3. It was impossible to leave a strong disaffected population, well armed (many of whom were known to be bent on plans of violence and murder), in rear of the General and of the Troops, when they occupied the frontier for the purpose of preventing armed bands from falling upon the outsettlemeuts. _ 4. I hoped, however, that from so many of the Waikato Natives who resided in our vicinity having for years lived amongst the European population, and having received so many acts of kindness from them and from the Government, that at least a large number of them would be well disposed towards us, and might be won over to abstain from taking part against us. 5. I therefore had a notice, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose, issued and taken round by officers of the Government to "the different settlements inhabited by disaffected Waikato Native*, calling upon them to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen, and to give up their arms, until the disturbances had terminated, or else retire up the Waikato. G. It was found when this notice was issued that considerable numbers of the Natives had already left their settlements and gone over to the enemy, and that large rrambers of the remainder were preparing to do so ; and I regret to add that although the most friendly efforts were made to induce them to comply with the terms of the notice, nearly all of those Natives who were left at the several settlements went off and joined the enemy, a course of proceeding for which they were fully prepared I have, &c, G. Gkey. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G.

No. 90.

No. 2. copy of DESPATCH feom govebuok sib geobge geet, k.c.b., to his gbace the dtjke of NEWCASTLE, K.G. , Government House, Auckland, 1st August, 18G3. My Lord Duke, — I have the honor to transmit to your Grace copies of two letters I have received from Major Hassard, of the 57th Regiment, in command at Whanganui, from which your Grace will find what active exertions the Chiefs of Waikato are making to engage the natives throughout this Island to take a part in an attempt to drive the Europeans from it.

SECTION I. DESPATCHES FROM GOVERNOR SIR GEORGE GREY, X.C.8., TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, K.G.

R—No. 3a,

2. From the first of the letters it appears that the Waikato Chiefs had sent orders to the Taranaki, Ngatiraanui, and Ngarauru Tribes to attack the Troops at Taranaki and Te Kahakaha on the 17th day of July, on which day the "Waikato Tribes would attack Auckland. 3. Fortunately the precautions taken prevented the Waikato Tribes from carrying out their intentions, but they in so far fulfilled their promise that on the day named they attacked the party under Captain Ring, and fought an action with the Lieutenant-General ; but that part of the proposed combined movement which was to have been earned out at Taranaki never took place. 4. The second of the enclosed letters shews that the Chiefs of Waikato have ordered the tribes living near Wellington and the town of Napier to attack those places. I do not think these orders will be obeyed, but they shew what extensive plans the Waikato Chiefs have formed, and how determined they are to try and prosecute them. I have, &,c, G. Grey. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G.

Enclosure 1 to No. 2. MAJOR HASSARD TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECRETARY, HEAD QUARTERS, AUCKLAND. Whanganui, New Zealand, 18th July, 1863. Sib,— " Having been appointed Agent to the General Government in this District and certain duties jxrinted out to me, all communications in the performance of which I have been directed to forward through the Lieuteuant-General Commanding, I have the honor to state that I have placed myself in communication with the Magistrates, &c., and gleaned the following information which is not generally known. At 4 p.m. this day Wirihana) a Mounted Policeman of the Central Whanganui Court, informed Mr. White, Resident Magistrate) that a Native named Ngataka, of the Ngatipikiaha Section of the Ngatiraukawa Tribe, arrived at a settlement called Te Ahu, on the Waitotara Block, at 1 p.m. Ngataka was the bearer of letters from the Waikato Chiefs to the Ngatiraukawa of Rangitikei, Otaki and Waikanae, asking them to proceed at once to Tataraimaka, thence, if there was no need of their help, to Waikato, to assist in any action likely to take place there. He also stated that they would pass this on Tuesday, 24th July. No further information concerning them has reached me. That the Waikatos had sent orders to the Taranaki, Ngatiruanui, and Ngarauru tribes to attack the Military at Taranaki, at Te Kahakaha, or St. Patrick's Redoubt on the 17th instant, on which day the Waikatos would attack Auckland ; but Mr. White does not attach much importance to this man's report. On the same day (18th instant) two Chiefs of the Ngatiraukawa, named Rimu Tuainanei and Rawiri Te Tihi, on their return from Taranaki, stated to Mr. White, at 6| p.m., that the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki Tribes have returned to their own Districts; that the"Wlianganui people, about four hundred strong, now occupy the old pa at Warea ; that the Whanganuis have been to St. George's Redoubt, and have seen the graves of Hori Patene and those who fell on the 4th day of June, and that they were much pleased to see the graves enclosed with a fence ; but for fear of being taken by surprise, they have removed, as already stated, to the Warea Pa, three miles Southward of where they were on the 4th June. These two Chiefs stated that even the children of the Ngarauru and Taranaki Tribes speak of the Europeans with the most bitter feelings ; but fully one half of the Tribes admit that the massacre of the 4th May was murder. They have heard of the confiscation of the land between Tataraimaka and New Plymouth, and intend to fight for it. They have also heard the decision of the Supreme Court on the half-caste Hori, and of the arrival in Auckland of eight hundred Troops from England. The Chiefs also stated that twenty-three of the Pipiriki Natives who escaped on the 4th June, are now returning with their Chief from Warea; and that the four hundred Whanganuis now at Warea, intend remaining there to consume the crops of potatoes which they have planted, ere which time they expect Pehi Turoa, the principal Whanganui river Chief, to join them, as he has sent them a message by Epiha Papatu to that effect. They also stated that Parenga Kingi's Pa, Kaitaki, was knocked to pieces by the Armstrong guns, the houses blown totally away, butTno casualty. Parenga Kingi has about eighty men with him at that place. 22nd July, 1863. As Mr. White has daily communication with the Native Assessors at Waitotara, in the fidelity of some of whom he seems to have every confidence, I have considered it advisable to forward all reports received from him with any remarks of his own. I have done so, as he is intimately acquainted with native manners and customs, and can explain passages in the Maori letters which to me would seem ambiguous. As there is little doubt that there are over six hundred armed natives of the Ngarauru and Ngatiruanui within from fifteen to twenty-five miles of this garrison, and of course much nearer the outsettlers in the Waitotara direction, who have recently returned from Tataraimaka, Teat vigilance is exercised in watching their movements. I will mark Mr. White's communications, beginning with A, and so on.

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DESPATCHES FROM GOVERNOR SIR G. GREY

E.—No. 3a.

24th July. I have not alluded to Rangitikei, as I have eveiy reason to believe that there has been no movement among the Natives there lately ; and settlers from that District with whom I have conversed, confirm this opinion. They stated that everything was quiet and no disturbance anticipated. I have no other intelligence of any importance to communicate, except that a respectable settler (Mr. Soulby), who is well acquainted with the up-river Natives, called at my house just now and stated that an up-river native had been to his mill to purchase flour, and among other things told him (as a great secret) that Pehi and Topini were to start for Tataraimaka on Monday the 27th instant, with two hundred fighting men Mr. Soulby was not aware that I was in possession of any previous information regarding the intentions of these chiefs, and I therefore think there is some truth in this report. I have, ifcc, W. Hassard, Brevet-Major 57th Regiment. Commanding at Whangaimi. The Assistant Military Secretary, Head Quarters, Auckland.

Enclosure 2 to No. 2. MAJOB HASSAED TO THE ASSISTANT HILITAEY SECBETAEY. Whanganui, 25th July, 1863, 3-30 p.m. Sie, — The steamship " Storm Bird" having been detained (lading cargo) longer than was anticipated, I have the honor to forward a letter received from Mr. White, R.M. It was not ready till near the time of the " Storm Bird's " sailing, so I have detained the vessel for an hour. A copy of this and the whole previous correspondence has been sent to Colonel Wane, C.B., at Taranaki, and every measure will be adopted here for the defence of the out-settlors, in the case of any hostile or aggressive movement on the part of the Maoris. The force here is quite equal to meet any number of Maoris in this open country, and as some of the people in Whanganui have heard of the proximity of so many armed Natives, great caution must be exercised to prevent unnecessary alarm. I am this evening sending a copy of Mr White's letter to the Honorable W. B. D. Mantell, of Wellington. I have, &c, W. Hassaed, Brevet-Major 57th Regt., Commanding Troops at Whanganui.

JOHN WHITE, E.M., TO THE AGENT OF THE GENERAL GOVEENMENT, WHANGANUI. Court House, Central Whanganui, July 25th, 1863. Sir, — From infoi-mation given by certain Assessors in connexion with this Court who returned to Town late last night from Pipiriki, I have the honor to report a letter was received by Pehi, and seen by the above Assessors, from the Waikato Chiefs Porokoru, Taati Te Warn, and twenty-eight others not named, to the chiefs Heremia and Wi Hape of Otaki; Wi Tako of Waikanae; Ngairo and Manihera of Wairarapa, who are ordered to attack Wellington and Napier, or, in the words of the letter—Tuhia te roro o a koutou whare, kua ma te tahi a mua o a matou (sweep' clean the space in front of your houses, we have made clean the space in front of our houses) —which means, attack Napier, Wellington, and Whanganui; to which conclusion I arrive as the Chiefs to whom the above letter is addressed are Chiefs of the Districts of these European Towns. Pehi is to be at Kaiwhaiki early next week with 200 men ; their professed object is to proceed to Taranaki, which I do not believe, but recommend precautionary measures being taken to prevent his followers doing anything to endanger the peace of this District. Pehi has no need of going by the road from Kaiwhaiki to Taranaki, as from his own settlement at Pipiriki there is a road much nearer than the one by which he now proposes to travel ; therefore I surmise he may have some other object in view than going to Taranaki. I have, &c, John White, R.M., Central Whanganui. The Agent of the General Government, Whanganui. P.S.—I hear also there are thirty of the Ngatiamauiapoto tribe with Pehi. These are of the

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TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

E.—No. 3a

tribe of the notorious Chief Eewi, leader of the Awamatu press outrage; and also forty of the Taupo people are with him. Pehi may be able to restrain his own people, but men of another tribe may not be so easily kept back from plunder by him. John "White, RJ.

No. 92.

No. 3. copy of DESPATCH rsou goveenoe sib geobge ghey, k.o.ij., to his grace the duke of NEWCASTLE, K.G. Government House, Auckland, 8th August, 1863. My Lord Duke, — I have the honor to transmit for your Grace's information, copies of the letters named in tin- margin, which show that large numbers of influential Native Chiefs by no means sympathize with or participate in the various dreadful and illegal acts which are now being committed by some of their countrymen. I have, &c, G. Grey His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G.

Enclosure 1 to No. 3. CIVIL COMMISSIONER, WAIMATE, TO GOVERNOR SIE GEORGE GREY, E.C.B. Civil Commissioner's Office, Waimate, July 21st, 18G3. Sir,— I have the honor herewith of forwarding to you two Addresses to His Excellency the Governor, from the Loyal Chiefs, and other Natives of the Hundred of Hokian^a. The translations affixed have been made by Mr. Webster, Interpreter to "the Resident Magistrate of that Hundred. ° One of the Addresses is signed pretty numerously, and although probably by not more than a fourth part of the adult male population, on account of Native etiquette and other usages, yet it fairly represents the whole community. The Address signed by the seven principal Chiefs at the Heads of Hokianga (who are too proud to linve their names associated with the vulgar) represents not less than 400 adult males. An Address from the Hundred of Kororareka to His Excellency, I hope to send by an early convenience. I was unwilling to lose the present opportunity of forwarding the Addresses from Hokiano-a ; and having only just received them, there has been no time to prepare a better translation, such" as otherwise I should have wished to have been made, but as the Government is well supplied with Maori scholars, this omission will not, I hope, be attended with any inconvenience. I have, &c, George Clarke, _ _. _ _, Trn-B Civil Commissioner. Governor sir George Grey, K.C.B. Eawene, Hokianga, June 8th, 18G3. Friend Governor, — Salutations. The tidings have arrived of your narrow escape from danger, and the killin°- of the soldiers during peace ; an evil murder is the thing given in return for your good work. This is what darkens our thoughts. Great is our love to you, and our hearts are sorry for this evil work. The people are killed like dogs. There are two things to be considered—your power to put down this evil, and your power to raise up peace as safety for the people and all the land. Peace has been severed ; life has been rejected. Friend, Governor, leave them to want • here the cold of the South is pricking the skin—namely, the evil tiding of the murder. It is not a war against you alone, this war ; the war is against us all. The Ngapuhi are ready to rise, and seek the danger that lies before them. Do not say it is a thing of no consequence these words j no, the head of those thoughts were those laid before you on the 5th day of November, 1862 ; therefore, we say you search for persons who have knowledge of these events, on the East Coast or elsewhere. Secondly, we have heard that the Governor has called loudly to Matutaera, to Te Paea to Wiremu Tamehana, to Patara, to all the people, to the children of his old friend Potatau, to stand to

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one side now and hereafter, and let them (the murderers) feel the pains that will fall on them the just reward for their work. Our thoughts regarding these words are, let us drift together that Hokianga and Ngapuhi may see the infliction of the punishment. The thoughts are for you. Listen here, stop the overtures of peace or you will be soon sick ; although you strive for peace, the (evil) will not stop a people made l>y the offensive black beetle. Therefore, turn your eyes towards the North, to the people of the Government. Tamati Waka Nene, And others. Hokianga, June 18th, 1863. Friend Governor, — Salutations. We have heard of the work of Taranaki, therefore we have said, let us write a letter to you to say that our thoughts are not like the thoughts of these people who murdered the Europeans. Friend, we are not able to enlarge our words to you, because this is a letter of our own accord to you, and its meaning is one of love. Great is your goodness to the South who have turned round to kill you. Here are we working the work of peace, seeking property and a living for ourselves ; and there are you fighting, seeking payment for yourself. What else can be done, it is not you who wish the evil 1 Eegarding this, 0 Governor, be strong to strike the fire that is blazing. Strike, extinguish, trample, and put it out, lest it come blazing here and burn your children. This is all we have got to say to you at present. It is not right in us to dictate to you, because you are a man of much understanding. Yours are the thoughts, and to listen is for the multitude. Rangatira Moetara, And six others. Note.—This Address represents at least four hundred male adults.

Enclosure 2 to No. 3. CIVIL COAIMISSIONEK, WAIMATE, TO GOVERNOR SIR. GEORGE GEEY, K.C.B. Civil Commissioner's Office, Waimate, July 27th, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor herewith of forwarding to you an address, with translation, to His Excellency the Governor, from the chiefs of the Hundred of Kororareka, which though not very numerously signed (the Hundred having but a small population), yet I think contains most of the influential chiefs of that part of the district, several of whom expressed to the Resident Magistrate of Russell a very proper feeliug on the occasion, in that, they said they should refuse to sign the address if such a hollow hearted man as Mangomii Kerei was permitted to put his name to it, as it was well known that he was a Waikato, or Kiugite, at heart ; and further, that he had disgraced himself by his violent and disorderly conduct, which had obliged the Resident Magistrate, with the approval of the Civil Commissioner, to suspend him from his situation as Warden for the Hundred, and ultimately to recommend his dismissal altogether from the Public Service. I have, &c, George Clarke, Civil Commissioner. Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B. a letter of affection feoji ngapuhi to governor gbey. Friend the Governor, — Salutations, How are you our friend ? sadness is gnawing within our hearts, we are greatly disgusted to hear of the murderous treachery of Taranaki, we mean the murders of the soldiers by the Ngatiruanui, and that without any pretext for their horrible work. Friend the Governor, your intentions towards the Maories were loving, (or kind,) but their thoughts towards you were those of treachery. Sire, 0 Governor ! what is to be done to this treacherous tribe, that consideration is with you, not with us. What remains to Ngapuhi is to lean (with confidence) upon the Government with love and unity of thought. We believe that the King movement—the words that proceed from them are sweet, (or pleasant,) but the good comes from their lips only, but the thoughts of the heart are of murder and treachery. Sufficient are these words to thee. O, Governor, witness thou our names affixed to this address, which is a pledge of our affection for you and our disgust for this murderous work. Enough Sire, O, Governor. Here I am bolstered up in my bed, (resting in peace.) Tamati Te Pukututu and 328 others.

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TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

E.—No. 3a

Enclosure 3 to No. 3. WIBESIC HAU TO GOVERNOE SIK GEOBGE GBEY, K.C.B. Waimate, July 27, 1863. Friend Governor Grey,— Salutations to you in your trouble. Great is our sympathy with you in consequence of the doings of these tribes, the Waikatos and Taranakis. Have no anxiety on account of the Ngapuhi. The Ngapuhi are lying here in the calm, listening to the evil doings of those tribes, tribes which have been cursed by God, for the Scripture saith that God will curse all those who do not abide in the Faith. Witness the trouble they are in every year, there is no end to it. This is all I have to say to you. From your loving friend, Wiremu Hau. Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Enclosure 4 to No. 3. FBOM THE BUNANGA OF PATEXE PUHATTA TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOBGE OBEY, K.C.I;. August 7, 1863. Friend, Salutations, — This is my word to you. We are residing here at Waiheke. Do not suppose that we are taking part in the Work of the Waikatos. No, this is a simile " It is not well to put filth near the door of the house, lest the inmates be annoyed by the smell." Your and our great treasure is Peace. It has not yet been suppressed by evil, nor has it yet been rendered bad. Should I attempt to break a firm peace I should die. Do not listen to what men may say. From the Bunanga of Patene Puhatta, By me, Rawiri Taktjrua. To Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B., Auckland.

Enclosure 5 to No. 3. W. B. WHITE, BESIDENT MAGISTRATE, MONGONUI, TO GOVERNOR SIB GEOBGE GBEY, K.C.B. Eesident Magistrate's Office, Mongonui, July 31st, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 24th instant, covering copy of letter to Civil Commissioner, Napier, and enclosures. I am sure the Government will be glad to receive assurance of the continued fidelity of the Natives of this District, who are busily employed digging kauri gum. All the chiefs have, at various times, expressed to me an earnest hope that the Government would not allow peace to be made until the Eebels have been thoroughly subdued. I have also heard from many a desire to offer their services to the Government, but I have not encouraged this, as I believe that they would probably at this stage be an embarrassment to the Government. I have been informed of a meeting to be held at Waima, on the 8th of next month, for the purpose of considering what amount, and how, assistance was to be rendered to Government. But this has in all probability been more correctly reported from Hokianga to you. I have, &c, W. B. White, Resident Magistrate. To Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

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No. 93.

No 4. COPY OF DESPATCH FROM GOVEBNOB SIB GEOKGE GREY, K.C.B., TO HIS GBACE THE DtTKE OF NEWCASTLE, K.G. Government House, Auckland, 8th August, 1863. My Lord Duke, — I have the honor to enclose, for j'our Grace's information, the copy of a letter which has been addressed by William Thompson, chief of Ngatihana tribe, to Archdeacon Brown. Your Grace will be sorry to find that this chief has determined to join the Natives who are in arms against us, and that he deliberately announces his intention to spare no one, not even the unarmed. I have, <fec., G. Grey. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G.

Enclosure to No. 4. WILLIAM THOMPSON TO ABCHDEACON BBOWN. Otorokai, Matamata, July 26th, 1863. To Archdeacon Brown, — Salutations. Friend, hearken. The reasons are many that induced me to go and view the work between the Waikato and the Governor. This is a word of mine to you, to let you know my views. I shall spare neither unarmed people nor property. Do not suppose that the Waikatos are wrong and the Governor right. No ; I consider that he is wrong. The faults that I have seen are, 1st, I said to him leave these years to me, do not go to Tataraimaka, leave me to talk to the Ngatiruanui ; do not persist, that tribe is still hostile. It was Governor Browne who taught them. That hot-tempered Governor said, that all the land over which he had trod should be his, i.e., Waitara. The Tarannkis then said, in regard to Tataraimaka, very good, and we will also hold the land over which our feet have trod. Governor Grey, however, did not agree to my proposal. 2nd. The Governor persisting in Mr. Gorst's staying as a magistrate in the midst of the Maoris. I said to Mr. Gorst, go back, the Maoris do not want you. But the Governor still persisted in sending Mr. Gorst. Now it appears that it was for the purpose of provoking a war that he persisted. 3rd. The taking up of the post at Mangatawhiri. 4th. The unwarrantable conduct of the soldiers in driving the Maoris off their own land at Pokeno. 5th. The defeat or death (mate) of the Waikatos you have heard and know. The law discriminates in cases of crime, and does not include the many. These are the wrongs which I have seen. Father, listen. I have consented to attack the whole of the Town. If they prove the strongest, well and good. If the Maoris prove the strongest, this is h.ow it will be : the unarmed people will not be left. Enough. You hear what I say. This turns. From your son, William Thompson Te Wahaeoa. To Archdeacon Brown.

No. 100.

No. 5. COPY OF DESPATCH FBOM GOVEBNOB SIB GEOBGE OBEY, K.C.B., TO HIS GBACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, K.G. Government House, Auckland, 22nd August, 1862. My Lord Duke, — I have the honor to transmit to Your Grace a Letter I have received from the Superintendent of the Province of Wellington, enclosing an account of a meeting he held with the Natives of Waikanae and Otaki on the 30th of July last. 2. This meeting was a very important one in one respect, for it will be found that the Natives distinctly admitted at it that the so-called Maori King had sent letters to them calling on them to rise and attack tie Europeans, thus affording another proof of a general rising on the part of the King party. I have, &c, G. Grey. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G.

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TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

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Enclosure to No. 5. THE SUPEBINTENDEKT, WELLINGTON, TO THE HONOEABLE THE COLONIAL SECEETAEY. Superintendent's Office, Wellington, loth August, 1863. I have the honor to enclose you a copy of the " Spectator," containing an account of my meeting with the Natives at Waikanae and at Otaki. I purpose having the account translated and circulated amongst the Natives in this Province. I have, <fec, I. E. Featheeston, __ _ ,, Superintendent. The Honorable the Colonial Secretary, Auckland.

EXTRACT FROM "THE WELLINGTON SPECTATOR." '' Considerable excitement having been created amongst the Natives on the West Coast by the recent intelligence that war had commenced in the Waikato, and an intimation having been conveyed to His Honor the Superintendent that the Natives would be glad to see him, the Superintendent left Wellington on Thursday, the 30th ultimo, and reached Waikanae the following morning, when he found a deputation from the Otaki Natives to request him to visit them also. Wi Tako and his people received the Superintendent in the King's Runanga House, and gave him a most cordial welcome. After the Superintendent had addressed the meetin.g (his address being almost the same as that which he delivered the following day at Otaki, a full report of which we give below), — Wi Tako rose and said : I have nothing encouraging to say; I had confidence in myself, I have none now ; I could answer for my people, can I do so now ? I will not attempt to answer your questions as they are too many for me, but will say keep the Militia in Wellington, prevent them from coming on the Coast; leave the road to its original purpose, to drive sheep, cattle, horses and carts, and the mail. I tell you that if the Militia and .Soldiers are sent on the Coast, the peace will be broken. Have you not heard that we have received a letter from the King to prepare for war 1 We did not interfere with the Waitara or Tataraimaka war, although waged against our very relations • no we are a peaceable people. Do keep away your Militia, keep them in Wellington if you think proper. We thank you for your visit just at this time to explain to us the reason for what you are doinc, as there are many reports as to what the Militia are intended for, and which we are glad to know are false! Perhaps you are right as to the intentions of the Government, but we have reason to doubt the Europeans. We intend to have soldiers the same as you. I speak for myself. I cannot answer for others ; the Whanganui, for instance, I have no influence with them. I will now end by telling you, as the head of the Province, to keep the Militia away from the coast. Heremia : We acknowledge the truth of what you say and are much pleased, but, keep away the Militia from Porirua along the coast to Whangaehu ; if they are moved on the coast, there will be war. I tell you we have received a letter from the King to commence war at once on the Europeans ; the Waikato are to send men to different points; at that time war is to commence. Your questions require thought. I will answer them at our meeting at Otaki. I will give my European neighbours notice when they must leave ; you need not fear murder ; it cannot be done without our knowledge. No war party can come from Waikato without our knowledge. We have too many friends there. I am a bad man ; attend to what I have said. Keep away the Militia. Wieemu Tamihani Te Heke said to Heremia : Explain what you mean by when the Waikato show themselves at Upper Whanganui and Otairi, you will then warn the Europeans to leave 1 Heremia replied : I mean, when they make their appearance at those places war is at hand ; and I will warn the Europeans to be off. The Superintendent : You have told me that you have received a letter from the King was that letter written and signed by Matutaera 1 Wi Tako and Heeemia : Yes. Superintendent : Did Matutaera in that letter call upon you to rise i Wi Tako and Hekemia : Yes. Wi Tako : But I have not shown that letter to our people. Superintendent : Why ? Wi Tako : Because it was inflammatory. Superintendent : Matutaera distinctly urged you to rise against the Europeans ? Wi Tako and Hkremia : Yes. With reference to Heremia's remark, " that the Waikato were to send men to different points " the Superintendent simply observed, that the Waikato would be too fully occupied at home to afford assistance to intending rebels here ; that all the measures the Government were taking were for the purpose of protecting the Maori and Pakeha against small bands of marauders. In answer to Wi Tako and Heremia's remonstrances against either the Militia or Armed Police Force being sent up the West Coast, the Superintendent said,—Though I meet you in your King's

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E.—No. 3a.

house, don't fancy that I have become a kingite, or am prepared to listen to his words. The Government will not be guided by the wishes of the King natives. The Police Force will be stationed wherever Government may please. As long, however, as lam satisfied of the peaceful intention of the Natives, and that no danger need be apprehended at Waikanae, Otaki, and Manawatu, I shall probably advise that no Force be at present stationed at either of those places ; but I certainly shall advise that a Force should be stationed at Rangitikei, as that is the road (as Heremia himself admits) by which a marauding party would probably come. Wi Tako and Heremia both said—That is right and reasonable—let the boundary of the district within which no Force is stationed be the Pakakariki and the Rangitikei river. The meeting then broke up, and the Superintendent, accompanied by Wi Tako and others, rode on to Otaki, where they arrived in the evening. The following day the Superintendent met the Natives in the Court House. The meeting was attended by about two hundred Natives, including the three leaders of the Kingites, viz., Wi Tako, Wi Hapi, and Heremia, with a few of their followers. Mr. Hamlin acted as interpreter ; and Mr. Buller, the Besident Magistrate of the District, and most of the European settlers resident in the village were present. After a few words of welcome from Tamihana Te Rauparaha, His Honor the Superintendent said as follows : I thank you, my friends, for having invited me to meet you here, for I am glad of the opportunity of repeating to you what I said yesterday at Waikanae to Wi Tako, Heremia, and the other Natives present at the meeting there. It was my custom during the last war to put you in possession of everything that occurred, and to explain fully the intentions of the Government; and I purpose doing the same as long as the present disturbances last. Ido not know whether you will believe all that I shall tell you, but you know that I have lived twenty years amongst you, and that I, in common with many others, did not hesitate to condemn Governor Browne, when we believed that he was acting unjustly ; and I certainly shall not now hesitate to declare to you very plainly what I think of the conduct of the Natives who are engaged in war at Taranaki and Waikato. I must first allude to some of the reports which are spread both amongst the Maori and Pakeha by bad men for bad purposes. You are told that the war at Waikato is the commencement of a war which will spread over the whole Island ; that after the Governor has subdued the Waikato, he will attack the other tribes ; that it is the intention of the Governor to kill the Maori indiscriminately, and then to seize their lands. You are told that the Governor has increased the number of his troops and vessels of war ; that he has built steamers that are bullet-proof, and can easily go up all your rivers ; that he has erected stockades, and has called out the Militia for no other purpose than that of exterminating the whole Maori race. These are some of the reports circulated amongst you by bad men for bad purposes. On the other hand, the settlers are told that at almost every Bur.anga that has been held during the last year a proposal that the Natives should suddenly rise in every District of this Island and murder the whole European population has been the constant subject of discussion ; that this proposal has found acceptance with a large number of the Natives ; that this is now the chief object that the King party have in view. The settlers are told that emissaries from the Taranaki and Ngatimaniopoto have been incessantly moving about this Province preaching this wholesale massacre ; they are even told that you, Wi Tako, and other Chiefs, although you have not yourselves consented to join in this conspiracy, are no longer inclined to restrain your people, but are prepared to let them loose. These are some of the reports which are spread amongst the Pakeha by bad men for bad purposes. lam not surprised that these reports should be believed by both Maori and Pakeha, for they are based upon facts which are admitted by all. It is perfectly true that the Governor has increased his forces, Military and Naval; that he has built steamers that are bullet-proof; that he has erected redoubts, and that he is arming all the settlers. But it is not true, it is utterly false, that he has any intention to wage a war of extermination, or to seize and confiscate Native lands. On the other hand, I know that emissaries have been sent amongst you to urge you to rise and attack the settlers—to burn, plunder, and murder. But Ido not believe that any Maoris of this Province have consented to this foul proposal. These reports, however, do a great deal of mischief; they create and keep up a constant state of excitement and alarm ; they cause feelings of suspicion and mutual distrust between the two races. lam anxious to allay these feelings of alarm, suspicion, and distrust, by explaining to you, without reserve, the intentions of the Government, and the sole object of these Military preparations; and I shall require from you an equally open declaration of your views and intentions. Don't attempt to throw dust in my eyes, for I can and will judge of your real intentions quite as much by what you do not say, as by what you do say. I have already reminded you that I with many others protested in the General Assembly against Governor Browne's proceedings at the Waitara. We then condemned him, and still condemn him for the seizure of the Waitara. We then stood up on behalf of the Maori, and shall ever do so, as long as they have right on their side ; but will any of you tell me that the Maoris now engaged in war at Taranaki and Waikato have right and justice on their side . Was Rewi right in sending that letter of his urging the Natives of Tataraimaka to fall unawares upon and massacre the Military Escort 1 Were those Natives right who executed Rewi's order and murdered the escort—were those Natives right who broke into Mr. Gorst's house, stole the printing press, and drove away the inmates—were those Natives right who forcibly took away the wives and children of the Pakeha—were those Natives right who by threats and violence forced many of the settlers at Raglan to abandon their homes and take refuge in Auckland were those Natives right who formed a plot to murder all the settlers at Patumahoe—were the Natives right who within the last two or three weeks have murdered in the Province of Auckland five or six unarmed settlers—are those natives right who openly avow their intention to kill every white man, woman, and child they can lay their hands on I These are questions to which, though Wi Tako and

9

TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

E.—No. 3a,

Heremia evaded them yesterday, I expect to-day plain and decided answers. I will tell you what that great Chief Renata said about these things at a great meeting held the other day at Ahuriri. Renata said that these were foul deeds, and that the perpetrators of them ought not to go unpunished ; that lie would not allow any one to justify them in his presence ; that he separated himself and his people from such miscreants ; and now I tell you plainly that such deeds bring discredit and disgrace upon the King movement; and that the Queen's Government will not allow parties guilty of such crimes to go unpunished. If such outrages could be perpetrated with impunity, there would soon be no safety for the lives and property of either Maori or Pakeha. The whole Island would soon become a scene of anarchy and bloodshed—would be a prey to bad, lawless, blood-thirsty men. I say, therefore, that in this war the Governor has right and justice on his side, and the Natives wrong and injustice; and be assured that the just cause will prevail. It is to punish these murderers and plunderers; it is to protect the lives and properties, both of white men and Maoris; it is to establish law, order, and peace in the Districts where no law, order, or peace at present exist, that these military preparations have been made, and operations already commenced against the Waikato tribes. And I will not conceal from you, that whatever number of troops and ships of war may be required for this purpose by the Governor, will be readily granted by the Queen. There can and will be no peace, until this rebellion is completely crushed and put down, and for ever extinguished. But some of you have said to me : " There is war at Tataraiinaka—there is war in Waikato, but there is no war here ; ■we have lived with the Pakeha on terms of friendship for more than twenty years ; though there has been war in this Province between certain tribes and the Government, there never has been war between us and the settlers ; why then are you making preparations for war here ; why are you increasing a force of armed men ; why are you arming and training the settlers F It is quite true, my friends, ttiat •we are making these preparations, we are arming and drilling our settlers, we are increasing our Armed Police Force ; and I will tell you why we are taking these measures—not for the purpose of making war, but to prevent war ; in order to preserve peace in this Province ; in order to protect Maori and Pakeha. I do not believe that any Maori of this Province would attack the settlers, and you know that no Pakeha can lift up his hand against you without the certainty of being punished ; but I am not so certain that some of those Natives who are committing murders in other parts of this Island may not some day do the same here in the hope that it may embroil us in war. You know that the Maoris who commit these deeds are above all things anxious to bring about a war here. We are doing our best to prevent them. We are taking the measures I have mentioned as the best means of guarding ourselves against such treacherous attacks, of deterring these bad men from making any attempt to disturb the peace of this part of the Island ; and if any body of our Natives were attacked by these marauders, they would be supported by the whole force of their Pakeha friends. Instead, therefore, of viewing our preparations with suspicion, you ought to regard them with satisfaction. There is one fact, which I only learned yesterday at Waikanae, which you must admit fully justifies us in calling out the Militia, in arming the settlers, and in increasing our Police Force. I allude to the fact, that King Matutaera has written letters to Wi Tako and Heremia calling upon all the King Natives in this Province to rise up in arms. Now what does Matutaera mean by calling upon the Natives to rise 1 There is no other possible meaning than this ; he calls upon you to do what bad Natives are doing in other places—to attack the settlers with whom you boast you have lived in peace for more than twenty years; he calls upon you to plunder and murder your Pakeha friends, against whom you say you have no ground of complaint. If you tell me that 1 am wrong in saying that such is the meaning of Matutaera's letter, then call upon Wi Tako and Heremia to produce and mad the letter; and then this meeting shall decide whether I am right or wrong in saying that the King calls upon you to plunder and massacre the settlers. But if such be the true meaning of Matutaera's letter, then I ask you whether it was for this purpose—with this object, that the King movement was begun ; whether you became adherents of the King in order that you might combine to commit under his guidance the foul deed he has proposed to you 1 I call upon every one of you to give a plain answer to this simple question. If you say, as you have all along said, that your sole object in establishing the King movement, in becoming adherents of the King, was to establish law, order, and peace, then I ask you, whether the King movement has produced these results 1 Who instigated the massacre of the escort at Oakura ? Was it not one of the King's Chiefs ? Who executed that order 1 Were they not followers of the King 1 Who were engaged in the plot to murder all the settlers at Patumahoe ? Were they not Kingites 1 Who within the last two weeks have murdered at Auckland five or six unarmed settlers 1 Did they not call themselves subjects of the King ? And who now calls upon you to rise and plunder and massacre your Pakeha friends 1 Is it not the King, is it not Matutaera himself? Remember this, he who calls upon others to plunder and murder is himself a robber and a murderer. Unless you can disprove these statements, unless you can say no to any one of these questions, then you must admit, that instead of establishing law, order, and peace, the King movement has produced nothing but anarchy and confusion, war and bloodshed. If such be the fruits of the King movement, are you prepared still to support it ? Wi Tako and many others have repeatedly told me, that if it failed to establish law, order, and peace, they would separate themselves from it. I call upon Wi Tako and all who have held the same language to redeem these pledges ; those who approve of the foul deeds I have mentioned ; those who intend to carry out the orders of the King, to plunder and murder, will adhere to Matutaera ; but they must not expect the settlers to regard them as friends, or in any other light than that of men against whom we must ever be on our guard, and against whose treachery we are bound to take every possible precaution. I have spoken thus plainly to you, because I have nothing to conceal, because I am a warm friend of the Natives. I ask you to speak equally plainly and candidly.

10

DESPATCHES FROM GOVERNOR SIR G. GREY

E.—No. 3a,

The loyal Chiefs then, one after the other, rose, and after uttering words of welcome, said: There is no use in declaring our sentiments ; our sentiments are more than ever loyaL Let us not make long speeches. Let the Kingites speak and answer the Superintendent. Epiha said: I was once a Kingite, but I soon found that the King was nothing more than an empty bubble, and I at once turned to the Queen. Most of the loyal Natives deprecated sending any armed force up the Coast. Wi Hapi, after rebuking one of the loyal Chiefs who had attacked him, said, turning to the Superintendent : You have told us all your thoughts, and we see the goodness of them. Two words of your speech I allude to. This is what you said, " I have been twenty years in New Zealand, and have seen no wrong in the tribe Ngatiraukawa, as regards killing Europeans. Let us live peaceably together, and not follow the example of those tribes who are working evil." I will allude to two of your words' one with regard to living peaceably, and the other regarding the King. My friend, Dr. Featherston', no European will be killed, murdered by this tribe, Ngatiraukawa, "Rangitikei being one boundary Otaki the other. No European will be murdered ; but, oh, my friend Dr. Featherston, do not allow any soldiers' Barracks at Paekakariki, Waikanae, Otaki, Manawatu, or Rangitikei. I say to you, if there are no soldiers' Barracks at any of these places, we shall be good men, all of us for ever and ever (live in peace) ; but if there are soldiers' Barracks at any of these places, Paekakariki, Waikanae, Otaki, Manawatu, or Rangitikei, there will be evil amongst us. This was the case at Waitara. The Governor went there with his soldiers, and built Barracks there ; the end was evil (fighting). In like manner at Tataraimaka, Governor Grey went there with his soldiers, and built Barracks ; the end was evil. And thus, if soldiers' Barracks are built in any of these places, the end will be evil (fighting). The second of your words about the King—You said, Is fighting the work of the King, that you should work at it (carry it out) ? I say, my friend Dr. Featherston, I am not working on the King's side as a work for fighting, but merely as a " Mana" over my land, and a " Mana" over myself. Fighting is no part of our plan, but if the Governor says that there shall not be two heads in New Zealand—if he attacks the King's rights—if he intends to put down the King, then we shall all go to support the King. We won't give up the King to-day. Keep your soldiers in Wellington. Heremia said—We thank you for coming amongst us. You have cleared many misconceptions. If no troops be sent up this coast there will be quiet. It is no part of Kingism to plunder and murder. I disapprove of Rewi's letter—the killing of the soldiers was murder. Matutaera in his letter urges us to rise—the words of Matutaera's letter are different from those of Rewi's. Matutaera does not say, kill the Pakehas ; his words were, the Governor is going to flog the King, rise and assist him. It does not say kill the Pakeha ;no such word is in his letter. You tell us of murders at Waikato. We do not disbelieve what you say. But you get your account from the Governor, and I cannot answer your questions about these murders until I hear from our own people. Why accuse us of an intention to murder the settlers ?we never did so in previous wars. We took no part in that war. I say I will not go to the Waikato ; (Wi Hapi, don't say that, don't commit yourself.) I say again, I won't go to Waikato. If all the Maori are to be killed, then I will stand up. We have talked about sending the Pakeha out of this district; we did so because we thought there was danger. If we hear of a war party from Waikato, we shall give notice to the settlers to quit. Hearken, Oh Dr. Featherston :we shall not kill the Europeans residing amongst us without cause. If I see the approach of evil, I will not hide it from the European residents. I will go and tell them that they may go quietly to Wellington. If the Barracks for soldiers are built at Paekakariki, Waikanae, Otaki, Manawatu, or Rangitikei, they (the soldiers) will die there. Do not say it is murder of mine. If the Governor attacks our King, we shall be evil; and don't say this is murder. Ido not agree with what you say, the work being now carried on at Waikato is murder. Wi Tako (who has not furnished as Heremia and Wi Hapi have, a report of what he said) spoke to this effect: If Kingism is to be put down, I come here to hear my doom. Wi Hapi and Heremia are hard men. They won't yield. I cannot therefore give up Kingism. The whole Island is full of Kingism and fighting. Dr. Featherston, like Governor Grey, is angry ; but I won't abandon the King. But Heremia and Wi Hapi are hard men ; they are my friends though I differ from them. I won't, therefore, give up the King. Matutaera's letter contains two words, upon which different constructions may be put. You know the construction put upon Eewi's letter, and what followed from it. I have kept this letter from my people, for fear that it should be wrongly construed. There has been nothing but fighting since the soldiers came amongst us. Nothing is said about the murders committed by the soldiers. Why call us murderers, and not the soldiers. When Rangihaeata and Rauparaha were fighting against the Government, we took no part in the war; we committed no murders. We took no part in the war at Waitara, though we were, as a tribe, deeply concerned in it; we committed no murders. The same as regards the war at Tataraimaka, not one of our people has gone to Tataraimaka, Why then accuse us of the intention of rising against and murdering the Europeans in the present war 1 I say, don't send your troops up this Coast. The Superintendent insisted upon seeing Matutaera's letter. Wi Tako said he would give him a copy, when Wi Hapi got up and protested against its being shown to Dr. Featherston until he had perused it. (A copy a few days afterwards was given to Mr. Edwards, the Resident Magistrate at Waikanae.) Before breaking up the Natives expressed a wish that the Superintendent should visit them frequently as long as the present disturbance lasted.

11

TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

E— No. 3a.

No. 112.

No. 6. GOVEBNOB SIB OEOBGE GBEY, K.C.B., TO HIS GBACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, K.G. Government House, Auckland, 31st August, 1863. My Lord Duke, — I have just time to forward by the present Mail the copy of the translation of a letter which has been transmitted to me from Waikanae near Wellington. 2. This letter was addressed on the 29th June, by chiefs of Waikato to the Natives near Wellington, informing them that in the month of July they intended to clear ofi the Europeans in the Province of Auckland, and calling upon the Natives in the South to do the same near Wellington. 3. I should add that the war song in this letter is that which they sent to Taranaki in April last, to induce the Natives there to murder Europeans in that Province, and which actually caused the murder of two officers and nine soldiers on the 4th May last. I have, &c, G. Ghey. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G.

Enclosure to No. 6. Eangiawhia, Waikato, June 29th, 1863. Go our letter to the Tainui to Heremia Te Tihi, to Hapi Whitipatato, to Wi Tako Ngatata, to Tupeotu, to Hohua Tc Ngairo at Wairarapa, and to you all. Friends, salutations to you all in the Grace of God. Hearken, another moon has arisen, it is Whitikareia. Listen all men in this Island, whether on the side of the King or of the Queen. The la and Auckland will be opened (attacked) immediately after this letter. The law of God is completed, the law of man is yet to be done. Friends, this is what we have to say to you, in reply to your request that we should give you some advice. Enough upon that. This is another word. "Keep the yard cleaner " (a proverb). You clean out your yard and we will clean out ours (i. e. you clear off the Pakehas from your part and we will do so from ours.). It will rest, however, with yourselves to decide about your part. Consider the matter carefi'lly, and if you see that it is right, well and good ; if, on the contrary, you judge it to be wrong, look this way to the la. Enough upon that subject. This is a Ngeri (war song), Red plume, red plume, Plume of the Kaka Rehearse it at Kawhia. Cartridge, one, three, four, O Matamata, i] Lay hold and bring the strong eight Stranded cord, That cannot be unfastened, Grasp firm your weapons, strike ! fire ! From POROKOEU TlTIPA, Taati Te Waru. To Heremia Te Tihi and Wi Tako Ngatata, at Otaki. Let it be taken on at once, quickly.

No. 7. COPY OF DESPATCH FBO3I GOVEBNOB SIB GEOBGE GBET, K.C.B., TO HIS GBACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE. K.G. Government House, Auckland, 3rd October, 1863. My Lord Duke, — 1 have the honor to transmit for your Grace's information the copies of letters named in the margin, detailing the circumstances under which Mr. Armitage, Resident Magistrate of the Lower Waikato, was slain by Natives on the 7th ultimo. 2. Mi-. Avmitage was a gentleman of considerable ability, a valuable public servant, and a sincere and faithful friend of the Native Race, who, I am satisfied, will generally feel that through the wickedness of some of their countrymen they nave sustained in Mr. Armitage's death a severe loss which they will long lament. I have, <kc., G. Grey. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G.

l^o. 124. Lieut.-General Cameron to Sir G. Grey, and R. O. Stewart to Native Secretary. Vide—E.—No. 6, pages 23 and 24.

12

DESPATCHES FROM GOVERNOR SIR G. GREY.

E— No. 3a

new zealnd '. ™°- 85.

Vide E Ko. 3, Section 1., Page 42.

COPT OF DESPATCH FROM HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTIE, K.G., TO GOVERNOR SIR GEORGE GEET, K.C.B. Downing-street, 22nd August, 1863. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 53, of the 16th of May, enclosing a Memorial to the Queen from the inhabitants of Taranaki, to which reference was made in your previous Despatch, No. 40, together with a Memorandum on the subject from your Responsible Advisers. I request that you will inform the Memorialists that their Petition was laid before the Queen, and that Her Majesty was pleased to receive it very graciously. Without entering into any discussion of the particular allegations contained in the Memorial as to the cause and course of the recent hostilities with a portion of the Natives of New Zealand, I have to direct yon to assure the Memorialists of Her Majesty's regret for the losses and sufferings which they have sustained. At the same time, you will remind them that such sufferings are incidental to the situation of persons who have settled themselves in the midst of a warlike and uncivilised race; and, further, that a large force of Her Majesty's troops, maintained at Imperial cost, and commanded' by an able General, has been furnished for their protection. Beyond this, the Queen can only refer them to their local Government, and to the Parliament in which they are represented, whose wisdom, under the guidance of an eminent Governor, Her Majesty trusts may provide for their relief and security in every way consistent with justice towards her subjects of the Native race. I have, <fec, Newcastle. Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

NEW ZEALAND N_~s« " ' bb'

copy of DESPATCH from his grace the duke of Newcastle, k.g., to governor sir george GREY, K.C.B. Downing-street, 23rd August, 1863. blR, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 60 of the 8th of June, reporting the total defeat of a body of Natives on the Banks of the Katikara River in an encounter "with Her Majesty's Troops. 1 beg to express the great satisfaction with which I have learnt this successful result of the able measures adopted by Lieuteuant-General Cameron, and of the gallant conduct of the Troops. I have, &c, _, Newcastle. Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Vide E No. 3, Section I. Page 45'

13

SECTION 11. DESPATCHES FROM HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, K.G., TO GOVERNOR SIR GEORGE GREY, K.C.B.