PAPERS RELATIVE TO MR. G. B. WORGAN.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, H-29a

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MR. G. B. WORGAN.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 3rd September, 18?3. " That there be laid on the tablo copies of all further papers relating to the dismissal of Mr. Georgo Buckland Worgan from the public sorvico, in pursuance of the report of Colonel Russell, and the opinion of tho Attorney-General thereon. Also, of furthor papers and telegrams, if any, relating to tho suspension of Mr. Worgan's license an Native Interpreter. Also, all correspondence between the Native Minister; Colonel Whitmore, Commissioner at Hawke's Bay; Mr. Hunter Brown, Resident Magistrate, Wairoa; and any other persons, relative to the previous dismissal of Mr. Worgan from the public service in the matter of Ihaka Whanga." (Son. Mr. Fox.)

No. 1. Mr. G. S. Coopee to Mr. G. B. Worgan. Sib,-- Native Office, Wellington, sth December, 1872. I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, in the absence of Mr. McLean, to inform you that after perusal of the Commissioner's report upon your case, the Government have come to the conclusion that no other course is open for them than to order your immediate suspension. The final decision of the Government will, however, not be given until the Hon. Minister for Native Affairs has had tho opportunity of reading and considering the papers connected with the case. I am further instructed to request that you will, on the receipt of this letter, without delay pay into tho Public Account at tho Bank of New Zealand, Wanganui, any balance remaining in your hands of the advances that have been made to you by the Treasury. I have, &c, G. S. Cooper, G, B. Worgan, Esq., Wanganui. Under Secretary.

No. 2. Mr. G. B. Worgan to Mr. G. S. CoorEit. Sih, —■ Wanganui, 9th December, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth of this month, communicating to me the order of the Government for my suspension, based upon perusal of the Commissioner's report, and intimating that the final decision of the Government will not be given until the Hon. Minister for Native Affairs has had an opportunity of reading and considering the papers connected with the case. I bow respectfully to the decision of tho Government, regretting that my motives and my actions appear alike misunderstood. I cannot, however, allow the matter to pass over wholly without comment; and I will ask the Government to note my request to be supplied with copy of the Commissioner's report, and that I claim, in any event, permission to put in a written statement: this without the slightest reference to whatever the final decision of the Government may be. Previous to receipt of your letter, in order to the winding up of the Confiscated Lands Department here, and to close the account standing in the joint names of Mr. ltobert Pharazyn and my own, we paid in the balance at our credit to the Public Account, and I am now engaged in preparing a statement of expenditure for the purpose of assisting the Government to an exact understanding of the position. As my motives in undertaking the work on this coast were wholly removed from anything of a selfish or personal character, so shall I continue, whether engaged by tho Government or not, to lend my aid to further those views which I believe can alone secure the peace and prosperity of the mixed races of this Colony, and so also shall I continue in the hope that my efforts will sooner or later meet jaster appreciation. Making up accounts, &c, and clearing up twelve months' hard work, will occupy some little time. I shall, however, devote myself wholly to the task until completed. Waiting further advice, I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Geo. B. Wobcust, I—H. 29a.

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No. 3. Mr. G. S. Coopee to Mr. G. B. Wobgan. Sic,— Native Office, Wellington, Bth January, 1873. Referring to your letter of the 9th December last, I am directed by Mr. McLean to enclose, in compliance with your request, a copy of that part of Lieut.-Colonel Russell's report which refers to the charges brought against you in reference to your conduct in the performance of the public duties confided to you. I am at the same time desired to add that the Government has arrived at the conclusion that your services will not be required for a longer period than two months from this date, which will give you time to wind up the duties on which you were engaged in connection with the confiscated lands, and to close the account standing in the joint names of Mr. R. Pharazyn and yourself. I have, &c., G. S. Coopee, G, B. Worgan, Esq., Wanganui. Under Secretary.

No. 4. Mr. G. B. Woeoan to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic, . Wanganui, 15th January, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of official letter from the Under Secretary, dated, Bth instant, enclosing at my request copy of portion of Colonel Russell's report, and informing me that my services will not be required for a longer period than two months from the date of that letter. In reply to the second portion of this letter, I have to call the attention of the Government to the arrangements made with me, whereby I was induced to give up my business ;n Hawke's Bay for the purpose of accepting employment under Government. The terms of that agreement were briefly these: I was to receive employment for at least five years certain, at the rate specified and agreed to, of which term from two to three years were to be spent on the "West Coast, and the remainder elsewhere ; that I should not bo classed in the Civil Service ; and, finally, that I was guaranteed against any loss. Having accepted these terms, I proceeded at once to Wanganui, and commenced work upon the duties intrusted to me, and have continued to discharge the same to the present time to the best of my ability and judgment, and with the utmost zeal. I have been put to great expense and inconvenience, besides loss to a large extent in business; adding the cost of removal of my family to the expenses incidental thereto, I find myself at the present moment at a direct personal loss of upwards of £400. Having incurred this direct expense, and sustained, moreover, a much larger indirect loss, it will not be a matter of surprise to the Government that I refuse to accept the notice I have received. In full reliance on the honor of the Government, I have fulfilled so far the terms of my contract, and am prepared to fulfil it to the end of the term agreed for. Although, in accepting an engagement witli the Government, I was actuated by motives far removed from any pecuniary considerations, I must, in justice to my family, now treat it purely as a matter of business. I am engaged in writing a reply to the opinions expressed, by Colonel Russell in his report, and necessarily at length. I had in the meantime submitted the report to Mr. Robert Pharazyn, late Confiscated Land Commissioner, and enclose copy of notes showing his opinions. There are always two sides to a question; and knowing the utter falsity of the charges brought against me, it cannot reasonably be supposed that I shall sit down quietly under such a weight of misconstruction and injustice. I distinctly aver that I have had no opportunity afforded me of making explanations; and Colonel Russell, although ho proposed sparing a day to go over the maps and enter upon the merits of the several cases, and have a discussion with me on the several points at issue, went away without giving me any chance of doing so, leaving my solicitor, myself, and, I firmly believe, every one else who had paid any attention to the case, under the belief that the evidence was of so trumpery a character that it needed no explanation from me before dismissing it as worthless. Whatever course I have taken here has been in perfect good faith, and I had every right to expect my action would have been accepted without question as so taken. Whatever fault might be found with my judgment, I contend the Government can take no exception to my intentions. I asked for an inquiry, and did not get one. Colonel Russell notoriously undertook the task of prosecution. I was called on for no defence, asked for no explanation ; a number of allegations were suddenly raised, upon a series of difficult questions, contained within a mass of correspondence chiefly remarkable for evidence of conflicting interests and cross purposes; questions which I had waded through with anxious, painstaking thought; questions which were debated again and again with my brother officer, Mr. Robert Pharazyn, an independent gentleman of unblemished honor and integrity, and without whose loyal support and assistance, and honestly-tendered advice, I would have shrunk from incurring the responsibilities I did, in an honest effort to promote the interests of the Government. I believed then, and I believe firmly now, that the course I pursued tended entirely to further those interests, and was, with the end I proposed in view, the only practicable business way of meeting the cases at issue. In conclusion, I solemnly protest against the opinions expressed by Colonel Russell, as founded on a total want of acquaintance with the subject; as totally at variance with the evidence; as opposed alike to justice and contrary to truth; and, finally, to use his own words, of such a nature that " upon

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the whole I am inclined to doubt whether tho evidence which has led me to the conclusions I have drawn would obtain a decision in a Court of law." I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wanganui. G. B. Woegan.

Enclosure in No. 4. Notes on Colonel Eijssell's Repoet re G. B. Woegan. Incoeeect statement. Edwards, Booth, and myself declined to act as a Board. "Wo reported as Government officers simply, before the Board was proposed. Colonel Russell should have stated who displayed this alleged " reserve," of which I saw nothing except in the case of Major Turner, whose reasons for exercising caution had nothing to do with AVorgan's conduct, but were due to pressure of Government re his lease. Colonel Russell here confuses the Smith transaction (admitted and justified by Worgan—who asserts that Government would not be injured by it, and did not object) with others which were either not proved or were perfectly legitimate ones, tending to facilitate Government operations. There is no discrepancy between Colonel McDonnell's testimony and Worgan's statement as to sanction of Superintendent, as the latter's acquiescence in Worgan's request was a general authority, which might be taken fairly to include the particular act. This is a mere piece of blundering, in which valuo of leasehold subject to annual rent is confused with value of freehold subject to no rent at all. Tho evidence re lease proves just the contrary; and Mr. Fox's evidence is mere assertion of opinion. Error as to alteration of boundaries having increased value of Turner's lease. Smith's agreement was not disputed. Colonel Russell is seemingly surprised that the same evidence produced a different effect on his mind and mine. I can only account for this on the supposition that our minds are differently constituted, and, on the whole, I prefer my own, which would not admit as evidence what would not obtain a decision in a Court of law. There was clearly no inconsistency on my part in calling the attention of the Government to the. facts admitted by Worgan (re Smith) and the rumours about him, and yet approve of his action in all but the Smith affair, and believing that to be capable of justification, as, indeed, my telegram (signed jointly with Edwards and Booth) distinctly implied. The report ends abruptly, and appears, from the asterisks, to be incomplete. Taking it as it stands, it amounts to little more than the Scotch verdict of "Not proven ;" though the conclusion that ought to be drawn from the evidence, were it weighed as well as counted, is " Not guilty " of anything but having proposed to buy some land in conjunction with Smith, which there is good reason to suppose the Government could not purchase, and which there is some reason for supposing tho Government did not object to see Worgan purchase. On the whole, I differ in opinion from Colonel Russell as below, on each of the points raised: — 1. Proved as to Smith. No proof of injury to Government. No action. 2. Not proved as to falsity of assertion. 3. Not proved, and mostly disproved. 4. Not proved, and substantially disproved. 5. Disproved. 6. Proved, and never denied ; justification pleaded, which was not disproved, and is probably true. 7. Advance of money proved ; and sale to Taylor fully justified. ROBEET PHABAZIN. Wanganui, 13th January, 1873.

No. 5. Colonel St. John to Mr. G-. B. Woeoan. Sic, — "Wanganui, 31st January, 1873. In reply to your letter of the 15th instant, in which you protest against the opinion given by Colonel Russell on the Court of Inquiry held at "Wanganui on your proceedings, I am directed by the Hon. Mr. McLean to inform you that as the Government have already arrived at a decision on tho subject, it appears to him unnecessary to enter upon any further discussion respecting it. In reference, however, to tho third paragraph of your letter, Mr. McLean wishes you to be disabused of the impression you appear to have, that some special agreement was entered into between the Government and yourself. I have, &c, G-. B. Worgan, Esq., Wanganui. J. H. H. St. John.

No. 6. Messrs. Boom, Weay, and Blake to the Hon. D. McLean. (Telegram.) Patea, 12th May, 1873. _ Mb. Woman appears to have received credit from Treasury for £1,200 as follows: —For sections 1a and sa, £400 each, and for advances on sections 4a, Ga, and 2a, £400. Only £50 of this £1,200 has been received by the Natives. They have, however, received horses, harness, carts, &c., amounting possibly to £200. None of these articles have been paid for. In some instances "Worgan's bills have

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been accepted for articles supplied. Further particulars by mail. Are any proceedings to be taken ? We are in possession of sworn statements. James Booth, R.M. C. A. What. Hon. D. McLean, Wellington. R. T. Blake.

No. 7. Mr. G. S. Cooper to Mr. J. Booth. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 14th May, 1873. Referring to telegram from self, Wray, and Blake, Mr. Worgan has furnished deeds of conveyance to Crown of sections 1 and 5, £400 each, and a receipt for £400 from Hata Rio on account of sections 2, 4, and 6. If money has not actually been paid, as acknowledged, that lies between Native sellers and Mr. Worgan ; Government cannot interfere. James Booth, Esq., R.M., Patea. G. S. Cooper.

No. 8. Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. D. McLean. Sic,— Patea, 14th May, 1873. I have the honor herewith to forward the enclosed papers relative to certain transactions between Mr. Worgan on the one part, and Hata Rio, Paramena Tamahuki, and Harieta Te Kapu, on the other part, from which it will be seen that although Mr. Worgan has received credit for £1,200 from the Treasury, yet not more than £120 of this amount has been paid in cash to the Native sellers. There is no agreement in writing as to the purchase of cattle by Mr. Worgan, and the Natives have no security whatever over the balance of money owing them. I have, &c, Hon. D. McLean, Native Minister, Wellington. James Booth.

Enclosure in No. 8. Memorandum. Paramena Tamahtjki came to my office about the middle of April last, to ask for the balance of money owing to him on 400 acres of land sold by him to Mr. Worgan. Ho (Paramena) said he had received in cash, £50 ; two horses, £60; one cart, £24 ; one plough, £9 ; one Bet cart-harness, £10; total of amount received, £153. Leaving in the hands of the Government £247, which sum he demanded, as he had signed the deed of sale. Harieta Te Kapu also asked for £400, the price of her land sold to Mr. Worgan. Paramena Tamahuki also offered for sale 400 acres of land belonging to the children of Maka Taiapiti, deceased. I telegraphed to Captain Wray at Patea, and was informed in reply that Paramena and Hariate had both been paid for their land £400 each, the deeds having also been duly signed ; and that £400 had been advanced by Mr. Worgan to Hata Rio, on account of the three blocks standing in the names of Mata Hihina Rio's children, and Maka Taiapiti. In the beginning of May, Paramena and Hata Rio came to my office: the former made a declaration that he had received as stated above £153, and that Harieta Te Kapu had not received one penny for her land. Hata Rio stated that he had not received any money payment whatever on account of the above named blocks, but that he had received a pair of draught horses, for which he believed Mr. Worgan had given bills of acceptance. Wanganui, 6th May, 1873. James Booth. Paramena Tamahuki states on oath that he (Paramena) sold to Mr. Worgan for the G-eneral Government of New Zealand 400 acres of land in the confiscated block, Waitara, for the sum of £400; that he has received in cash the sum of £50 on account of the above-named block of land. 2. That Mr. Worgan ordered two cart horses from Mr. Moore, of Kai Iwi, for Paramena, which horses were to cost £60. 3. That Mr. Worgan ordered one cart from Mr. Hamilton for said Paramena, which cart was to cost £24. 4. That Mr. Worgan ordered one set of harness for said Paramena, to cost £10. 5. That Mr. Worgan ordered one plough from Mr. Gray for said Paramena, to cost £9. 6. That he, Paramena Tamahuki, signed and sealed a deed of sale of said 400 acres of land at the request and in the presence of Mr. W. McDonnell, who said he had been sent to Paramena by Mr. Worgan. IllS Witness—James Moore. Paeamena x Tamahuki, mark. Declared on oath at Wanganui, in the Province of Wellington, on this sth day of May, 1873, before me, James Boour, a Justice of the Peace for the said Colony.

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Me. James Mooee, of Kai Iwi, states that he sold two draught horses to Parainena Tamahuki, at the written request of Mr. "Worgan, the price of the horses being £GO. That the money has not yet been paid. That when Mr. Worgan left Wanganui for the East Coast, a few weeks ago, he told Mr. Moore that the money for Paramena's land had not yet been received from the Government, otherwise* ho (Mr. Worgan) would have paid the £60 for the horses sold to Paramena. That he (Worgan) offered to give his acceptance to Mr. Moore for the £60, which offer was declined. The above statement was made by Mr. James Moore, before me, on the sth day of May, 1873, at Wanganui.—James Booth, E.M. Memoeandttm. I am given to understand that a cart, plough, and harness, made for Paramena Tamahuki at Mr. Worgan's request, have not yet been paid for. Wanganui, 6th May, 1873. J. Booth. Hata Eio states on oath that he never at any time sold to Mr. Worgan the several blocks of land standing in the names of Mata Hihuia, Eio's children, and Maka Taiapiti. That he has at different times received small sums from Mr. Worgan, amounting in all to £50. That he also received two draught horses of the value of £95, for which Mr. Worgan has given bills. That an arrangement was entered into between himself, Paramena, and Mr. Worgan, by which it was agreed that Paramena and Harieta were to receive in cattle part payment for their land, but that these cattle have never boeu forthcoming. The arrangements as to the cattle were made entirely by Mr. Worgan. llata Rio. Sworn before me at Patea, in the Province of Taranaki, on this 14th day of May, 1873.—James Booth, J.P. Witnesses—Meiha Keepa, E. J. Blake, Capt. N.Z.M. Sib,— Wanganui, Bth May, 1873. Inquiries having been made as to the payment to us of the sum of £1,200 on account of General Government for our interest in certain awards of laud made by Compensation Court, we state that at the time we signed receipts for sums making in the aggregate £1,200. We had received the larger portions of the said sum, partly in cash and partly by payments made to Europeans at our request by you. We had also desired you to purchase cattle for us, and understood always that we would retain a portion of cattle so purchased. We wish, however, now to change our minds, and therefore will bo glad if you will cause accounts to bo made up showing the actual payments made for and to us, and the quantity of cattle purchased, and we will then ask you to take back a portion of the cattle, and pay us the balance that may be duo us in money instead. We would like this arrangement effected within three months. We have perfect faith in the integrity of the arrangements mado by you for us at our request. Harieta Taukawe is willing to take £400 in lieu of her share of the cattle. Hata Rio, Pabamena. his Haetjtu x mark. Signed by the said Hata Eio, Paramena, and Harutu, the document having been first translated, read over, and explained in the Maori language by mo, and in the presence of — Wm. McDonnell, Licensed Interpreter, Wanganui. Clem. Q. Saunders, Clerk, Wanganui. llata Eio states that the original letter was written by Mr. Worgan. That until the copy (attached) was brought to mo (James Booth), ho was not perfectly informed of the contents. That at first he refused to sign the letter, but that he and Paramena signed on Mr. Worgan's saying he would give them £10 to sign, which they then did. £10 was also given to Harieta. Hata Eio. Witnesses, —Meiha Keepa. E. J. Blake, Capt. N.Z.M. Sworn at Patea, in the Province of Taranaki, on this 14th day of May, 1873, before me, James Booth, a Justice of the Peace. On the 16th March, 1873, it was reported to mo that there was likely to bo a disturbance between Europeans and Natives at Waitotara. lon the 18th March proceeded to Kells', accompanied by Major Turner. Next morning I had a meeting of Tautahi and others at Kells', and wont into the whole matter. They (Tautahi and others) had agreed to lease, to one James Hughes, 800 acres at and about Patoka ; and a portion of the land pointed out to Hughes was held by Mr. Durie, with pre-emptive right of purchase from the Government. They next proceeded to place Hughes in possession, by putting his cattle on the ground. They were warned off by Durie; but this not being noticed by them, Dui-ie of course proceeded to impound. They obstructed him in doing this, and took possession of the cattle.

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I then questioned them as to how they had come to think that they had 800 acres at Patoka. Thoy answered that these 800 acres were given to Mata and Rio's children by the Compensation Court, and that Patoka was the proper place to locate these 800 acres. I explained to them that they were altogether in the wrong —that Patoka was part railway reserve and part land held by Major Durie from the Government; and told them that the awards they spoke of were located on the flat near Te Karamu, and had been sold to the Government, through Mr. Worgan, by Hata Rio, who had received £400 on account. They were much astonished, had never heard of this, and said that Hata Eio had no right whatever to sell these lands, and that it was not right that these awards should be located anywhere else than at Patoka. Said that they could not be blamed altogether for the mistake that had taken place, for Kipeka had written to the Government to have Patoka given to her (for Mata and Eio's children), and had received an answer to the effect that her request would not be forgotten. They hoped that the Government would not think any more of what had been done, as they would compensate Durie for the trouble and expense he had been put to through their act. I afterwards heard that they had paid Durie £12. E, T. Blake, Patea, 14th May, 1873. Capt. N.Z.M.

No. 9. Major Edwards and Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. D. McLean. (Telegram.) Wangauui, 10th July, 1873. We are informed by Captain McDonnell that, on a visit to Omuturangi a few weeks ago, he was told by Titokowaru and others that Mr. Worgan had told them if they would give him a power of attorney he would secure to them all their lands which had been confiscated by Government; that he invited two of their number to accompany him to "Wellington to institute proceedings re such confiscated property, assuring them that he would obtain its restitution. That Titokowaru and most of his tribe had agreed to sign a power of attorney in favour of "Worgan, and that since these negotiations the attitude of Ngaruahine is much more determined in opposition to Government than it was a few months ago. Mr. Worgan has boasted of being iv possession of such power of attorney, and has stated that if Government did not restore those lands he would raise the bloodiest war that has ever been seen on this coast. Moreover, the draft of such power oi attorney has been seen by Major Edwards, who warned Mr. Worgan of the danger he was exposing himself to. These reports are matter of public scandal. We trust we may not be considered as going out of our way in reporting them, leaving it to the Government to take such steps as they deem necessary in the matter, Mr. Worgan being a liceuscd interpreter. J. T. Edwards, E.M. Hon. D. McLean, Wellington. J. Booth, E.M.

No. 10. Mr. Turner to Mr. H. T. Clarke. (Telegram.) Patea, 17th July, 1873. Worgan says that Tauke and Tuhiata are the Natives he wishes to bring down. He asserts that an interview between them and the Hon. the Defence Minister, assisted by him, will bring about a definite settlement of the confiscated land question. These two Natives are the immediate adherents of Titokowaru, and members of the Ngaruahine Tribe ? "Would it not be expedient to read this telegram with the one sent by Major Edwards and Booth ? Major Edwards being here, I have availed myself of his knowledge of the subject. Possibly Parris should be consulted in this matter, as he may be in possession of information not within our knowledge. "Worgan is at Patea. Mr. H. T. Clarke, Wellington. W. T. Turner.

No. 11. Mr. 11. T. Clarke to Messrs. Edwaeds and Booth. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 19th July, 1873. lie your telegram of 10th instant, —Native Minister requests that you will send a detailed statement of the evidence which can be obtained of the use by Mr. AVorgan of the throat you report. Send by post as soon as possible. By order. H. T. Claeke, C.C.

No. 12. Major Edwaeds and Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. D. McLean. Sin,— Wangamri, 19th July, 1873. Iv reply to your telegram of to-day, .we have the honor to report that Mr. Ballance informed Major Edwards that Mr. Worgan had used in his office, in the presence of Mr. Duthic of this town, the expression as reported in our telegram of the 10th instant, viz., "That if the Government did not restore those lands, he would raise the bloodiest war that had been seen on this coast;" Mr. Ballancc

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remarking to Major Edwards, when telling him, "This is dangerous, and the Government ought to know it." Major Edwards had seen the draft power of attorney, and did, about the Bth or 9th instant, hear Mr. Worgan make a statement to the effect that he should act as agent of the Ngaruahine, and carry them through. Mr. Booth and Major Edwards on this consulted, conceiving it to be their duty to send to the Government their joint telegram of the 10th instant, after Mr. McDonnell had, at our request, repeated his statement as reported in the presence of both of us. We have, &c, J. T. Edwards, E.M. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. James Booth, E.M.

No. 13. Interpreter's Certificate Suspended. Native Office, Wellington, 26th July, 1873. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to order that the certificate held by George Buckland Worgan as interpreter under the Native Lands Acts shall bo suspended; and the same is hereby suspended until further notice. Donald McLean.

No. 14. Mr. 11. T. Clarke to Mr. G. B. Worgan. Sin,— Native Office, Wellington, 31st July, 1873. I am directed by the Hon. Native Minister to inform you that, owing to certain information received by him respecting remarks made by you in Wanganui, Mr. McLean has been compelled to advise His Excellency to suspend your license as interpreter under the Native Lands Act; and it has been suspended accordingly, pending further inquiry. I have, &c, H. T. Clarke, G. B. Worgan, Esq., Wanganui. (for Under Secretary).

No. 15. Mr. G. B. Woegan to the Hon. D. McLean. Sib,— Wellington, Bth August, 1873. Having been furnished with copy of letter dated Wanganui, 19th July, 1873, from Messrs. Edwards and Booth to the Hon. the Native Minister, containing certain statements affecting myself, I have the honor to state, firstly, that in reference to reported private conversation between Mr. Ballance, Mr. Duthie, and myself, that my remarks neither in substance were such as reported, nor could they be twisted by implication to bear any such construction. I have never advocated restoration of confiscated lands, although I have urged their settlement, and I did say " that the condition of the tribes claiming these lands is so unsatisfactory that any disaffected man could bring about a war ;" adding the opinion, that "if we did unfortunately get again involved, that it would bo the bloodiest the Colony had yet seen." My remarks were general, and applied to Waikato as much as the West Coast. I have repeatedly held conversations with Major Edwards on these matters, not in his capacity of Eesident Magistrate but " private gentleman," and could not anticipate that merely private converse would form subject for official report. TnE Powee of Attorney. Having discussed with Major Edwards the propriety of acceding to the much urged request of certain members of the Ngatiruanui Tribe that I would act as their agent, and stated to him, as also to others, that perhaps my doing so would facilitate settlement of difficulties, I submitted a draft of such a document as appeared likely to meet the case to him, who agreed with me, apparently, in opinion. Should I carry into effect the adoption of proposed agency, I should ccrtaiuly feel it my duty to furnish copy of any authority I might receive from Natives at once to Government. I have come to Wellington expressly to ascertain how far any action I might take would bo consonant with the views of the Government; and propose being guided almost entirely by their opinion. Re Mr. McDonnell's statement: Not knowing what it may have been, I can make no reply to it. If, however, the account he furnished mo of his interview with Messrs. Edwards and Booth be correct, I have nothing to reply to. The motives influencing me to make myself master of this question will be at once apparent, and my hope has been throughout to render good service. As a married man with large family I am scarcely one to desire war, and I did think that man)' years' faithful service oil the East Coast in the cause of peace and progress would have protected mo from credence being given to so wholly improbable a charge as " desiring to raise a war," thau which no greater calamity could possibly happen. I have no wish to thrust my services on the Government, or to ask .the Government to attachmore value to my opinions than they deserve; neither do I seek in any way to interfere with whatever

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exists. Much study of the matter has led me to conceive that there is a solution to the question, probably only one. As I see no difficulty in making my interest go hand in hand with what appears a duty, I have determined to ask the consideration of my proposals, leaving it, of course, for the Government to accept or reject, as they may deem most advantageous. I have, &c, The Hon. D. McLean. George B. Worgan.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE PREVIOUS DISMISSAL OF MR. WORG-AN FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN THE MATTER OF IHAEA WHANG-A. No. 16. Mr. S. Locke to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Napier, 10th September, 1873. I have the honor to forward herewith, in accordance with instructions by telegram No. 304, correct copies of papers having reference to the alleged fraud of Mr. Worgan upon Ihaka Whanga, of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. S. Locke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 16. Mr. C. H. Beotvn to Mr. J. Watt. Sib,— Wairoa, 2nd September, 1804. I shall be exceedingly obliged to you if you will afford me a little assistance in sifting the following matter. The chief Ihaka Whauga, of Nuhaka, made to me yesterday, through his son Hirini, who came down with Mr. Campbell for that purpose, a statement gravely implicating Mr. Interpreter Worgan. You probably remember having a conversation with Ihaka about the " Vivid " schooner on a day of July last, Mr. Worgan acting as interpreter. On that day you gave Ihaka, he says, a cheque for £342. Ihaka and Mr. Worgan went to the Bank of New Zealand, where the cheque was duly honored, and the money lodged, as ho, Ihaka believes, in Ihaka's name, on deposit for six months. Mr. Worgan gave Ihaka three cheques. When Ihaka passed through Wairoa on his return, Mr. Worgan obtained Ihaka's signature to a species of power of attorney, dated 22nd August (or 23rd), over the said £342, written in Maori, agreeing that the tikanga for the utu of the £342 to Ihaka should bo with Mr. Worgan. On arriving at Mahia, Ihaka, he says, first discovered that the three papers he received from Mr. Worgan were cheques post-dated for February 11th, 1565, for £100, for £242, and for £7 155., signed " Gr. B. Worgan," and that his money was lodged in Mr. Worgan's name, and therefore at his (Mr. Worgan's) disposal. This is Ihaka's version. Mr. Worgan represents that Ihaka fully understood and consented to the arrangement of the money being lodged in Mr. Worgan's name, and that it was solely for his (Ihaka's) convenience, and that it is lodged on deposit for six months. I shall be exceedingly obliged to you if you will inform me on what day of July you drew the cheque for £342 for Ihaka, and if you will kindly ascertain from the banker whether that sum was lodged in Mr. Worgan's name, and, if so, on account current or on deposit for six months (or for seven months, i.e. till February 11th), and if possible, whether it has been drawn upon. Mr. Worgan asserts that ho has the banker's acknowledgment of the deposit of this £342 for six months, in safe keeping at the bank with other papers of his. If you can do this, please write me the lesult as soon as possible. This affair is creating great excitement amongst Ihaka's Maoris. I cannot well come in this week, and have an opportunity of writing per " Janet " to-morrow, or I would not trouble you by letter. But as Ihaka is your landlord and friend I hope, 1 thought I might veuture to ask you to assist in discovering what has really become of the £342 you paid to him. I have, &c, James Watt, Esq., Napier. C. Hunter Beown.

Enclosure 2 in No. 16. Mr. C. 11. Beown to the Civil Commissioner. Sir, — Wairoa, sth September, 1864. I have the honor to forward to you the resignation of my interpreter, Mr. Gr. B. Worgan. I strongly recommend that that resignation be accepted. The " observations " which Mr. Worgan alludes to, arose out of circumstances involving so very grave a charge against Mr. Worgan, preferred by Ihaka Whanga, of Nuhaka—no less Jthan that of lodging to Mr. Worgan's own account the sum of £342 belonging to Ihaka, without Ihaka's knowledge or consent—that I deem it necessary to recount them to you, and Mr. Worgan's subsequent conduct. On September Ist, Mr. Campbell and Ilirini (Ihaka's son) came from Mahia, and made this statement on behalf of Ihaka:—

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1. On or about the 11th August, after a conversation about the " Vivid" schooner between Ihaka and Mr. "Watt, in which Mr. Worgan interpreted, Mr. "Watt paid Ihaka a cheque for £342. 2. Ihaka and Mr. "Worgan go to the bank. Ihaka requests Mr. Worgan to transact the business, as he does not understand it. The cheque is paid in and Mr. Worgan gives Ihaka three pieces of paper, which Ihaka supposes to be some sort of bank acknowledgment. 3. Mr. Worgan returns to Wairoa; afterwards Ihaka passes through Wairoa. Mr. Worgan obtains his signature to this curious document, Ihaka says, by telling him that 4 per cent, interest (at which Ihaka understood his money to have been deposited in his own name) was too little ; that 10 per cent, was the proper interest, which Mr. AVorgan would give him from the bank, if he would sign the paper dated Wairoa, August 22 (or 23), 1864. " Kia mohio ai nga-tangata katoa kua tukua ne (sic} ahau te tikanga mo aku inoni c noho aua i te ti Poke £312 ki a Teoti Wakana, maua te whakaaro kite ara kia whiwhi ai au i tetahi utu mo te takotoranga o aua moni. " Ihaka Wiianga. " Witness —(Signed) Mate Scott." " Know all men that I havo delivered to G-. W. the disposal of my money in the bank, £342. It is for him to devise how I may receive interest for those moneys for six months." 4. On arriving at Mahia, Ihaka shows his papers to Pakehas : they prove to be a cheque for £200 post-dated February 11th, 1865 ; one for £142, post-dated February 11th, 1865, and one for £7 155., dated February 11th, 1864, all signed by Worgan. Being informed that these papers signify that the money is absolutely in Mr. Worgan's control and power, he takes alarm and sends to me. 5. Mr. Campbell, Hirini, Hamuera, and I, go to Mr. Worgan. Mr. Worgan asserts that the money was lodged in his own (Mr. Worgan's) name at Ihaka's express request, and to suit his convenience. That he can show the banker's deposit acknowledgment for six months, and Ihaka's written consent to Mr. Worgan holding the money for six months in his own name. 6. Being pressed, he shows the curious document given above, but then says the banker's acknowledgment is in the bank at Napier. 7. Accepting (on supposition) his own account, I pointed out his extreme imprudence ; the annoyance to me of complaints constantly brought to mo against him, owing to his habit of mixing himself up with other people's affairs ; and imperatively demanded that in future he confine himself to the business of his office. The next morning Mr. Worgan sent the letter I forward. That day, Saturday, I went to Mahia to see Ihaka. 3ir. Worgan was going with Messrs. Eiddell; I urged him to go with me and Mr. Campbell, see Ihaka together, and make all clear. He agreed ;at the last moment he refuses, though urged by me and Mr. Campbell and reasoned with, alleging bis infant's illness. He said he would follow next day. He did not, and on my return to-day alleged his wife's illness. 9. I saw Ihaka in presence of Messrs. Campbell and Maoris at Te Mahia. He gives a very consistent account, apparently in a most frank and truthful manner, admitting where Mr. Worgan was right, acknowledging himself doubtful on some minor points, but holding fast to all I have stated, and persisting in the graveness of his charge, that neither in the bank nor at Wairoa had he the least idea that he was handing over the money to Mr. Worgan, or letting it go out of his own name. 10. I beg to remark that, by his own account, Mr. Worgan has been guilty of such inconceivable folly and imprudence in lodging £342 belonging to a Maori chief (one of a race shrewd, suspicious, yet childishly ignorant of banking business) in his own name, knowing himself to be a penniless man, — of such gross imprudence that he has shown himself utterly unfit for so responsible an office as that of interpreter, humble though it be. If on the other hand Ihaka's account be true, I shrink from using language strong enough to characterize such treacherous deceit. I hope to come into town, but write for the sake of greater certainty. May I beg that you will send me your decision at your earliest convenience. The affair is creating much excitement amongst the Natives of Nuhak.i and Te Mahia. I enclose a copy of Mr. Worgan's letter to Ihaka in answer to Ihaka's charge. I have, &c, The Civil Commissioner. C. Hotter Beown, E..M.

Enclosure 3 in No. 16. Mr. C. H. Beows- to Mr. (x. B. Woegan. Sib, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Napier, 15th September, 1864. I am desired by the Civil Commissioner to inform you that, in consequence of certain charges made against you by the Native chief and Assessor Ihaka Whanga, and with which charges you have been made acquainted through me, that you are suspended from your office of Native Interpreter until you have satisfactorily cleared yourself of such charges. And the Civil Commissioner requests me to point out to you the urgent necessity, for your own character's sake, for your promptly exerting yourself to the utmost to adjust this matter to Ihaka'a satisfaction. I have, &c, C. Hunter Beown, G-. B. Worgan, Esq. Eesident Magistrate, Wairoa.

Enclosure 4 in No. 16. Mr. G. B. Woegan to Mr. C. H. Beown. Bib,— Te Huatu, 19th September, 1864. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this day, and in reply to state that on Saturday last I had an interview with the chief Ihaka Whanga, in the presence of Messrs2—H. 29a.

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E. Eiddell and W. Morris, and from twelve to twenty Natives ; that I informed him of what I had heard as the expressed statement of himself, and that in reply he said he had never made any charges against me ; that he had been told that I had used his money, and that ho would not get it again ; that he was very sore that he had already lost £100, and now it was told to him that it was all gone. In reply I informed him that I had used a portion of his money, and for what purpose ; that it was optional with him to accompany me and E. Eiddell to town, and receive his money ; that if he had anything to say that he could not have a better opportunity, inasmuch as there was no longer a risk of misunderstanding in the presence of so many witnesses. I then told him a second time what I had done with some of his money, and what I still proposed to do with the entire sum of £342 ; and in the presence of the above witnesses, and with the concurrence and full knowledge of the Natives present, he acquiesced in what I proposed. I gave him until this Monday morning to write a letter (in reply to one received) to Mr. McLean. On this Monday morning he handed me the letter, and again begged me to understand that he " had never made a charge, but that what he had said had been dragged out of him." My character requires no clearing. What I have done, I have done in broad daylight; that (sic) no man is scathless against such insidious and underhand attacks as in the present case ; that (sic) I have done as well or better for Ihaka's interest than any one else could or would have done; and that, better still, Ihaka himself is perfectly content and satisfied that I have done so. In reference to the portion of your letter relating to the suspension of my duties as interpreter, I beg to reply that I had previously tendered my resignation, on which subject I shall have the honor to write officially, so soon as I receive an answer to my present letter. I have, &c, C. H. Brown, Esq., E.M., Wairoa. G-. T. B: Worgan.

Enclosure 5 in No. 16. Mr. C. H. Brown to Mr. Gr. B. Worgan. Sir,— Wairoa, 20th September, 1864. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of September 19th, which I have forwarded to the Civil Commissioner for his consideration. I hare, &c, C. Hunter Brown.

Enclosure 6 in No. 16. Copy of covering Letter to Civil Commissioner, accompanying Mr. "Worgan's Letter of 19th September, forwarded to Civil Commissioner. Sir,— "Wairoa, 20th September, 1864. On September 19th I wrote briefly to Mr. Gr. T. 13. Worgan, according to your instructions, acquainting him with your decision that he should be suspended until such time as he should have cleared himself from certain charges made against him by Ihaka Whanga, with which charges Mr. "Worgan had been made acquainted through me. To-day I have received the answer, which I have the honor to forward for your consideration. Eeferring to my letter of September 15th on this subject, I beg to point out that in the enclosed letter Mr. Worgan contradicts point blank his first assertion to me that he had lodged Ihaka'B money for six months at the bank, and also his assertion made to Ihaka in the Maori letter enclosed in mine of September 15th —to wit, that Ihaka's money was safely lodged. Also, I beg to state that Mr. Lyndon, of the New Zealand Bank, positively contradicts Mr. Worgan's assertion that Mr. Lyndon and he together calculated the interest on £342 for six months at 4 per cent, to amount to £7 15s. (about £1 too much). Lastly, Mr. Worgan has admitted to Ihaka that he has used this money without Ihaka's knowledge. He has admitted to me that, as Ihaka asserts, Mr. Worgan lodged the money in his own name, without Ihaka's knowledge. I presume it is in a purely physical sense that Mr. Worgan claims to have done " this in broad daylight," banks, indeed, being seldom open after dark. Mr. Worgan has convicted himself in telling lies. He has tampered with another man's money. I beg to recommend that he be dismissed, and that I have authority to look for another interpreter. I have answered Mr. Worgan's letter by writing to him that I have forwarded his letter to you. I have, &c, C. Hunter Brown.

Enclosure 7 in No. 16. Mr. G. H. Brown to the Civil Commissioner. Wairoa, 28th September, 1864. # •••••• In the matter of his £342 wrongfully " converted" by Mr. Worgan, Ihaka tells me that Mr. Worgan and Mr. Eiddell, on their visit to him on September 17th, persuaded him to lend that money to Messrs. Riddell Brothers (whose note of hand he now holds as sole security) till February 11th, 1865, at the rate of 20 per cent, interest. Mr. Morris tells me that it was explained to him very fully and clearly in my presence. That now Messrs. Biddell would spend the remainder of his money now kept fast in the bank for him. Ihaka was very gloomy, silent, and disgusted, but does seem to have

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accepted this scheme as the only way he can see to get his money back again. This is the plan for which Mr. Worgan takes so much credit to himself in the letter which I had the honor to forward to you by last mail. lam informed that Mr. Worgan represents in the Valley that his salary is still running on. I shall be glad to receive as soon as possible your decision as to his dismissal, or acceptance of his resignation, with instructions up to what date his salary will be paid. I have, &c, The Civil Commissioner. C. Huntee Beowx.

Enclosure 8 in No. 16. Mr. C. H. Beown to Mr. G. B. Woegan. Sib,— Wairoa, 12th October, 1864. I am instructed by the Civil Commissioner to inform you, that in consequence of your conduct in the matter of Ihaka Whanga, you are dismissed from your post of Native Interpreter and Clerk to Resident Magistrate's Court, Wairoa. You are held to be not entitled to resign, and are dismissed. I have to request that you will complete the cash-book aud fee-book up to date ; that you will account to me for all fees and fines ; and that you will hand over to me all Government documents, papers, printed forms and stationery, carbine, cartouche-box and ammunition, and any other Government property in your charge. I shall then be prepared to sign vouchers for your pay up to the date of this communication. I have, &c, Mr. G. T. B. "VVorgan. C. Huntee Beowii". By Authority: Geobue Didsbuby, Gorernment Printer, Wellington.—lB73. Trice 9d.~\

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