MEETING BETWEEN THE HON. THE NATIVE MINISTER AND TAWHIAO, 24th to 29th May, 1876. [FROM NOTES TAKEN BY MAJOR MAIR, MAJOR TE WHEORO, AND MR. R. S. BUSH, NATIVE INTERPRETER.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1876 Session I, G-04

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1876. NEW ZEALAND.

MEETING BETWEEN THE HON. THE NATIVE MINISTER AND TAWHIAO, 24th to 29th May, 1876. [FROM NOTES TAKEN BY MAJOR MAIR, MAJOR TE WHEORO, AND MR. R. S. BUSH, NATIVE INTERPRETER.]

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

No. 1. Major Te Wiieoeo to the Hon. the Native Ministee. (Telegram.) [Teanslation.] Sir,— Alexandra, 20th March, 1876. The people at Te Kopua toll me that Tawhiao will arrive there either to-morrow or the day after. They have finished building a house at Te Kopua. The people of his district will assemble together there. I do not know the nature of the subjects to be discussed at that meeting. Sir Donald McLean, Government Buildings. Wi te Wheoeo.

No. 2. Major Te Wheoeo to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. [Tbauslatiou.) (Telegram.) Alexandra, 16th May, 1876. I have returned from Kaipiha; Tawhiao and I have concluded our talk. He has requested me to ask you to come to see him at Kaipiha and discuss certain proposals, in order that you may be enabled to complete the subjects of your conversation at Waitomo. From Te Whkoeo.

No. 3. Major Te Wheoeo to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. [Tbanslation.] (Telegram.) Alexandra, 17th May, 1876. Do not be in a state of uncertainty and suppose that the invitation was for you and the Governor; it was intended for you alone, like that of Waitomo. Perhaps after you have had your talk, then will be the great day for meeting the Governor. From Te Wheoeo.

No. 4. Major Maie to the Hon. the Native Hiotstsb. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 20th May, 1876. Tawhiao is expected at Kaipiha to-night. He does not wish to have many followers at his meeting with you. The Hon. Sir D. McLean, Newcastle. W. G. Maie.

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No. 5. The Hon. the Native Minister to His Excellency the Govebnoe. (Telegram.) Hamilton, 22nd May, 1876. Am going on to-day to Alexandra. I hear that Tawhiao does not desire to have a large meeting, but rather to have a quiet opportunity of discussing matters. I will inform you from time to time of what transpires. His Excellency the Governor, Auckland. Donaid McLean.

No. 6. Notes of Interview between the Native Minister, Eevs. Heta Tabawiiiti and Wieemu Patene, Mohi te Bongoiiaii, and Hakiaha, at Alexandra. Tuesday, 23bd Mat, 1876. Sir D. McLean : " Let me hear what you want to say." Bey. W. Patene: " "We came to see you because we are glad with you for coming to "Waikato, as we wished you to come and do the work of Waikato, that is, the work of this island, which has for years made our hearts uneasy." Sir D. McLean : " I have nothing to say. I came to see Tawhiao in response to his invitation of renewing our talk, which was not finished last year." Natives replied: "It is good." Hakiaha : "We are two who have come over to you, myself and Tapihana. At the time I came, you gave me seed wheat. We were the lonely occupants of Pirongia. You have drawn us out of our isolation. Besides Tapihana and myself, there are only two others alive, Patene and Mohi; Te Awaitaia is dead. Tapihana has laid down his grey head before you. You should see Tawhiao. I shall not go to Punui until you return from Kaipiha. Rev. Heta Taraxohiti: " Tawhiao wrote to you. The chief thing we all desire is to see the completion of this matter ; you have visited him before, let us hope that the object much longed for will be obtained this time. It is for you to do the work; we only go to listen. If you only accomplish a very little at a time, it will be a great deal to return home with." Mohi te Bongomau: " Our reason for coming is first to see you ; and secondly, to listen to what passes between you and Tawhiao. We think that this is the day of peace. This day is the day of life, therefore we have come to listen." Sir D. McLean : " What you say is good. I have nothing to say, but that I have come to do my work, and hope to bring about a more perfect understanding." Notes of Meetiicu between the Hon. the Native Minister and Tawhiao at Kaipiha, by Major Te Wheobo. Sir D. McLean arrived at Kaipiha, where Tawhiao was with his people. After the canoes (two) had reached the landing-place, Sir D. McLean proceeded to the house set apart for him. Subsequently, Tawhiao, Takerei te liau, Te Tuhi, Honana te Maioha, and Te Ngakau paid a friendly visit to Sir D. McLean, after which they went away for a time. Tawhiao, Tawhia, Te Tuhi, and Te Ngakau returned in the evening, and had a friendly talk and some discussion on general subjects. Next morning Tawhiao, Takerei, and Te Tuhi came to the room occupied by Sir D. McLean. Majors Mair and Te Wheoro were also present, thus making three of Sir D. McLean's party and three of Tawhiao's. Sir D. McLean said to Tawhiao : " Perhaps you have something to say to me, Tawhiao?" Tawhiao: " I ask you if you agree to the request made by me at Waitomo ?" Sir D. McLean: "To which request ? " Tawhiao: "To what I said about the Europeans being returned to the place designated, and I would follow." Sir D. McLean: " I told you, Tawhiao, at our meeting at Waitomo, that it was impossible for me to do so, but at the same time informed you that you should continue to exercise authority over the affairs of your people in your own district." Taichiao : " This is my word to you: The men and the land are mine." Sir D. McLean : " 1 agree, Tawhiao, to your word, that the men and the land are yours, and that you are to continue to exercise authority over your own people and district." Tawhiao: "My word to you : The men and the land are mine." Sir D. McLean : " With respect to this new word of yours, I agree that the men and the land are yours within your own boundaries. The Government are disposed to give you every assistance as the chief of your people, and are also desirous of enabling you, with the co-operation of some of your chiefs, to assist in devising measures for the suppression of evil, so that good alone may prevail in these districts. This is what the Government desire. What it is possible for me to do I will do. What is impossible cannot be done. I will not promise what is impossible, lest it should be said hereafter that I was misleading you. All I desire is to have a clear understanding with you. I recognize you as a chief of rank and influence; and anything we may agree to should be in such a distinct manner as may avoid future misunderstanding. Tawhiao, it is for you to bring forward any subject for us to talk about." Tawhiao: "My word with respect to our conversation, I will return to our last talk about the (koromatua) land, and end with my (tio) burial-places, Te Mata-o-tu-tonga Pukerimu, Tangirau. These places were all pointed out by Potatau to Sir G. G-rey in former times, from whence the name of Eauangaanga for the Mata-o-tu-tonga." Sir D. McLean (to Te Wbeoro) : "lain clear about Tawhiao's words. You and I will arrange this."

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Later on the same day, Tawhiao, accompanied by Tawhia and Te Tuhi, came to the room occupied by Sir D. McLean. Sir D. McLean : " Perhaps you have something to say, with respect to what we have been talking about?" Tawhiao : "My word to you is this: It rests with me to consider. That is my word, It rests with me to consider. Hearken to this word: Let Waikato be settled. This is my word, Let Waikato be settled." Major Te Wlieoro : " How about what was said on the first day ?" Tawhiao : " Which word ?" Major Te Wheoro : " This word: ' The land and the people are mine.' " Tawhiao: "It rests with me to consider." Sir D. McLean: "Tawhiao, I have told you that the Government will treat direct with you; that you are to administer the affairs of your district with respect to sales and leases." Tawhiao: " Yes, I will consider them; it rests with me to consider. The result will be seen hereafter."

No. 7. Mr. H. T. Kemp, C.C., Auckland, to the Undeh Seceetaby, Native Department. Sic, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Auckland, 2nd June, 187 C. I do myself the honor to note some brief observations, made during the recent official visit of the Hon. the Native Minister to the chief Tawhiao, commonly known as the Maori King, which took place at Kaipiha on the 24th instant, a settlement some little distance from Alexandra, but beyond the confiscated lines. This visit lasted for several consecutive days, and was prolonged at the request personally made by Tawhiao and his advisers. As Civil Commissioner, I was on this, as well as on a previous occasion, instructed to be in attendance, and thus presented an opportunity of arriving at something like a reasonable estimate of the advance made towards a friendly intercourse, and ultimately to a more perfect reconciliation on conditions which should, in the interests of both races, be mutually agreed upon. The invitation on this occasion, then, may, I think, be fairly looked at in the light (if I may use the term) of a sequel to the one which took place about eighteen months since: with this advantage, however, that it was divested of much of that unavoidable restraint and reserve which might have been reasonably expected as a consequence of several years' isolation under peculiarly unfavourable circumstances. During the interval, however, an endeavour has been made by the officers of the Government, under the instructions of the Native Minister, to encourage as much as possible friendly relations with the Hau-Haus as a body, without compromising the position of the Government, or the welfare and interests of the settlers ; and, to some extent, this, I think, has been accomplished. During the several interviews that took place care was especially taken to dispel from the minds of Tawhiao and his followers the hope of ever resuming possession of the Waikato as within the confiscated boundary ; and although this hope has never, I think, been seriously entertained by them, I nevertheless, on the other hand, feel persuaded that it has, however remote, been kept alive by persons having no real interest in the peace and prosperity of the country, but actuated merely by a morbid desire to widen the breach already unhappily made between the races in these districts, and thus destroy that confidence which seems to be indispensable to the general well-being of the colony as a whole. " Notwithstanding this, it was satisfactory to find that the temper and disposition of this section of the Native people was in a political point of view improved, and that civilities were pleasantly exchanged between them and the officers of the Government who accompanied Sir Donald McLean throughout this important, and, I think I might add, successful mission. The reception given to the Native and Defence Minister on this occasion leaves but little doubt as to the future results. Exceptional as all our dealings are with the Maori race, capricious, excitable, and jealous as many of them are known to be, the attitude maintained by the Government and the settlers since the vacation of the Waikato has impressed them with a higher estimate of the white man's character and equitable dealing, while, at the same time, the policy of the Government, in the administration of which a large and increasing responsibility was inseparable, has shown a state of things at present existing which any impartial observer will, I think, admit compares favourably at least with the prospects and position of the colony in 1869, at the time Sir Donald McLean took the reins, and guided the Native Office through its complicated and difficult course. To have had the sympathy of the colonists in particular, and of those whose experiences give weight and value to their opinion, has not been without its consolation, even under circumstances touching which this report is, I fear, but a feeble and imperfect outline. I have, &c, H. T. Kemp, The Under Secretary, Native Department. Civil Commissioner.

No. 8. Major Maib to the Undeb Seceetakt, Native Affairs. Sin, — Alexandra, 7th June, 1876. I have the honor to report upon the Hon. the Native Minister's late visit to Waikato, but more especially his interview with Tawhiao. The Hon. Sir D. McLean reached Alexandra on the 22nd May, accompanied, besides his staff, by the chiefs Hori Tupaea, Kepa te Eangipuawhe, and Paora Tuhaere. On the 23rd he was visited by

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Whitiora, Pikia, and the well-known Kawhia chief Tapiliana. The weather being stormy, it was not till the 24th that a move could be made. Accompanied by Messrs. Kemp, Mair, Marshall, Bush, Morpeth, Davies, and Wiremu te Wheoro, Sir D. McLean proceeded to Kaipiha, the farm of the brothers Turner, and Mr. H. Eeynolds, just without the Confiscation line. Here Tawhiao, with a few of his leading chiefs and advisers, and about one hundred followers, was waiting to meet him. Shortly after our arrival, Tawhiao, Takerei te Eau, Te Tuhi, and Hunia te Ngakau paid a friendly visit to Sir Donald. Some conversation upon topics of local interest took place, but no political discussion. Upon the 25th, 2Gth, and 27th May important meetings took place between the Hon. the Native Minister and Tawhiao, full notes of which are appended. Business was concluded on the latter day, but Sir Donald McLean was persuaded by Tawhiao to remain at Kaipiha till Monday, the 29th, that they might have further opportunity of seeing each other. lam of opinion that much good will result from this meeting. There are on the Native side prejudices to overcome and wrong impressions to remove, and some time must necessarily elapse before a permanent settlement can be concluded ; but Tawhiao is, I think, anxious now to arrange matters. There was on the recent occasion a marked improvement in his manner, and an absence of the shyness exhibited by him at Waitomo last year. He was very cordial in his greeting of the Europeans present, and evidently eager to create a favourable impression upon their minds. It must be remembered that two years ago it was not permitted to Europeans to see him even, much less to converse with him. Tawhiao's meeting with the Hon. the Native Minister was of his own seeking, his idea being that Sir D. McLean alone can solve the Maori question. In the meantime there are not wanting evil advisers of both races, who, actuated by a false sense of patriotism, and, in the case of Europeans, counsellors from sheer malice, will continue to do all in their power to prevent the solution so much to be desired by all well-wishers of the Maori race. Ido not think, however, that these counsels havo much weight, and though they may retard, I am confident they will not affect, the result. On May 30th the Native Minister met sections of the Ngatihaua and Ngatirankawa at Cambridge, and discussed with them matters of interest to those tribes. I have, &c,

W. G. Maib. Notes of Meetings between the Native Ministee and Tawhiao. Thttbsdat, 25th Mat, 1876. Present:—Hon. Sir D. McLean, Major Mair, Major Te Wheoro, Tawhiao, Takerei te Eau, and Patara te Tuhi. Sir D. McLean : " Perhaps you have something to say to me, Tawhiao P" Tawhiao : " Have you agreed to the requests made by me at Waitomo ?" Sir JD. McLean .- " To which request do you allude ?" Tawhiao: "To what I said about the Europeans returning to the place appointed ?" (meaning that the Europeans should vacate Waikato.) Sir D. McLean : " I told you that neither myself nor any other person could agree to that. It is not my wish that you should be misled by my making any promise that cannot be fulfilled. I desire to be frank with you, so that there shall be no misunderstanding in the future. It is not the desire of the Government to interfere with your authority over your people in your own district. You would be even assisted and supported in carrying out measures for the benefit of your people. If we can agree to a perfect understanding in the first instance, other matters can be settled afterwards ; and I hope a meeting will soon take place between you and your friend the Governor, who can give effect to what may be arranged between us." Tawhiao: " With me rests the day for that!" Sir D. McLean : " I have carefully weighed all your words (at Waitomo), and I remember too the words of your father (Potatau), about living at peace with the Europeans. If you follow his counsel in that matter, the Government will show you all the more consideration." Tawhiao : " Have you duly considered the latter part of our conversation (at Waitomo) ?" Sir D. McLean: "Yes ; I attach great weight to all your words; my colleagues and myself have carefully considered the matter ; we are agreeable that you should have full control over your people within your own district, and we are prepared to strengthen your hands in maintaining peace and good order." Tawhaio : " The people and the land are mine." Sir D. McLean : " I agree, the people and the land are yours ; that is, within your own boundaries. Although not able to comply with some of your requests, there are ways in which the Government can help you, and they are willing to afford every encouragement to you and your chiefs, to enable you to suppress evil and promote good measures in your district. lam here by your invitation, and am not going away yet; so you have plenty of time to consider what I have said, after which we can again resume our talk." Feidat, 26th Mat. Present:—Hon. Sir D. McLean, Mr. Commissioner Kemp, Major Mair, Mr. Bush, Major Te Wheoro, Tawhiao, Takerei, and Te Tuhi. Sir D. McLean: "Is there anything that you desire to speak to me about to-day ?" Tawhiao : " My conversation goes back to our talk about my land, and then about my burial-places. (Ko aku tio /) (Takerei, upon being requested, explained that tio meant a grave.) Sir D. McLean : " What burial-places do you mean ?" Tawhiao : "Te Mata-o-tu-tonga, at Taupiri; Pukerimu [opposite Church Hill] ; and Tangirau on the Waipa, above Ngaruawahia. Potatau pointed out all these places to Sir G. Grey when he was Governor. Takerei's name of Te Eauangaanga is from Te Mata-o-tu-tonga."

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Sir D. McLean (to Major Te Wheoro) : " Tawhiao's words are clear; you and I can arrange this matter." Major Te Wheoro : " I know these burial-places. At the Compensation Court, held at Ngaruawahia in January, 1867, I claimed these portions of land; but Mr. Marshall said that the rightful owners were among the Kingites—meaning, probably, that Tawhiao was the owner. He will tell you now whether or not I have any interest in those places." Tawhiao : " Yes, you have." Major Te Wheoro : " Takerei understood from Mr. Mackay that Tangirau was to be given to him. I do not think there will be any difficulty in arranging about Pukerimu and Te Mata-o-tu-tonga ; and Tangirau is, I think, quite clear." Sir D. McLean: "Tawhaio, this matter about the burial-places can, I think, be easily settled. The railway at Taupiri is the only difficulty that I can foresee; but perhaps this can be got over. I have already told you that the Government are prepared to recognize your authority over your own land; they would also support you in promoting peace and suppressing evil. To enable you to do this properly, the Government would sanction your having certain chiefs to assist you in preserving good order. They would also consult you before purchasing or leasing lands within your own boundaries, and be prepared to assist you in promoting the welfare of your people. We will also give you a piece of land at Ngaruawahia, in order that you may have a place of your own near Potatau's grave. Ido not wish to press you ; you have now something to think over. We shall have another opportunity of seeing each other, to converse further on these subjects." Sattjeday, 27th Mat, 1876. Present: —Hon. Sir D. McLean, Major Mair, Mr. Bush, Major Te Wheoro, Tawhiao, Takerei te Eau, and Te Tuhi. Sir D. McLean : " I suppose that you have something to say this morning, Tawhiao ? " Tawhiao: "My word lo you is this: It rests with me to consider your proposals. This is my word: It rests with me to consider, and I will do so." Sir D. McLean : " Yes, it rests with you to consider." Tawhiao: " Another word of mine to which I wish to call your attention is this: Let the question of Waikato be settled [Let Waikato be mine]. That is all I have to say." Major Te Wheoro : " How about your remark yesterday: ' The land and the people are mine' ?" Tawhiao : " That rests with me." Sir D. McLean.: " The question of" Waikato was decided long since, and these decisions have been arrived at by Parliament as well as by successive Governments. I have no power to alter the decisions deliberately arrived at, and I should be sorry to lead you to hope for the restoration of Waikato, as it cannot be done; and I must not mislead you by holding out any hope that you can obtain what is possessed by Europeans, as that is quite impossible. I may be able to give you some small portions out of lands not purchased by the settlers which are still the property of the Government. In reference to our previous conversations as to your own position, the Government is willing to recognize you as the head chief of your own district and people, not of other tribes beyond it, and you will be assisted in maintaining order ; but you will have to afford your influence and aid in repressing crime and preserving friendly relations between the two races, that they may grow up together, and that peace may always prevail. " In all matters affecting the welfare of your people, the Government will confer with you direct. As regards the leasing of land, you will use your own discretion ; if you object, the Government will not urge it upon you. The same will apply to the sale of land within your boundaries." Tawhiao : " I agree to that; it quite accords with my own thoughts." Sir D. McLean : " 1 have come here to see you, but do not suppose I desire to press you hastily to a conclusion ; you can take time to consider what we have said to each other. What I have proposed will have to be submitted to Parliament, where such matters are settled. Afterwards the Governor's sanction will be required, and it is for you to consider and decide whether you accept my proposals." Tawhiao : " Yes" (Ac). (Then, after a pause,) "Itis my wish to return to my home now." Sir D. McLean : " Well, I was thinking of returning to Alexandra to-day." Tawhiao (laughing) : "Why, you would be like a meteor (twmatakohiri). Eemain till to-morrow, that we may enjoy each other's company, and then, if the weather should be fair, in the morning we can take leave of each other, and go, yon to Alexandra, and Ito my own place. There need be no hurry; I will consider what has passed, and we will soon meet again." W. G. Maie.

No. 9. Mr. BrsH to the Undee Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Auckland, June Ist, 1876. I have the honor to report, for your information, that, in accordance with instructions received, I left Auckland with Major Mair on the morning of the 19th ultimo, for Alexandra. Upon arrival there, on the following day, I learnt from Whitiora (formerly known as Wiremu Kuineti) that Tawhiao and his chiefs were in readiness, at Waitomo, to move down to Kaipiha as soon as they heard of the arrival of the Hon. the Native Minister at Alexandra. They came down to Kopua the next morning, and on Monday to Kaipiha, to await the arrival of the Hon. the Native Minister at Alexandra, which he reached on Monday evening. Tuesday being excessively wet, the Native Minister was unable to

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proceed to the place of meeting. He was, however, interviewed by Tapihana and Pikia, till lately notorious rebel chiefs of Kawhia, who expressed themselves as being most friendly disposed towards the Europeans, and hoped Tawhiao would be wise enough to come to a satisfactory settlement. Subsequently other Native chiefs had interviews with the Hon. the Native Minister, amongst whom were Rev. William Patene, Rev. Heta Tarawhiti, Tana and Hote, sons of the late chief William Thompson, Hone te One, and Mold te Rongomau. All these chiefs expressed themselves as being delighted with this visit to Waikato, and trusted it would turn out most successful. On Wednesday morning the Hon. the Native Minister, accompanied by Mr. Commissioner Kemp, Major Mair, Resident Magistrate, Messrs. Marshall, Davies, Bush, and Major Te Wheoro, proceeded to Kaipiha in two large canoes, which had been sent down to fetch the Hon. the Native Minister and party. There were about two hundred Natives present. The reception, though quiet, was most friendly, there being no noisy demonstration, as Tawhiao objects to anything of that kind. I have heard him tell his Kawhia people several times to receive/him as a European, and not in their old style. Shortly after dinner, on the 24th ultimo (Her Majesty's birthday), Tawhiao, Takerei te Rau, Te Tuhi, Honana Maioha, and Te Ngakau came to see the Native Minister. The first visit on these occasions is generally a very ceremonial affair, little being said by either party. During the evening they again came to sit awhile with him ; on this occasion a good deal of the reserve so perceptible on the first visit was relaxed, and the chiefs conversed freely on ordinary topics. In consequence of the limited sleeping accommodation at Kaipiha, only the Native Minister, Major Mair, and myself remained there, while the rest of the party proceeded to Alexandra every evening, returning from there in the mornings. I could not help remarking the demeanour of the assembled Natives, from Tawhiao downwards : there was none of that sullen reserve or suspicion that was so perceptible a few years ago. Even those who had been our captives during the late Waikato rebellion endeavoured to outvie their more fortunate companions in displaying their good feelings. It appeared to be a pre-arranged affair that no one should interfere on this occasion, the whole matter being left to Tawhiao to settle. None of the chiefs attempted to utter a word, unless first requested by Tawhiao to explain something he said. The notes of the two days' interviews at which I was present are attached hereto. Tawhiao appeared most anxious to promote friendly relations, and come to an amicable arrangement. In this he appears to be backed up by a large majority of his principal chiefs, notwithstanding the many assertions to the contrary. Throughout all his interviews with the Native Minister he behaved in a most respectful and friendly manner ; the most staunch Queenite chief could not have excelled him in this. At the conclusion of Saturday's interview, the Native Minister visited Tawhiao at his house. On Sunday afternoon Tawhiao came to the Native Minister to tell him that he was going to a settlement a short distance up the river ; that he must excuse his absence ; that he must not think of leaving until next morning, as he would return early, and not run the risk of missing shaking hands and speaking to him before parting. He returned early the next morning, dressed in European costume, and breakfasted with the Native Minister. About an hour afterwards a start was made for Alexandra, previous to which Tawhiao shook hands with the Native Minister and party, telling the Native Minister they would shortly meet again. He stood on the bank of the river singing out " Farewell, farewell, we shall soon meet again." I have, &c, R. S. Bush, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Interpreter.

Notes of Meeting between Hon. Sir D. McLean and Tawiiiao at Kaipiha. Peidat, the 26th Mat, 1876. Present: —Hon. Sir D. McLean, Mr. Commissioner Kemp, Major Mair, Mr. Bush, Major Te Wheoro, Tawhiao, Takerei te Rau, and Te Tuhi. Tawhiao and his chiefs dined with Sir D. McLean ; after which the conversation was commenced. Hon. Sir D. McLean : " Have you anything you desire to speak to me about to-day, Tawhiao ?" Tawhiao: "Yes; I am going to return to our talk about the land (Koromatua), and end with my burial-places (Ko aku tio)." (The expression aku tio being explained by Takerei at Tawliiao's request.) Sir D. McLean : " What burial-places do you mean?" Tawhiao : " Te Mata-o-tu-tonga at Taupiri, Pukerimu at Church Hill, and Tangirau, above Ngaruawahia. Potatau pointed out these places formerly; hence the name of Te Eauangaanga for the first place." Sir D. McLean (addressing Major Te Wheoro) : " You and I will arrange about these." Major Te Wheoro : " These burial-places were claimed by me at the Compensation Court (in 1867). Mr. Marshall said there were other persons interested, who were then with the Hau-Haus, meaning Tawhiao, who will tell you whether I have a claim or not." Tawhiao: "Yes." Major Te Wheoro: " I think there will be no difficulty arranging this." Sir D. McLean : " Tawhiao, the burial-places, I think, can be easily arranged. The railway line passes over the Taupiri one, this is the only difficulty that I foresee at present. The Government are prepared to recognize your authority (mana) over your own land (to whenua tuturu) ; they would also support you in promoting peace and suppressing evil. To assist you in preserving good order, chiefs would be appointed. They would also consult you before purchasing or leasing land within your own boundary. We will give you a piece of land at Ngaruawahia, in order that you may have a place of

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call when you desire to be near Potatau's grave. Ido not wish to press you; we shall meet again to discuss these subjects." At the conclusion of the above, Tawhiao and his chiefs remained an hour, during which they alluded to the friendly manner in which the two races mixed at Alexandra. Satubday, 27th Mat, 1876. Present: —Hon. Sir D. McLean, Major Mair, Mr. Bush, Major Te Wheoro, Tawhiao, Takerei te Eau, and Te Tuhi. Sir D. McLean : " What have you to say to-day, Tawhiao ?" Tawhiao : " It rests with me to consider your proposals, and I will do so." Sir D. McLean: " Tes, it rests with you to consider." Tawhiao: " Let the question of Waikato be settled. Let Waikato be mine. That is all." Major Te Wheoro: " What do you mean by your remark of yesterday, ' The land and people aro mine?'" Tawhiao : " That rests with me." Sir D. McLean : " The question of Waikato was decided by Parliament long ago. Neither I nor any other person has the power to alter its decisions, and I should be sorry to lead you to hope that Waikato can ever be returned to you. If I held out any such hope, I should be misleading you. It is quite impossible to do this. The Government may be able to give some small pieces of land, which aro still in their hands. With regard to what we have said as to your position, the Government is willing to recognize you as the head chief of your own district and people, but not of other tribes beyond it. You will be assisted in maintaining order, but you will have to give your influence and aid in repressing crime, and promoting friendly relations between the races, in order that peace may always prevail. The Government would confer with you direct as to leasing and selling land ; if you object, they will not urge it upon you." Tawhiao : " I agree ; it quite concurs with my own thoughts." Sir D. McLean : "I came here to see you at your invitation. I have no desire to press you to any hasty conclusion; you can take time to consider. My proposals will have to be submitted to Parliament, where such matters are settled. It is for you to accept my proposals." Tawhiao : "Ac " [or, Tes]. (After a pause,) "Itis my intention to return home." Sir D. McLean : "I also think of returning to Alexandra to-day." Tawhiao (laughing): " Why, you want to go like a shooting star [meteor]. No, no! you must remain till after to-morrow, so that we may enjoy each other's company ; and if the weather be fair on Monday morning, we can take leave of each other, you for your home and I for mine. There need be no hurry. I will consider what has passed, and we shall soon meet again." On Sunday, the 28th of May, Tawhiao came to the Native Minister, stating that he wished to visit one of his settlements, a short distance from Kaipiha, but that he would return early next morning; and expressed a hope that Sir D. McLean would not leave until he had an opportunity of exchanging friendly salutations in daylight before parting, as he had been disappointed at Waitomo in not meeting the Native Minister the morning he came down to Otorohanga to see him off. On Monday morning Tawhiao came, very neatly attired in European dress, and breakfasted with the Native Minister, after which they took leave of each other; Tawhiao expressing himself to some of his followers as being very much pleased with the Native Minister's visit (which lasted from the 24th to the 29th of May), and intimated a desire that another meeting should soon take place. E. S. Bush. By Authority: (Jeoeqe Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lß76. Price 6d.]