NATIVE DISTURBANCE AT OHINEMURI (REPORTS BY MR. E. W. PUCKEY, NATIVE AGENT, RELATIVE TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1879 Session II, G-06

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Sess. 11.—1879. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE DISTURBANCE AT OHINEMURI (REPORTS BY MR. E. W. PUCKEY, NATIVE AGENT, RELATIVE TO).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. No. 1. Mr. E. W. Puckey to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Native Office, Thames, 17th September, 1879. I have the honor to make the following report on the late outrage at Ohinemuri, aud the circumstances surrounding the same : — In the beginning of March last certain members of the Ngatikoi hapu resident at Ohinemuri came to tho Thames and offered the Pukehange Block for sale to the Government. The Land Purchase Officers declined to make any payment unless they were assured that the rest of the owners concurred in the proposed sale. The Natives referred to then went back, returning in a few days to the Thames, accompanied by one or two more, with a note from the rest of the Ngatikoi hapu agreeing to the proposed sale, though objecting to the price. Upon receiving an assurance that there would be uo difficulty about the matter, a deposit was paid, all arrangements being at the same time made for surveying the land and passing it through the Native Lands Court in the usual manner. The price agreed to was ss. per acre, the cost of the survey being borne by the Government. On the 2nd June Mr. Wilkinson accompanied me to Ohinemuri, where tho question was again fully gone into and some other payments made. An application for the survey was in due course transmitted, bearing on it my recommendation, to Mr. P. Smith, the Chief Surveyor, who wrote, saying that, as most of the surrounding land had been surveyed, ho thought it was hardly necessary to make a survey. It was thought, however, by the Land Purchase Officer that, as some surveys had been made of the lands immediately to the southward, there might be overlaps, and, consequently, disputes in reference thereto would arise, and that it would be fairer for all parties that a survey should be made iv the ordinary way ; and he suggested that Mr. Bayldon be authorized to do the work. Ample time for any objection had been allowed, as it was only in August that he made a commencement; and, while running the southern boundary, without any notice being given to himself or me that any objection existed as regarded the survey, his party was fired upon by certain members of the Ngatihako hapu, wounding one man named William Daldy McWilliams. I need hardly say that this is the first instance in which a resort to the use of fire-arms to protest against a survey has at any time been made in my district. About 11 p.m. on the 29th August I was awakened by Mr. Mcllhone coming to my house with the report that Mr. Bayldon's party had been fired upon. The news thoroughly took me by surprise. I arranged with Mr. Mcllhone to proceed with him at daylight in the morning. At about 3 a.m. on the 30th Mr. Bayldon, who had in the meantime returned by steamer from Ohinemuri, informed me of the facts of the case, which I duly reported to the Hon. the Native Minister at the opening of the telegraph office at 8 a.m., mentioning at the same time that I would arrange for a party of Hauraki chief's to meet him on his arrival from Auckland that afternoon, and confer with him on the course to be taken. Telegrams were then sent to leading chiefs in various parts of the district, informing them of the outrage. The Hon. tho Native Minister, having arrived, was accompanied by Mr. Wilkinson, Taipari, and myself, as representing the Native and Land Purchase Departments, to Ohinemuri, which place was reached about 10.30 p.m. same evening, when I at once made arrangements for a meeting of Natives, to take place early next morning. At about 10 o'clock, the chiefs and people of Ohinemuri having assembled in the Paeroa Hall, the Hon. the Native Minister addressed them as follows [extract, Thames Advertiser, Ist September] : — " Mr. Sheehan interviewed the Ohinemuri Natives in the Public Hall at 10 o'clock. 'He saluted them—people who belonged to the place polluted with blood. He came there on account of the bad act which had taken place. He did not call them together to hold a meeting, but to hear what he had to say. He had come to tell them about the survey of the block. He was very pouri on account of the thing. It was the first disturbance in Hauraki, and he hoped it would be the last. There were two things to discuss —the first was the survey, and tho next the right of the Government to the land. Ho was prepared to take the people who had been shooting at the surveyors. He was going to their settlement to take them, if they were there. If they were gone he would do the next best thing—he

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would tako land, and hold it until the matter was settled. He was quite aware those present had nothing to do with the matter. He knew the persons. They had been troublesome for a long time, and he had been very patient with them, but now they had gone beyond the law he intended to seethe matter through. Ho should take the road, the railway, and tho wire through their land, and that was the satisfaction ho intended to get from them. The only way they could show they had nothing to do with the matter was to assist him to get this satisfaction from tiro Natives who had thus committed themselves. He did not wish to talk much, but asked iheir assistance. When ho returned from the settlement, where he was going, ho would be very glad to talk with them. They should not think ho wa3 acting without right on his part.' " Tukukiuo and Tareranui, and, in fact, all of the old chiefs, were afraid, iv the event of the Hon. Mr. Sheehan carrying out his determination of at once proceeding to Okahukura, one of the settlements of the Ngatihako, to find out and arrest the perpetrators of the outrage, that armed resistance would be made, and that he would be fired upon, as the chance then offered would be too good for the Ngatihako to lose. After a short deliberation, the Hon. the Native Minister, acceding to a request made by them to him, requested me to proceed to Okahukura, accompanied by a number of the younger chiefs. I accordingly did so, despatching a special messenger to warn them of our approach. On our way up the Waihou River we laid down plans for onr guidance against possible eventualities. When we reached the settlement, which we did at 1 p.m., 31st nit., wc found Epiha, Pakara, and three other men, and five women. After the uhunga which seems to be usual in such cases, and most of tho party which accomcompanied me had by slow degrees approached the question with which we had been charged—namely, that of demanding "that the persons who had shot young McWilliams should bo handed over to be dealt with according to law " —I made a formal demand in the name of tho law, not knowing at that time who were the perpetrators of the outrage. Epiha replied that he himself was the man, and that he would not come to the Court; he was willing to be tried by the runanga of Hauraki, but not by the pakeha law. On my way back to Paeroa I learnt from a young Ngatihako (Paera Tuinga) who returned with us that the actual perpetrators of the act were Pakara and Epiha, the two men wc had seen, and who replied to our party; that the shooting party consisted of three, Pakara, Epiha, and Kahutauiwa, son of Kaama, a celebrated Maori doctor —these three proceeded from Okahukura towards the survey party, the latter remaining behind at the edge of the bush in which the lino was being cut; that Pakara fired the first shot, his gun being charged with small shot, the discharge taking effect on Mc Williams's hand and breast; immediately afterwards Epiha fired his gun, which was loaded with ball-cartridge, the ball passing through the young fellow's thigh. These statements having been made by the culprits themselves, and describing the wounds as they appear on their victim's person, are, I think, sufficient evidence of the truthfulness of the statement. We reached Paeroa at 5.15 p.m. Immediately on my return I communicated with the Hon. MrSheehan, who shortly afterwards had an interview with Mr. Inspector Thompson; and it was then arranged that an attempt should be made that night to arrest tire whole of the Natives we had seen at Okahukura ; that the Ministerial party were to return in a steamer that night to the Thames; that Mr. Wilkinson and myself were to proceed part of the way down the Waihou River in the s.s. " Pearl," then lying alongside the Paeroa wharf, which was to follow the other steamer, in order to lead the Natives to think we had all left; that we were to return to Paeroa at midnight, and should there be joined by Mr. Sub-Inspector Kenny and six of the Armed Constabulary force, and Mr. Inspector Thompson and the whole of the No. 3 Scottish Volunteers available. Our plans were, however, frustrated by a series of unforeseen eventualities. First, the s.s. "Pearl" was unable to leave the wharf, as the captain could not be found, and we therefore decided to remain where we were till midnight, and start with the force above-named. We secured the services of an efficient guide, and also of a pilot, without whose skill it would be useless to attempt to take a steamer amongst tho snags of the Waihou River. Having completed our arrangements, we waited for the appointed hour, 12 midnight of Sunday, 3lst ult. A short time prior to that hour it was discovered that tho secret expedition was known all over the place, and that a young fellow named Witika, a Ngatihako, had left post-haste to give the alarm to tho Ngatihako ; that our guide was nowhere to be found, and that our pilot refused to go with us on finding out the dangerous service on which we wished him to take us. It being now hopeless to surprise the Ngatihako, it was decided to start at 9 o'clock the following morning. At about that time, having received intelligence which bore every appearance of authenticity, I wrote a memorandum as follows: — " Memorandum. —Mr. Thompson : As it is impossible now to arrest Pakara te Paora and Epiha Taha in the manner suggested by the Hon. the Native Minister, the Natives having by some means or other become aware of the fact that steps arc about to be taken, I think it would be unwise, and would assuredly result in disaster, were our armed force to proceed to the Waihou. It is more than likely that tho Ngatihako arc by this time strongly reinforced ; and, from what I know of their character, I am confident that any attempt at arrest would be resisted to the death. In fact, since the departure of the Hon. the Native Minister the position has entirely changed. There was a fair chance yesterday of effecting a surprise, but that is now impossible. Any plan, to result in success now, should be well matured, and carried out by a sufficient body of trained men. —E. W. P., Native Agent.— Ist September, 1879." Upon his receipt of the above, we had a consultation, when it was decided to abandon the enterprise and proceed to the Thames and see tho Hon. Mr. Sheehan, or communicate with him by telegraph, expecting him to be at that time in Auckland. On our way down in the steamer I wrote tho following memorandum, intending to have sent the same as soon as we arrived at Shortland : — " Ist September, 1879.—Memorandum for Hon. John Sheehan. —Mr. Thompson will have informed you of the peculiar circumstances which led to the abandonment of the attempted arrest of Pakara and Epiha last night and to-day. The Ngatihako, from what I hear, had a reinforcement concealed in the bush at the very time I and my party were demanding that the would-be murderers be given up to justice. It appears, also, that they had scouts stationed at places along the river-bank,

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and that they carefully observed that none of the Ngatikoi were ou board the steam-launch, otherwise they would have been shot. I would now beg respectfully to submit that you take into consideration the proposal made you yesterday by Tukukino and the Hauraki chiefs, that the first step in this painful business be taken by the assembled chiefs. I believe that step will result in these fellows being brought to justice, as the Natives feel very strongly at this disturbance of the peace of thi:3 district, and as they are very anxious to assist us to the utmost in order to show their cordial feelings towards us. I think it would be wiser, as I am certain an attempt to arrest would result in bloodshed, and the loss of several lives, besides possible complications in which surrounding tribes might take part. By complying with the wish of the Hauraki people we shall enlist them on our side, and wo shall have their sympathy in the event of our having to employ force to compel those who shelter those people to give them up. —E. AY. Pucket, Native Agent, Thames." On our landing at Shorthand we learned that the Hon. Mr. Sheehan was waiting to see us at Grahamstown, whither we proceeded with all despatch accordingly. The Hon. Mr. Sheehan immediately sent Wata Tipa to the Hoe-a-Tainui, Upper Piako, by a steam-launch, to fetch AVini Kerei and other chiefs to act in unison with the runanga of Hauraki, in accordance with the wishes of Tukukino, Reihana te Tutaua, AY H. Taipari, and others, w rho desired to allow the surrender of the culprits and the inquiry as to the reasons of the shooting to be deputed to them. I must now leave tho history of tho case for a while, and show what action had been taken by the Ngatihako. Early on Saturday morning, the 30th of August, a messenger was sent to the Hoe-a-Tainui from Okahukura, informing them of what had taken place, and soliciting assistance. AVini Kerei told me they had been arguing the matter for two daj _ and two nights prior to the arrival of AVata Tipa. His advice to his people was to let the matter alone; which I am glad to say they followed. On Sunday, 31st, Tiwai, a Ilauhau orator, and Natanahira te Rumanui, accompanied tho messenger to Okahukura, and on Monday wrote mo a letter, copy of which, with translation, is annexed (Euclosure No. 1). The receipt of this letter on the night of Monday, the Ist September, supported me in the opinion I entertained that the Ngatihako had been reinforced, which turned out not to be the case. Referring to the last census returns will show the Ngatihako people to consist of twenty-three men and seventeen women. There are, however, many amongst the Hauraki tribes who are more or less connected with them, and whose sympathy they could readily command were hasty action taken by us to seek utu. But, to resume the thread of my narrative, Tipa returned to the Thames on the night of 2nd September, accompanied byPineaha te AVharekowhai, Mata Ngapo his wife, RotaTamatea, and Hunui. I hurried off to see them at 6 a.m. on the 3rd, and had a few minutes' conversation with Pineaha, who appeared very much down-cast, believing he would undoubtedly be sent to gaol for the crimes which his people were guilty of. This impression had got so deep a hold of his mind that he could not readily get rid of it. At 9 a.m. I accompanied the Hon. Mr. Sheehan to Grahamstown, where we were followed by Tipa and Pineaha and party. An interview took place, at which tho Hon. the Native Minister expressed the deep regret he felt at the peace of Hauraki having been thus rudely disturbed. AYe left for Ohinemuri that day at noon ; and, having sent a messenger to the Komata asking Tukukino to come and see the Hon. tho Native Minister, we awaited his arrival at Paeroa. Tukukino made his appearance at 6.30 p.m., when the Hon. Mr. Sheehan had an interview with him, at which Pineaha was present, as well as AVata Tipa, Hata Paka, and others. He was informed by the Hon. the Native Minister that, as he had so much wished it, he was willing to place the matter in the hands of tho runanga of Hauraki, which had now assembled (there being representative men of all the tribes at this time at Paeroa), but that, if the runanga found that Pakara and Epiha were justified in a Maori point of view in shooting, he could not accept that as final. The duty of the runanga was to investigate two things—(l) The shooting, and who had done it ; (2) as to the survey, whether there was any encroachment on the Ngatihako land. He intrusted the matter to them, believing they would do what was right, and that they would insuro the surrender of the culprits to the law. He had already told them what the consequence would be if that was not done. Should they surrender, however, he would take the finding of tho runanga, andthe peace which had so long continued in Hauraki, into consideration, and deal as leniently with the offenders as possible. Tukukino expressed himself very much pleased at the course which the Hon. the Native Minister had taken; and tho interview terminated, the Hon. tho Native Minister returning the same evening to tho Thames. On the following morning, 4th September, a discharge of firearms was heard in the direction of Okahukura, which turned out to be consequent on the arrival of a party from Keripehi and Waitakaruru. At 10 a.m., the runanga, having assembled with the usual ceremony, proceeded to discuss the instructions given them by the Hon. Mr. Sheehan; and, in order to secure the presence of Ngatihako, Pineaha te AVharekowhai, his wife, Karatiana Kihau, AVata Tipa, AVini Kerei, and others, accompanied by Mr. G. Wilkinson, of the Native Land Purchase Department, -were sent in steam launch to Okahukura, conveying to the Ngatihako the formal summons ofthe runanga. They promised to attend the meeting the following day, but would come armed and ready for any emergency. On the Sth, at 9 a.m., the runanga assembled at a place called Opakura, about one mile below Paeroa. A considerable party of Natives from Ohinemuri went some distance on the way to Okahukura to meet the Ngatihako, who at length, after a series of delays, came in sight about 11.45 a.m. As they had to cross the river, still further delay took place, but at last they came, headed by their old chief Pineaha, who is a very good stamp of the old Maori gentleman, and one whose word is as good any day as his bond. There were about seventeen men armed with double-barrelled guns. AVhen the party came within about two hundred yards of where the runanga was sitting, they each discharged one barrel of their guns, some of which were loaded with ball, which could distinctly be heard whizzing high in the air. According to an understanding come to, the greater part of tho day was spent weeping over what might affect the future peace of Hauraki: it was not till late in the day that the runanga commenced to speak upon what had caused the meeting of the tribes. On the 6th, Te Raika Whakarougotai, lieutenant of the Hauraki Native Volunteer Corps, was chosen chairman of the runanga, which immediately proceeded with the taking of evidence. This wag continued on the Bth, 9th, 10th, and 11th.

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On the 12th, two committees, chosen from all the hapus of the different tribes excepting Ngatihako, sat separately, going through the evidence, and gave judgment at 10 a.m. on the 12th (see Enclosure No. 2). After judgment was given, the Ngatihako were first asked what they had to say for themselves. They, through Timiaha Taiwhakaea and Hoera te Mimiha, said that they were willing to submit their claims to the Native Land Court, as they knew they had a good title to the laud, and, if necessary or called upon, would appear before the Supreme Court. I was asked, as representing the Government, what I had to say. I replied that, the matter having been handed to the runanga, I was content to abide so far by what they decided. Upon Ngatihako being called upon to speak to the judgment so far as it concerned them, Pineaha said that he wanted three things handed to him, in order that his course might be clear, which were the roads, surveys, and Courts. The prospect of an immediate surrender appeared at this moment singularly bright, and every one thought the matter could be easily settled by a little diplomacy. It was thought the roads were roads passing over Ngatihako land, and that the surveys and hearings before the Court affected Ngatihako laud ; but it turned out that Pineaha wanted the matter affecting all roads, surveys, and hearings of land claims in Hauraki handed over to him. This the runanga of course could not grant, and it now appeared evident that Pineaha had asked for things which he knew the runanga could not possibly grant, in order that he might say, "Well, then, I will not give my young men up." The runanga became wearied from constantly replying to the arguments of Pineaha and Tiwia, and the question was referred to Mr. Wilkinson and myself. Mr. Wilkinson then informed the runanga that judgment was given that Pakara arrd Epiha should be surrendered to the law, tlrat until that was done we could not entertain the question of roads, surveys, and Courts. About 4 p.m. the runanga, after deliberation, formally handed back the matter to me, as representing the Government. I told the runanga that it was with great regret I found that Ngatihako would not yield up the offenders to justice, but the law must bo enforced at any cost. I cautioned all against interfering in any way, lest they bring trouble on themselves. Pineaha, in a very dignified way, hurled back defiance. His children, he said, were not little pigs, which one might tie up and carry away to be roasted. The Supreme Court was a deep pool of blood. That the only reason he asked for the roads, surveys, and Courts was so that his way might be clear, as he was determined to bring trouble in the district, arrd would shoot any one interfering with his rights ; but he begged that I would not be hasty. The meeting now broke up, and Tukukino, when I bade him good evening, said iv a significant manner he would come and see me on the morrow. The Natives from Hauraki having expressed a wish to return that evening, I sent them home in the p.s. " Te Aroha " ; but, at my request, Tipa, Wini Kerei, Rota, and some others remained, as I felt certain they could and would bring influence to bear on Pineaha, in order that he might reconsider his decision, as they, with Tukukino, were the only orres who could do so without compromising myself, and the runanga, having given judgment, could not recede from the position they had taken up. At 4 p.m. on Sunday, 14th instant, Wata Tipa and Tukukino came to see me, and told me of the result of their interview with Pineaha. (Epiha and Pakara had at this time returned to their settlement.) Tukukino asked Pineaha if this trouble about to ensue was one over which he expected all Hauraki would be implicated. Pineaha answered, " No." Tukukino, resuming, said, '' I want you clearly to understand that, though I am a Hauhau, since the Government handed this matter over to the runanga, and have acted with so much consideration for the peace of Hauraki, you need not look to me for any assistance whatever; I and my people will stand aloof, aud let the pakeha have a clear road." After a good deal of argument on both sides, Pineaha gave his consent for the offenders to be brought to justice, agreeing that he and Tukukino, who is half a Ngatihako himself, should manage the matter-, suggesting that Tukukino and Tipa wait upon me at once, and ask for time to act. They therefore came, as I have already shown, and, having informed me that Tukukino and Pineaha (meaning Epiha and Pakara) would go with me to the Supreme Court, and asked for one week in which to settle the surrender, telling me also that Pineaha on account of the grief he felt had not suggested the surrender to Epiha and Pakara, they, at the same time, asked mc to show them some consideration, and, upon my asking in what way, they said, "You heard what Mr. Sheehan said about the Court?" To which I replied in the affirmative. They then asked if, when they reached the Supreme Court, the Hon. Mr. Sheehan would carry out his promise : this I guaranteed. Tukukino then left satisfied, upon my agreeing to take upon myself the responsibility of staying any warlike proceedings for one week from that time. I gave him, however, distinctly to understand that, if at that time the offenders were not forthcoming, instant action would take place, as I believed everything was ready. Later in the evening, several members of the Ngatitamatera came in to see me, and, though not so sanguine as Tukukino, were satisfied that Pineaha had changed his position, and would co-operate with Tukukino in endeavouring to bring the offenders to justice. On the following day I left for the Thames, and, when passing the place where the runanga was sitting, Pineaha came on board the steamer to see me, his face having lost the anxious look which it had worn since the occurrence of the outrage. He said, "I have not come to see you to beguile you, or quieten your feelings. I came to say that Mr. Sheehan is a stranger to me, whereas I have known Mackay and you a long while, aud have worked with you in the past for the peace of Hauraki. Tell me now, can I rely on Mr. Sheehan's promise, that he will recollect the peace of Hauraki, and take the wrongs of my people into consideration when lam in the Supreme Court?" I said, " Certainly he will." " Well, then," he said, "my word to you is this :Do not try to trap us ; we will remain quietly in our place—we will not fly. Do not send a war-party to surround us by way of Piako; but let me have time to talk, and come and see me again." I replied, " I have given Tukukino one week after that; I will now go to the Thames, and return on Thursday, and will see you then." That, in brief, is the present position of the case. I will, in conclusion, make a few remarks showing the position of Ngatihako, and what are the wrongs for which they have taken this foolish way

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of seeking redress. They were the original owners of the country, but were conquered by the Marutuahu tribes, who reduced them to a state of slavery, allowing them only to occupy an insignificant portion of the fine country which they at one time owned. Of their condition anterior to the coming of the pakeha, I need say little. They were employed as were the ancient Gibeonites, who were spared by Joshua, and became hewers of wood and drawers of water, these occupations being diversified by occasional employment in eel-catching and bird-snaring, and, doubtless, when they were unable to find, flesh in other ways for the refection of their masters, frequently had to furnish their own in the place of what they were unable to supply or obtain. But time, which cures all ills, at length provided a remedy. With tho introduction of Christianity, cannibalism and other ills they were heirs to ceased, and as time wore on they gradually ascended the social scale, and are now very nearly equal with their masters. At the sitting of the Native Land Court at Ohinemuri iv May, 1870, the Ngatikoe, another serf tribe occupying a somewhat better condition than the former, were the claimants to a piece of land called Owharoa. These claimants were anxious to have the Ohinemuri Gold Field thrown opeii for gold-mining purposes ; aud, in order to test their right, they were not discouraged by the Government of the day in the desire to bring their claims before the Native Land Court. The Ngatitamatera, the dominant tribe in the Court were the counter-claimants, the principal men of whom, with few exceptions, objected to tho goldfield being opened. The Ngatihako, being opposed to the opening of the district, sided with Ngatitamatera, and in open Court, through Pineaha and others of their chiefs, divested themselves of their right, as a serf tribe, disclaiming to own any land without the permission of the Ngatitamatera. This has, as much as the conquest and occupation of their lands by Ngatitamatera, reduced their holdings to a minimum, as whenever they set up a claim to laird in the Court, unless by special act of grace on the part of Ngatitamatera, they are awarded none. Discontent, after repeated, failures, has given place to a firm desire to prove their right and regain their lost prestige at any cost, and, without in any way regarding the consequence, they have, I am led to believe as a last resource to cause the discontinuance of encroachment on their rights, with a hope that their conquerors might take sides with them and become themselves involved in the troubles bound to follow such a step, fired on our survey party. I need hardly say that such a step on the part of the Natives was entirely unlooked for by me. In conclusion, I must beg to make a few remarks regarding Tukukino. He has been justly regarded for many years past as the determined opponent of progress. I will not vow refer to the many obstacles he has thrown in our way as to tho cession of the Ohinemuri Block to the Government for gold-mining purposes, the telegraph, the road, and the railway. All these are patent facts ; but in justice to the man I wish to put on record my opinion of him. Ido not think there is a Maori in the colony who, entertaining the ultra-conservative opinions which he holds, is more entitled to our respect than Tukukino : he is air honest, straightforward opponent, who says what he thinks, and does what he says he will. The course which has been adopted by the Government in dealing with the perpetrators of the Pukehanga outrage, suggested as it was in the first instance by Tukukino, has convinced him that the pakeha is not, after all, quite such a bad fellow as he thought. He knows we could crush him at a blow, but are restrained by a moral force which until now he has not recognized. Tukukino has not been influenced in his action in this matter by fear of having the railway, road, and telegraph forced through the Komata, as some misinformed people think: those are matters which he is prepared to cede upon the next visit of the Hon. Mr. Sheehan to this district. He is actuated by the fear that the Ngatihako Tribe will be annihilated or lose their lands, or that those innocent of the crime committed by their relations may suffer whilst the guilty ones escape. Whatever the result of the course being adopted may be, I. think people should give Tukukino the credit of doing what, according to his lights, he considered was best for his people. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, E. W. Puckey, Wellington. Native Agent, Thames.

Enclosure 1 in No. 1. [Translation.] To Mr. Puckey. Te Awaiti, Ist September, 1879. Friends, —Greetings to you and Mr. Sheehan, the Native Minister, the embroidered receptacles in which are contained the covenant of faith and love. Great is my condolence for the innocent blood which has been spilt on account of your doings upon the peace of Hauraki. Although it had been seen that there was a precipice—a tree which could not be climbed, or a sacred spot —still you persisted ; arrd, the result having been that one has been swallowed by a taniwha, then you and we complain. The wrong-doing, however, is not Tawhiao's, inasmuch as it had been notified to the whole Island that all these evil things must be discontinued, by reason of which the islands and languages sigh, moan, and cry aloud ; but the course to be followed is to show kindness to the land and to the people, so that we may dwell in love, kindness, and the faith. Friends, leave this to bo dealt with in a quiet manner, in order that we may fall by the sword of the tongue. Let that be the weapon to decide between us. If you agree, the meeting may take place at Te Komata, or, if you are willing, at Te lloe-a-Tanui. I think Te Komata preferable for the meeting. Friends, let the sword I have mentioned be the one employed —for that was a survey, not a sword. If, however, you do not agree to have it discussed, you will have taken up the sword, and the result will be a larger effusion of blood ; and it would then be more difficult for the law to decide, for the elders will have been quick to do evil and slow to listen [to reason]. Let the matter be quietly talked over. For we are all one in Christ Jesus, neither are our bodies [or lives] matter below our case. That is all. Tiwai.

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Memorandum for the Hon. the Native Minister. The writer lives at Te Hoe-a-Tanui, Upper Piako, and his writing from Te Awaiti, three miles from Okahukura, is evidence to my mind that these people have been reinforced, as the half-caste woman yesterday informed me.—EW.P.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. Judgment. Ho.vni Nave, of Kirikiri, opened the day's proceedings by reading the judgment, which is as follows:— The Ngatikoe 1 s Action. —lt has been proved that Titniha was wrong in connection with the ownership of the land. 1. He was wrong in not stating to Mr. Wilkinson that Tangitcuha and Kirituna wore included in the block Ngatikoe proposed to sell to the Government. He stated that Pukehanga was all the land he was selling. 2. His keeping hidden (or misrepresenting) tho boundary known as Owhakatina, and his stating that the kahikatea tree was the boundary, was wrong, many witnesses having stated during this inquiry that that boundary was Owhakatina. 3. At one time he slated that the boundary line of his ancestors ran in a zigzag direction, and at another time he said it ran in a straight lino. That is false. 4. The land at the southern boundary of his block, and which he calls Native land, is not so, as that is the Papa Block. The Government's Action. —The Government's action in advancing money on land not yet through the Court —viz., Pukehanga, Tangiteuha, and Kirituna (as no Crown grants had been ordered for those blocks) —was wrong. The Ngatihako's Action. —They have done wrong, as blood had been shed. This Committee is clear that the survey in which the European was shot was the Ngatikoe's survey. That is proved by Mr. Wilkinson, who states that nearly all the Ngatikoe Tribe took money on the land, which they sold under the name of Pukehanga. Mr. Wilkinson says those of Ngatikoe who were able to do so gave the boundaries of their land, and those who could not give the boundaries listened whilst others of their people did so for them, and none objected. The name they gave for their block was Pukehanga. Mr. Wilkinson gave the names of all who had taken advances on the block, and they turned out to be all Ngatikoe people; theroforo the Committee are satisfied that Ngatikoe were the cause of the survey, and that the survey was for the Pukehanga Block. The Committee see that the survey was being made by Ngatikoe and the Government conjointly, consequent on the Government buying Native lands before they have passed the Court; and it was on account of this system of land purchase that the trouble has arisen, and through this that the Chief Surveyor authorizes his surveyors to make surveys of land on which the Government have advanced money. Had not the Government made advances ou this land which is not through the Court, this trouble would not have arisen ; aud had they not paid money to Timiha and the rest of tho Ngatikoe, and authorized the survey, Timiha would not have had any money to have a survey of the land made, nor would the Chief Surveyor have authorized his men to survey it. Therefore the Committee consider that both Ngatikoe and tire Government are to blame, and they also consider that the Ngatikoe should give up two hundred acres of the Pukehanga Block for the European who was shot, as atonement for their wrong, in surveying the lands Tangiteuha aud Kirituna (adjoining Pukehanga), which are owned by the Ngatihako. The Committee consider that the shooting of the pakeha was wrong according to the English law, or according to the law or word of Hauraki, which provides that no blood should be shed within the Hauraki District. But the Committee, on looking at the matter, consider that there was a reason for shooting the European, which was the surveying by the Ngatikoe and the Government of a portion of the Ngatihako's land without their consent. Many survey parties had been turned off previously by Ngatihako without their discontinuing to survey ; but they at last got tired of turning them off, and although they used to take the surveyors' instruments they still persisted in surveying the laird ; and the reason why they shot a person in this case was in order to stop tho system of surveying. The Committee consider that the act would have been justifiable had the person who was shot been a Maori, but as it was a pakeha the Committee consider the act was wrong.

No. 2. Mr. E. W. Puckey to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir,— Native Office, Thames, 20th September, 1879. I have the honor to supplement my former report, of tho 17th instant, as follows : — Upon receipt of the intelligence of the failure of Tukukino's mission, I proceeded at once to Paeroa and communicated with him. Having already imparted the same to you by telegraph, 1 need but to add tlrat to-day I have had a most satisfactory meeting with the whole of the Ngatitamatera Tribe, when they resolved unanimously to let the pakeha have a clear road, and not interfere with or or hamper them in any way in their efforts to capture Epiha and Pakara. Tukukino abandons the King party, but will continue a Hauhau; and he and the whole of his people will remain quietly at their homes. They express themselves as having no sympathy whatever with Ngatihako, who, lest the " Pai o Hauraki" be disturbed, should have yielded up the offenders to justice. i have, &c, E. W. Puckey, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Native Agent, Thames.

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No. 3. Mr. E. W. Puckey to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Native Office, Thames, 27th September, 1879. I have the honor to report that on the 21st instant AY. H. Taipari proceeded to Kerepehi, finding there some twelve men who had returned to that place, from Okahukura, the day previous. He learned then that two canoe-loads of potatoes had been sent up to Awaiti (which is the first considerable affluent of the Piako that one passes on going up the Piako River, and is navigable for about fifteen miles, the head of the navigation being about three miles distant from Okahukura, on the Waihou). Taipari learned there, from a young half-caste, that there were two pas in course of construction—one at a bend of the Waihou below Okahukura, and ono at Te Awaiti, as already reported. This information was immediately telegraphed by myself and W. H. Taipari to the Hon. the Native Minister. Copy of my telegram as follows :— " Grahamstown, 23rd September, 1879. —To Hon. J. Sheehan, Government Buildings.—Taipari went to Kerepehi yesterday, and brought back word that two pas were being built —one at Te Awaiti and one on west bank of the Waihou —and that Ngatihako will be assisted by some of the Hauhaus from Piako. Taipari leaves for Upper Piako to-morrow. —E. W. Puckey, Native Agent." [This telegram was sent to the telegraph office, but was not sent through inadvertence of the person to whom it was intrusted ; of which fact I was not aware till yesterday morning.—E.W.P., 27th September, 1879.] W. 11. Taipari also found a letter from Mahoetahi, a near relative of Nikoriua Poutotura, to Tiwai, copy of which enclosure is attached (Enclosure No. 1). The interview Taipari had with the Natives at Kerepehi was anything but satisfactory, as, while they were professing friendship for us, they were supplying Ngatihako with potatoes, a course which from their close relationship with them is only natural. W. H. Taipari left again for the Upper Piako on Wednesday, the 24th instant, and Wata Tipa the same day went to Whakatiwai. On the following morning I received a telegram from Tipa, informing me that Tiwai had sent a letter to Pokai's people, inviting their co-operation, and saying that he (Tipa) would sec Pokai and caution him. I have not heard subsequently from Tipa in this matter. W. H. Taipari returned on Thursday night from To Hoe-a-Tanui, and reported having had a most satisfactory interview with Ngatipaoa. After mature reflection ho now thinks that a good many of the people at Te Hoe-a-Tanui were not sincere in their professions of friendship, and might aid Ngatihako. A rumour has been current here since Monday that Ngatihako intended to prevent steamers passing up the Waihou to Te Aroha, which has not been confirmed: indeed, I do not myself think that they will interfere iv any way with the navigation of the river, or commit any act of violence, unless aggressive action be taken by us. I have, &c, E. W. Puckey. The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Native Agent, Thames. Enclosure 1 in No. 3. Translation by Mr. E. W. Puckey. To Tiwat. Kerepiti, Ist day of Mauri, 1879. Greeting. Friend, I am going inland; the younger people [lit., those children] will go thither. That is all of tlrat. Friend, do not give up the course of action on which wo are both agreed. Enough of that. Friend, be particular iv having a canoe left at the landing-place—one canoe. Enough of that. Friend, I have heard that on the Monday of next week the policemen will go to arrest the offenders (criminals). On Sunday wo shall be there. We arc going to see the place (kainga). Enough of that. Friend, see that all the people are together on Tuesday of this week, and of next week ; do not allow them to be scattered about in the scrub [lit., among the weeds]. That is all. To Tiwai, Okahukura or Te Awaiti. Horomona Mauoetahi. By Authority : Oeobge Didsbuet, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79. Brico 6d.]