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1881. NEW ZEALAND.
DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.
Schedule of Despatches from the Governor of New Zealand to the Secretary of State.
,a i Date and Number. Subject. SB 1 1880. 14 April (No. 21) ... Order in Council making regulations for prevention of collisions at sea not received Recommendations of Board of Trade as to suspended certificates will be carried out Forwarding information asked for respecting banks and banking ... Requesting the issue of a new public seal for the colony Royal Humane Society's medal has been presented to Mr. Jenkin ... Auckland Harbour Board ask for information as to extent, &c, of dock accommodation required by Imperial Government Forwarding copy of Speech made at opening of Second Session of Seventh Parliament Forwarding copies of Financial Statement, 1880-81 Forwarding particulars relative to graving-dock, Lytteltou Forwarding copy of letter from Mr. O'Rorke, expressing his acknowledgments for the honor of knighthood conferred upon him As to "distinguishing device," &c, worn by colonial forces Forwarding memorandum respecting procedure, &c, of YiceAdmiralty Courts Forwarding "duplicate "Return of Armed Land Forces in New Zealand " Forwarding first and second reports of West Coast (North Island) Commissioners Act to enable census to be taken on 3rd April, 1881, has been passed Forwarding third report by West Coast (North Island) Commissioners As to state of military graves at Tauranga As to alleged promise, that Maori prisoners should bo tried in January or February last Forwarding memorandum as to examinations for the Q-ilchrist Scholarship Second Session of Seventh Parliament prorogued (Sir H. Robinson) Leaves to-day for England ... (Chief Justice) Has assumed government of the colony ... Humane Society's medal has been presented to Mr. Brownlee Forwarding synopsis of Acts passed during session of 1880 Forwarding examination-papers of one candidato for Gilchrist Scholarship Forwarding protests by certain Legislative Councillors against Taranaki Iron-Smelting Works Lands Bill and Native' Land Court Bill Has informed Mr. Macandrew of receipt of his letter to Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone 1 2 15 April (No.22) ... 1 3 4 5 G 21 April (No. 23) ... 22 April (No. 24) ... 23 April (No. 26)... 23 April (No. 27) ... 2 2 3 3 7 4 June (No. 34) ... 3 8 9 10 10 June (No. 36) ... 15 Juno (No. 37) ... 17 June (No. 38) ... 4 4 4 11 12 17 June (No. 39) ... 5 July (No. 42) ... 5 . 5 13 6 July (No. 43) ... G 14 16 July (No. 45) ... 6 15 16 10 Aug. (No. 46) ... 10 Aug. (No. 48) ... 7 7 17 18 11 Aug. (No. 50) ... 13 Aug. (No. 51) ... 7 8 19 13 Aug. (No. 52) ... 10 20 21 22 23 24 25 31 Aug. (No. 55) ... 4 Sept. (No. 56) ... 9 Sept. (No. 57) ... 10 Sept. (No. 58) ... 10 Sept. (No. 59) ... 11 Sept. (No. 60) ... 11 11 11 11 12 15 20 11 Sept. (No. 62) ... 15 15 4 Oct. (No. 6G) ... 15 27
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Schedule of Despatches, &c. — continued.
si S JX3 Date and Number. Subject. 60 28 29 30 ; 31 32 33 34 5 Oct. (No. 67) ... 3 Nov. (No. 73) ... 5 Nov. (No 74) ... 5 Nov. (No. 75) ... 29 Nov. (No. 1) ... 3 Dec. (No. 2) ... As to effecting certain desired alterations in annual lists of shipping and seamen That endeavours be made to obtain admission into France of wool, &c, on favourable terms under new French tariff As to stamping receipts for Imperial pensions ... As to transferring to colony certain War Department lands (Sir A. Gordon) Has assumed the government ... As to representation at International Sanitary Conference at Washington As to necessity for re-swearing Executive Councillors on appointment of new Governor Acknowledging despatch re London University examinations Acknowledging despatch respecting preparation of new seal for colony Forwarding memorandum as to working of system of land-transfer by registration Invitation given to Te Whiti to meet the Governor 15 16 16 16 17 17 17 4 Dec. (No. 3) ... 35 36 22 Dec. (No. 5) ... 23 Dec. (No. 6) ... 18 19 37 30 Dec. (No. 8) ... 19 38 31 Dec. (No. 11) ... 1881. 12 Jan. (No. 2) ... 19 Feb. (No. 7) ... 20 39 i 40 41 42 19 Feb. (No. 8) ... 21 Feb. (No. 9) ... Reports resignation of Mr. Bryce, Native Minister "Regulations respecting tests for colour-blindness in candidates for masters, &c, in mercantile marine shall be brought into force Information as to measures taken for protection or extermination of animals, &c, useful or injurious to agriculture Forwarding memorial of Intercolonial Conference. Sydney, respecting introduction of Chinese in Western Australia As to claim for payments made on behalf of a New Zealand boy in 1862-G3 Has recently made a tour in the Southern Island 26 27 28 28 43 22 Feb. (No. 10) ... 29 44 26 Mar. (No. 13) ... 29
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1881. NEW ZEALAND.
Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis JSxcelleney.
No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 21.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 14th April, 1880. I have the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Minister in charge of the Marine Department, requesting me to draw your attention to the fact that copies of an Order in Council of the 14th August, 1879, making regulations for preventing collisions at sea, have not as yet been received in this colony. 2. As these regulations, which were published in the London Gazette of the 19th August, 1879, come into force on the Ist of September next, and are applicable to New Zealand waters, I have approved of the Minister's proposal to have them published without further delay in the New Zealand Gazette.* I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c. * For Regulations, vide Neiv Zealand Gazette No. 36, April 15th, 1880.
No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 22.) • Government House, Wellington, Sir, — . New Zealand, 15th April, 1880. In reply to your circular despatch of the sth January last, transmitting a letter from the Board of Trade recommending that suspended certificates be retained by colonial Governments where necessary, to insure the immediate return of the certificate at the expiration of the period of suspension, I have the honor to report that instructions have been issued to the Marine Department to carry out the recommendations of the Board of Trade. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c. I—A. 1.
DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
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No. 3. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 23.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 21st April, 1830. In reply to your circular despatch of the 16th September last, transmitting a copy of an Order of the House of Commons relative to banks in this colon and requesting me to furnish you with the desired information for presentation to Parliament, I have the honor to forward to you a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Premier on the subject, covering a memorandum from the Colonial Treasurer, and enclosing also returns which have been received from two Banks in this Colony. 2. The memorandum of the Secretary to the Treasury explains that, as to three of the four other banks doing business in this colony, the information has probably been or will be supplied from the head offices in London; and, as to the fourth, the Head Office being in Sydney, the details needed will, no doubt, have been furnished by the Governor of New South Wales. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c.
Enclosure in No. 3. MEMOKAKDrM for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and forwards to His Excellency the information respecting banks and banking (so 'far as it is procurable in the colony) asked for in the Secretary of State's circular of September 16th. Eeturns have been made by two banks only ; but the enclosed memorandum by the Secretary to the Treasury explains that, as to three of the four other banks doing business here, the information has probably been, or will be, supplied from the head offices in London, and that, as to the fourth, the head office being in Sydney, the details needed will, no doubt, have been furnished through the Governor of New South Wales. "Wellington, 21st April, 1880. John Hall.
No. 4. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 24.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 22nd April, 1880. I have the honor to forward to you a memorandum which I have received from my Ministers, requesting that, for the reasons therein stated, Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to authorize the issue of a new public Seal for the colony of New Zealand. I have, &c., HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c.
Enclosure in No. 4. Memohandtjm for His Excellency. Mtnistees present their compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and respectfully beg to submit the following statement regarding the Public Seal of the Colony of New Zealand for His Excellency's consideration:— The Public Seal was presented to the colony by Her Majesty the Queen, and was sent to the Governor along with the Eoyal Charter, which accompanied the Constitution Act of 1852 (15 and 16 Viet., c. 72). It is made of silver, and was intended to be used with wax, to make impressions in which material it is very suitable. ]?or the purpose, however, to which it is generally applied, namely, the sealing of Crown grants, Commissions, Proclamations, &c, it has been found in practice inconvenient to use wax, and it will be preferable to emboss the seal on the parchment or paper without using either sealing-wax or wafers. To enable the Public Seal to be so applied to documents issued under its authority, it would be requisite that a steel die should be cut, with matrix to match, which could be used in a lever-press. Ministers therefore respectfully urge that His Excellency would convey to the Secretary of
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State for the Colonies their request that^ he would submit to Her Majesty the humble desire of the colony that Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to order that a new Public Seal for the Colony of New Zealand may be prepared, of a kind suitable for the purpose above described, and that Her Majesty will at the same time be pleased to direct in what manner the Public Seal now in use shall be disposed of. A facsimile in copper of the Public Seal of New Zealand accompanies this memorandum. It will be observed that the surface is roughened, but this is the result of an accident, and in the event of a new Seal being granted to the colony the roughness should not be reproduced upon it. Wellington, 22nd April, 1880. John Hall.
No. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Eobinson to the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 26.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 23rd April, 1880. With reference to your Despatch No. 1, of the 6th January last, transmitting a bronze medal from the Eoyal Humane Society, and requesting that it might be presented in as public a manner as possible to Mr. Jenkin, I have the honor to forward to you a memorandum which I have received from the Premier on the subject, enclosing a receipt for the medal from Mr. Jenkin, and also a newspaper account of the presentation of the medal by Sir William Eox. I have, &c, HEECULES EOBINSON. „ The Eight Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c.
No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Eobinson to the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 27.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 23rd April, 1880. I have the honor to forward a memorandum which I have received from the Premier, enclosing a copy of a letter from the Auckland Harbour Board, requesting me to address you with a view of obtaining from the Admiralty the information desired by the Board. I have, &c, HEECULES EOBINSON. The Eight Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c.
Enclosure in No. 6. Memobajtoum for His Excellency. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Auckland. The Premier has the honor to forward to the Governor copy of a letter from the Auckland Harbour Board, and respectfully asks that His Excellency will address the Colonial Office, with a view of obtaining from the Admiralty the information desired by the Board. Wellington, 23rd April, 1880. ' Johk Hail.
Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 6. Sib, — Auckland Harbour Board, Auckland, 13th March, 1880. I have the honor, by direction of the Board, to respectfully request that you will, at your earliest convenience, ascertain, for the information and guidance of this Board — 1. What would be the dock accommodation required by the Imperial Government for the use of Her Majesty's ships visiting this port for refitting purposes, &c.; 2. To what extent would the Imperial Government be willing to assist this Board in providing all the required dock accommodation. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Auckland. D. H. McKenzie, Chairman.
No. 7. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Eobinson to the Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 34.) Government House, Wellington, Sib, — New Zealand, 4th June, 1880. I have the honor to forward to you a copy of the Speech with which, on
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the 28th May, I opened the second session of the Seventh Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Addresses in Reply presented by both Houses of Parliament. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c.
No. 8. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 36.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 10th June, 1880. I have the honor to transmit to you six copies of the Financial Statement of the Colonial Treasurer, the Hon. Major Atkinson, which he delivered to the House of Representatives on the Bth June last. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c.
No. 9. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 37.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 15th June, 1880. I have the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from Ministers, requesting me to communicate to you, for the information of the Admiralty, certain particulars relating to the graving-dock in course of construction at Lyttelton. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c.
Enclosure in No. 9. Memoeaudtjm for His Excellency the Goyebnoe. Mlntstees respectfully present to His Excellency the Governor copy of a letter from the Hon. E. Eichardson, Chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, and would be glad if His Excellency would communicate to the Imperial Government the information therein contained regarding the gravingdock in course of construction at Lyttelton. Wellington, 15th June, 1880. ' John Hall.
Sir, — Lyttelton Harbour Board Office, Christchurch, 9th June, 1880. I have the honor to ask you to be good enough to move His Excellency to inform the Admiralty that the Lyttelton Harbour Board are now constructing a graving-dock of the following dimensions : — Length on floor ... ... ... 400 feet. Width on floor ... ... ... 46 feet. Width on top... "... ... ... 82 feet. Width of entrance ... ... ~. 62 feet. Depth of sill at high water ... ... 23 feet. The dock, when completed to the above dimensions, can easily be lengthened, whenever the exigencies of either the navy or commerce may require it, to a further 100 feet; and the pumping machinery, which is ordered from Home, is of such power and dimensions as will satisfactorily pump it out. In conclusion, I have to express a hope that this may be found useful to meet some of the requirements of Her Majesty's Navy. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Edwaed Eichabdsoit, Wellington. Chairman, Lyttelton Harbour Board. 4
No. 10. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach. (No. 38.) Government House, Wellington, Sib, — New Zealand, 17th June, 1880. With reference to your despatch, of the 12th April last, I have the honor to forward to you a copy of a letter which I have received from Mr.
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O'Rorke, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, expressing his acknowledgments for the honor of knighthood which it is proposed to confer upon him. I understand that Mr. O'Rorke has caused the amount due for the fees upon the patent to be paid to the Home Department. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c.
No. 11. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach. (No. 39.) Government House, Wellington, Sir, — New Zealand, 17th June, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular despatch of the 31st March last, and, in reply, to forward to you a memorandum which I have received upon the subject from Ministers, showing that the proposals contained in your despatch are already observed in New Zealand. I have, &c., HERCULES ROBINSON. - The Right Hon. Sir M. Hicks Beach, Bart., &c.
Enclosure in No 11. Memorandum for His Excellency. Mtnistees have the honor to state, with reference to the circular of March 31st, from the Colonial Office, that no cap-badge or button, worn by the colonial forces, bears the Imperial device. (2.) The cap-badges and buttons on the new uniform, which has been ordered from England, will have the letters " N.Z." in the centre of the garter; and this, it is believed, will be regarded by the Imperial authorities as satisfying the suggestions made as to the use of a " distinguishing device." (3.) Gold lace is not worn by any of the New Zealand forces. Wellington, 17th June, 1880. John Hall.
No. 12. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 42.) Government House, Wellington, My Loud, — New Zealand, sth July, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your predecessor's circular despatch of the 22nd January, 1880, forwarding a Code of Rules prepared and recommended by the Committee appointed to revise procedure and scale of fees in the Vice-Admiralty Courts in the colonies, and asking to be informed of the views of this Government, and of the Judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court in this colony, upon them. In reply, I now beg to forward to your Lordship a memorandum which I have received from my Ministers, covering correspondence with the Chief Justice upon the subject, and reporting that the Attorney-General agrees with the several suggestions made by the Judges as set forth in the Chief Justice's letter. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
Enclosure in No. 12. Memokanduji for His Excellency. Ministees present their respectful compliments to the Governor, and forward for His Excellency's information copy of correspondence with his Honor the Chief Justice respecting the proposed Amended Eegulations, &c, for Vice-Admiralty Courts in the Colonies. The Attorney-General agrees with the several suggestions made by the Judges as set forth in the Chief Justice's letter. "Wellington, 25th June, 1880. John Ham..
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Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 12. Sib, — Q-overnment Offices, Wellington, 26th April, 1880. The Q-overnment have received from His Excellency the Governor the accompanying copies of a Colonial Office Circular, dated 22nd January, and of the Revised Code and Rules, &c, for the Vice-Admiralty Courts in the colonies mentioned therein. You will observe that it is desirable that the Judges of the Vice-Admiralty Court here should be communicated to the Imperial Government as soon as possible, I have therefore the honor to ask that—as early as you conveniently can, after the opening of the Court of Appeal, next month—you will submit the Revised Rules for consideration by the Judges; and that you will forward to me such recommendations respecting them as may be agreed upon. I have, &c, His Honor the Chief Justice, Wellington. John Hail.
Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 12. Sic, — Judges' Chambers, "Wellington, 7th June, 1880. Referring to your letter dated the 26th of April, 1880, enclosing; proposed Admiralty Regulations, and requesting my consideration of the same, I have the honor to inform you that I, as Judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court, have, together with the other Judges of the Supreme Court being also Deputy-Judges of the Vice-Admiralty Court, considered the proposed rules, and desire to make the following suggestions : — 1. That the rules should prescribe at what registry appearance is to be entered— (1.) Where the suit is in rent ; (2.) Where it is against the person. In the colony the Supreme Court has several Registrars' offices. The Judges of the Court do not all reside at one place, but at different places ; and each Judge, though having jurisdiction throughout the colony, has a defined district assigned to him. The matter particularly to be provided for is the fixing the place for appearance and delivery of pleadings and conduct of suit where there are, as in New Zealand, several Registrars' offices. 2. That the Judges of the Supreme Court, when acting as Judges of the Vice-Admiralty Court, should, by statute, be put in the same position as to responsibilities as when acting as Judges of the Supreme Court in their ordinary jurisdiction; and, to this end, that a provision should be made similar to that in " The Court of Admiralty Act (Ireland), 1867," relating to the Admiralty Court of Ireland, section 22. I have, &c, James Pbehdeegast, ■^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Chief Justice.
No. 13. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 43.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 6th July, 1880. In reply to your Lordship's Despatch No. 6, 20th May, I have the honor to forward a duplicate copy of the " Return of Armed Land Eorces, exclusive of Regular Troops, in New Zealand, made up to 31st December, 1879," the original of which formed an enclosure to my Despatch No. 13, of 24th March last; and I have given directions that in future similar returns may be forwarded to the Colonial Office in duplicate. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 14. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 45.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,— New Zealand, 16th July, 1880. I have the honor to transmit to you six copies of the report which has been presented by Sir William Eox, K.0.M.G., M.H.R.,and Sir Erancis Bell, Kt., M.L.0., who were appointed in January last to be Commissioners to inquire into the causes of discontent amongst the Natives of the west coast of the North Island. 2. In order that the aboriginal natives of these Islands should be represented upon the Commission, Honi Mohi Tawhai, Esq., M.H.R., was appointed to be a Commissioner in conjunction with the two above-named gentlemen; but shortly after his appointment he resigned his position, and it was not then considered advisable to appoint another Maori to take his place.
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3. In April last, the two gentlemen forming the Commission submitted to me an interim report, printed copies of which I now enclose. 4. Both reports have been laid before Parliament, and the consideration of them will probably be postponed until the final report, which has been promised by the Commissioners, has been received, intimating the direction which in their opinion legislation should take upon this much-vexed question. 1 have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (For enclosures, vide Appendix to Journals, House of Bepresentatiyes, G-. 2, 1880.)
No. 15. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robisson to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 46.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 10th August, 1880. With reference to the recommendations contained in the circular despatch from the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Bart., of the 27tti April last, I have the honor to forward to your Lordship a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Premier, informing me that an Act has been passed by the Legislature of this colony to enable a census to be taken on the 3rd April, 1881. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 16. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 48.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 10th August, 1880. I have the honor to forward printed copies of the third report of the West Coast Commission, recommending the measures which in the opinion of the Commissioners should forthwith be adopted for the settlement of the West Coast difficulty. The report has been laid before Parliament, and it is to be hoped that the session will not be allowed to close without legislation on the subject. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (For enclosures, vide Appendix to Journals, House of Eepresentatives, G-. 2,1880.)
No. 17. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 50.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 11th August, 1880. In compliance with the request contained in your Lordship's Despatch No. 10, of the 3rd June last, I have now the honor to forward copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Hon. the Pemier, covering a report from the Under-Secretary for Defence as to the state of the graves of the officers and men of the 43rd and 68th Regiments at Tauranga. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
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Enclosure in No. 17. Memoeandum for His Excellency. The Premier has the honor to forward to His Excellency the Governor copy of a memorandum by the Under-Secretary for Defence, relative to the graves of Imperial officers and soldiers at Tauranga, respecting which a question was recently asked in the House of Commons by Mr. Onslow, which question is the subject of Despatch No. 10 from the Secretary of State. Wellington, 11th August, 1880. John Hall.
Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 17. The graves of the officers and men of the 43rd and 68th Eegiments at Tauranga are kept in good order by the Armed Constabulary at that station, and whatever sum has been yearly required for the repair of the graves and fences has been disbursed by the Defence Department: £23 3s was expended in this manner in November last. 9th August, 1880. H. E. Eeadeb.
No. 18. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hekctjles Robinson to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 51.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 13th August, 1880. • • -I think it right to report that in the debate on the Maori Prisoners Bill Sir George Grey stated that I had made a promise to the Maori members of the House of Representatives that the Maori prisoners in gaol should be tried in January or February last, and that the word of the Crown had in this respect been violated. 2. As the alleged promise had no foundation in fact, I at once placed before Ministers a memorandum, a copy of which I enclose, recording officially my denial of the accuracy of Sir George Grey's statement. 3. Upon the receipt of this memorandum the Premier made a statement in the House upon the subject of it. A full report of Mr. Hall's observations will be found in the accompanying number of Hansard, at pages 558-9.* 4. Mr. Hall informs me that the House appeared quite satisfied that no promise, such as that alleged, had ever been given, and that Sir George Grey's remarks must have been made under a misapprehension as to the facts of the case. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
Enclosure in No. 18. Memorandum by the G-oyeenoe for Ministebs. In the debate on the second reading of the Maori Prisoners Bill, Sir George G-rey is reported in Hansard to have said, " The G-overnor is asked by this law to violate the word of the Crown. The " Governor received Natives —members of this House, who are here to speak for themselves—and they " made this petition, amongst others, to the Q-overnor : They said, ' We, being members of the House " ' of Representatives, ask you that word should appear as a Governor that the Natives now in gaol may "' be judged —those who are now prisoners;' and they say that the G-overnor promised them that the " ' prisoners should be tried in January or February, 1880.' " Again, later on in the same speech, Sir George Grey is reported to have said, "Then I come to another reason why I think this is not only " impolitic, but very wrong. There are three Maori members present in this House who formed a " deputation to the Governor. The Governor gave his word to those gentlemen that these prisoners " should be tried: he assured them that the prisoners would be tried in January or February. " Already a considerable delay has taken place; and I contend that, once the word of the Governor " is given on a subject of that kind, and he has promised that ordinary justice shall be done, there can "be no excuse for making the G-overnor break his word. I should not have said this unless I was " perfectly satisfied that it was the case, not only from the statements made to me by the gentlemen " themselves, but from the detail they gave of all the circumstances of the conversation. It is quite " clear that they spoke to the G-overnor upon these subjects, and it is quite clear also, from his answer, " that the answer was excellent and well considered. I feel certain that, in point of fact, his Ministers " must have assured him that these prisoners should be tried, and tried witnin that time. That is the " only construction that can possibly be put upon the conversation that took place between the " Governor and the Native members."
* Parliamentary Debates, Vol. 36, pp. 558-9.
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The Governor has only this day read these remarks in the authorized Parliamentary reports, and he desires, at once, to record officially his denial of the accuracy of the statement that he promised the Maori members that the prisoners should be tried in January or February last. The facts of the case are these: Upon the Bth December, the Governor received a letter from three Maori members —Te Wheoro, Tainui, and Tawhai—asking for an interview on the following day, for the purpose of talking over certain matters which, they said, they considered it necessary to discuss with the Governor. The Governor showed the letter to the Native Minister, who advised that the request contained in it should be complied with. The Governor suggested that the Native Minister should be present at the interview, so as to hear what was said, and to be able to furnish any information which might be required. Mr. Bryce, however, thought it better that he should not be present, fearing, as he said, that his presence would be a restraint upon the Natives; and he advised the Governor to see them, and hear all they had to say, taking care to make them no promise, except that their views and wishes would be communicated to Ministers, and would receive careful consideration. Accordingly, on the 9th the Governor received the three Maori members, and they commenced by referring to the objections which they entertained to the Qualification of Electors Bill, then before Parliament. A good deal of conversation took place upon this subject, as the Governor found it difficult to understand precisely what they wished, more especially as they did not appear to be quite agreed amongst themselves upon some points. Eventually the G-overnor told the members that he would represent what he understood to be their wishes to Ministers, but, as he did not feel sure that he had gathered their views correctly, he suggested that they should put what they wanted in writing, which would prevent any possibility of a mistake. This they promised to do. The members next referred to the Confiscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoners' Trials Bill, which had passed their House on the previous evening, and was then on its way to the Legislative Council. They said they wished (1) the prisoners to be tried not later than February; and (2) that there should be a Maori on the proposed Commission. The Governor, after hearing all they had to urge on these points, told them that he would not fail to convey their wishes to his Eesponsible Advisers, and that they would receive careful consideration. The members then left. As soon as they had gone the Governor wrote down what he understood to be their views as regards each Bill, and he took the earliest opportunity of reading his notes of the interview to both the Premier and the Native Minister, observing that he did so in fulfilment of the promise which he had given to the Native members. Shortly afterwards the Governor received the promised letter, explaining the feeling of the Natives upon the subject of Maori representation, which letter was referred to Ministers, and replied to in accordance with their advice. The G-overnor does not of course pretend, after so long an interval, to remember every word that passed between himself and the Native members on the subject of the Maori prisoners. There was a good deal of conversation, and the observations on each side had to be conveyed to the other through an interpreter. It is possible, therefore, that the members may have understood his answer, as communicated to them, to mean more than he intended it to convey ; but the Governor is satisfied that he adhered strictly to the determination which he had formed in his own mind before receiving the deputation—namely, to promise nothing more than to be the medium of conveying their sentiments to his Ministers. The Governor was well aware that practically the decision as to the date of the trial of the prisoners rested, not with him, but with his Advisers, who were responsible for the peace of the country ; and it is not likely that he would have given a specific promise, the fulfilment of which he well knew was beyond his own control. Besides, when the Maori members called upon the Governor on the 9th December, the Maori prisoners were under committal by the Supreme Court for trial on the sth January following, and the Maori Prisoners' Trials Bill had not been brought under discussion in the Upper House. If, therefore, the Governor had, as stated by Sir G-eorge Grey, given " the word of the Crown " to the Native members that the prisoners should be tried in January or February, he would have been making a promise as to the course to be pursued under a measure which was still under the consideration of Parliament, and might possibly never become law. Eventually the Act was assented to on the 19th December; and on the 23rd December an Order in Council was passed, postponing the date of trial from the sth January to the sth April, so that, if any promise, such as that alleged, were given, it was broken within a few days of its having been made: yet no representation was addressed to the Governor at the time when this supposed " violation of the word " of the Crown " first took place, and the subsequent postponements to the sth July and to the 26th July, by succeeding Orders in Council, were allowed to pass without remonstrance. The Governor has no hesitation in affirming that no such promise as that alleged was given by him, and that the construction placed by Sir George Grey upon the conversation that took place between the Governor and the Native members is erroneous. Government House, "Wellington, 24th July, 1880. Hebcuxes Eobinson.
Notes by the Goveknok. The three Maori members in opposition called on me to-day, to state the objections they entertained to two Bills now before the Legislature. Their wishes are given below. H. B. 9/12/79. Qualification of Electors Act. They wish the restriction in Maori voting to sole grantees to be taken out, and all Maori landowners under Crown grants allowed to vote. Major Te Wheoro thought either additional Maori members should be allowed, in same proportion to population as European members, and the representation of each race kept quite distinct; or else the additional Maori voting power asked for above for European members should be conceded. They promised to write their views fully. 2—A. 1.
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Native Prisoners Act. They wish prisoners tried not later than February next, and that the matter should not be indefinitely postponed. • Also, that there should be a Maori Commissioner.
No. 19. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 52.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,' — New Zealand, 13th August, 1880. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch No. 8, of 25th May, 1880, transmitting papers of questions for a matriculation examination in connection with the Gilchrist Scholarship, I have the honor to forward, at the request of the Minister for Education, a memorandum from his department stating, for the information of the Trustees of the Gilchrist Scholarship, the steps which have heen taken to give effect to the wishes of the Registrar, as expressed in his communication. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
Enclosure in No. 19. Memokandum for the Ministee of Education. Education Department, New Zealand, 12th August, 1880. The papers containing the offer of a Gilchrist Scholarship for competition in New Zealand, and setting forth the conditions of competition and tenure, did not come under the notice of this department until the 4th instant. It is quite possible that the London University matriculation papers, after being used in London in June, may have been published in some way and posted to persons residing in New Zealand, and that papers so posted may arrive in the colony by the Suez mail due at the Bluff on the 17th instant, or by the San Francisco mail arriving at Auckland about the 24th instant. On the other hand.it is not possible to give public notice to all parts of the colony, and to assemble candidates at one place of examination, within a less space of time than three or four weeks. Had the offer and the conditions been known earlier, arrangements might have been made to get the candidates together by the date of the arrival of the mail which brought the examination-papers. I suggest that the Gilchrist Trustees be respectfully requested to give authority for an earlier announcement of the competition in future years. The last despatch from the Agent-General on the subject of this scholarship stated that the conditions had not been settled, and that the competition would not take place until 1881 or the beginning of 1882. The attention of students has not been directed in any practical way to the intended institution of the scholarship, and no special preparation of candidates for the competition has been ever thought of. There is some uncertainty as to the number of Gilchrist Scholarships which can at any one time be held by successful competitors at examinations held in New Zealand. In the printed conditions it is stated that a scholarship will be annually awarded to a candidate resident in New Zealand. Former correspondence, and the notice attached to the London University matriculation regulations, indicate the intention to award a scholarship biennially and not annually. I think the discrepancy arises from the fact that the printed conditions were designed to apply to Canada, and that, when alterations were made in writing to adapt the form to the circumstances of New Zealand, the necessity to substitute " biennially" for " annually" was overlooked. I recommend that the Trustees be asked for an authoritative statement on this point. The department, seeing the difficulties of which I have spoken, hesitated for a few days before taking any action. On the 9th instant, however, you made known your determination to invite candidates to compete for the scholarship, and a notice (of which a copy is hereto attached) was at once prepared for insertion in the New Zealand Gazette of this day's date. Short advertisements have been sent to the local newspapers in different parts of the colony to call attention to the Gazette notice, and the newspapers have been furnished in advance with copies of that notice. The advertisements and copies of notice were sent out on the 10th instant, but it is not possible for the Auckland papers to publish them before the 18th instant. Information has been sent by telegraph to the gentlemen named in the Gazette notice, who have promised to answer, as far as they can, inquiries which intending candidates may make. The Chancellor of the University of New Zealand was asked by telegraph to suggest the name of a suitable person to be recommended to His Excellency the Governor for appointment as sub-examiner, and has nominated Mr. George Leslie Lee. The examination is fixed for September 6th and following days. The papers can be sent Home by the September mail, via San Francisco. W. James Habeas, Inspector-General of Schools.
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No. 20. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 55.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 31st August, 1880. I have the honor to report that I have this day prorogued by Commission the Second Session of the Seventh Parliament of New Zealand. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 21. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 56.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, New Zealand, 4th September, 1880. I have the honor to report that I am leaving Wellington to-day for England, vid Australia, and I hope to reach London about the end of next month. Upon my final departure from New Zealand waters on Wednesday next, the Bth instant, the administration of the Government will be assumed by the Chief Justice, pending the arrival of Sir Arthur Gordon. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 22. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering: the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 57.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 9th September, 1880. I have the honor to inform you that His Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson, Governor of New Zealand, left New Zealand waters yesterday, the Bth instant, for England via Australia. 2. His Excellency prior to his departure delivered to me, as Chief Justice of New Zealand, Her Majesty's Commission to administer the Government in his absence; and, having first taken the required oaths in the presence of several members of the Executive Council, I have this day assumed the government of this colony pending the arrival of Sir Arthur Gordon. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 58.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 10th September, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 11, of the 11th June, 1880, transmitting a bronze medal, awarded to Mr. George Brownlee by the Royal Humane Society, and, in reply, to forward Mr. Brownlee's receipt for the medal, which was presented to him by the Mayor of Oamaru. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
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No. 24 Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 59.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 10th September, 1880. I have the honor to transmit to your Lordship copies of all Acts passed by the General Assembly during their late session, together with a synopsis of the same prepared by the Solicitor-General. 2. The Deceased Wife's Sister Marriage Act has been reserved for Her Majesty's assent, in accordance with the Royal Instructions, the same being an Act possibly affecting the Royal prerogative, and the rights of persons not residing in the colony. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
Enclosure in No. 24. Synopsis on the Acts passed by the G-enebal Assembly of New Zealand in the Session of Parliament held in the Tear 1880. The Public General Statutes. ■ 1; The Proclamations Validation Act validates certain proclamations issued under various Acts which were not duly gazetted at the time the same were intended to take effect. 2. The Imprest Supply Act authorizes an advance of £300,000 out of the Public Account by way of imprest for the service of the year ending 31st March, 1881, the money to be charged in the manner expressed in the Appropriation Act of the session appropriating the same. 3. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 2) similarly authorizes a further advance of £250,000. 4. The Maori Prisoners' Act is a temporary Act in sequel of " The Confiscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoners' Trials Act, 1879," of the last session (now expired) : provides for the further detention of the Maori prisoners referred to in the last-named Act, and their release without trial for the infliction of punishment so soon as the recommendations of the Boyal Commissioners for allaying the discontent existing in the West Coast District of the North Island can be given effect to, and the said prisoners can be permitted to return to such district without endangering the peace of the colony. This Act remains in force only three months, subject to extension for further periods of three months by the Governor in Council, until the end of the next session of Parliament, and no longer. 5. The Treasury Bills Act authorizes the issue of Treasury Bills to the amount of £590,000 for the redemption of Deficiency Bills and the renewal of Bills issued heretofore, and in supplement of the supplies granted to Her Majesty. 6. The Maori Prisoners' Detention Act is a temporary Act in supplement of " The Maori Prisoners' Act, 1880:" provides for the detention, under the terms of the Act last-named, of Natives arrested subsequent to the passing of the said Act for similar offences. 7. The Imprest Supply Act (JVo. 3) authorizes, in the same manner as the Imprest Supply Act, a further advance of £250,000. 8. The Land Transfer Act Amendment Act extends the definition of the term "mortgage," and provides that in case of sale by mortgagees of land under " The Land Transfer Act, 1870," they may become the purchasers, from which they were precluded by tlie enactment repealed by this Act. This Act also provides for the abolition of Crown grants in respect of all lands under the Land Transfer Acts, a certificate of title issuing at once instead of a Crown grant on proof of being entitled to a grant. This provision will materially accelerate the issue-of titles and simplify the administration of the public estate. 9. The Census Act Amendment Act provides for taking a census on the 3rd April, 1881, in accordance with the wishes of the Home authorities. 10. The Aliens Act is the first of fourteen Acts prepared by the Commissioners appointed under " The Revision of Statutes Act, 1879." It consolidates, without amendment, in one measure the laws of New Zealand relating to aliens. 11. The Cruelty to Animals Act is a consolidating measure on the subject indicated by its name. 12. The Mercantile Law Amendment Act consolidates the existing laws of New Zealand relating to trade and commerce. 13. The Arms Act consolidates the existing laws of the colony in relation to the importation, sale, and other disposition of arms, gunpowder, and warlike stores. 14. The Married Women's Property Protection Act consolidates the existing laws for the protection of the property of married women in cases of desertion or cruelty. 15. The Deaths by Accidents Compensation Act is a consolidation of the provisions of the Statute 9 and 10 Viet., c. 93, already in force within the colony, with the provisions of the later Statute 27 and 28 Viet., c. 95, not heretofore in force therein. 16. The Juries Act is a consolidation of the various existing laws in force in the colony relating to juries. 17. The Building Societies Act consolidates the existing laws of the colony relating to such societies. 18. The Animals Protection Act consolidates the laws relating to the protection of imported and indigenous animals for the prevention of their extermination.
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19. The Chattel Securities Act consolidates the existing laws of the colony relating to securities affecting personal chattels. 20. The Adulteration Prevention Act consolidates the existing laws for the prevention of adulteration of articles of food or drink, or drugs, and regulates the manufacture of bread. 21. The Marriage Act consolidates the existing laws of the colony relating to marriages and their registration. 22. The Banks and Bankers Act consolidates the laws of the colony relating to persons carrying on the business of banking, and regulates the mode of proclaiming bank holidays. 23. The Bills of Exchange Procedure Act is the last of the fourteen Acts of the Revision Commission. It consolidates the existing laws of the colony, providing a summary procedure for recovery of sums due on bills of exchange, promissory notes, cheques, and other contracts in writing. 24. The Dog Registration Act, in substitution of the various enactments in force in different parts of the colony, provides an uniform law for the whole colony compelling the registration of dogs, and authorizes the destruction of such as are unclaimed. 25. The Brands and Branding Act provides an uniform law for the colony regulating the branding of stock and the registration of brands. 26. The Pharmacy Act is an adaptation of the Imperial Statutes 15 and 16 Viet., c. 56, and 31 and 32 Viet., c. 121, for the registration of pharmaceutical chemists to the circumstances of the colony. 27. The Grown Grants Amendment Act is a verbal amendment to a previous Act more distinctly defining the liability of persons to pay the fees due on Crown grants. 28. The Imprest Supply Act {No. 4) authorizes, in the same manner as the Imprest Supply Act, a further advance of £200,000. 29. The Diseased Cattle Proclamations Validation Act validates certain proclamations which were issued before the coming into operation of the Acts authorizing the same. 30. The Joint Stock Companies Act 1660 Amendment Act provides for the particular registration of companies formed for special objects, the profits whereof are applied to such objects; and other- ' wise amends the principal Act in various details. 31. The Execution Against Real Estate Act, in substitution of a previous Act in force, provides more fully in respect to sales of land of debtors, and for the protection of other parties who may be prejudicially affected by memorials registered against such lands. 32. The New Zealand University Reserves Act removes some ambiguity of language in the previous Act and renews a power which had lapsed. 33. The District Courts Act defines the powers of the Court in respect to granting probates and administration, and amends the details of the principal Act. 34. The Dentists Act is an adaptation to the circumstances of the colony of the Imperial Statute 41 and 42 Viet., c. 33, for the registration of dentists. 35. The High Schools Reserves Act defines the powers in respect to the administration of lands set apart for High Schools or their endowment. 36. The Election Petitions Act is an adaptation to the circumstances of the colony of the Imperial Statute 31 and 32 Viet., c. 125, for the trial of election petitions : provides that two Judges of the Supreme Court shall be required to try every such petition. 37. The Rabbit Nuisance Act, in substitution of previous Acts, confers larger powers for the purpose of dealing with the nuisance of the increase of rabbits. 38. The Native Land Court Act provides an amended constitution of the existing Native Land Court, and regulates its procedure in accordance with requirements ascertained to have become necessary. 39. The West Coast Settlement {North Island) Act empowers the Governor to carry out certain recommendations made by the Commissioners appointed for the investigation of the claims of Natives in relation to the confiscated lands on the West Coast of the Northern Island, and provides special powers during a temporary period for the maintenance of law and order in the said district whilst the above recommendations are being carried into effect. 40. The Waikato Confiscated Lands Act renews a power which had expired, of providing reserves of land in the Waikato District for Natives willing to return to the Queen's allegiance and reside on such lands. 41. The Customs Tariff Act effects certain alterations in the duties of Customs to be levied, and imposes an increased duty of threepence per gallon on beer imported into the colony. 42. The Stamp Act Amendment Act amends certain details of the principal Act in respect to stamp duties and their exemptions. 43. The Stamp Fee Act provides for the collection of all public moneys by means of stamps within any department of the Civil Service as may be prescribed by the Governor in Council. 44. The Beer Duty Act provides for the registration of brewers within the colony, and the collection of an Excise duty* of threepence per gallon on all beer brewed therein. 45. The Property Assessment Act Amendment Act authorizes the Governor in Council to modify the form of the particulars to be stated in relation to any property liable to tax under " The Property Tax Act, 1879." 46. The Counties Act Amendment Act confers powers on County Councils for the erection of tramways, and amends the details of the principal Act. 47. The Electric Telegraph Act 1875 Amendment Act defines the precedence to be granted to press telegrams; and extends all powers under the principal Act to the object of telephones and their construction. 48. The Municipal Corporations Acts Amendment Act further amends the principal Act in relation to the granting of powers discovered to be required, 49. The Lodgers' Goods Protection Act is to exempt the goods of lodgers from distress for rent due by the immediate landlord to the superior landlord, on declaration that such goods are the lodger's own. 50. The Native Schools Sites Act transfers to Her Majesty land set apart by Natives for school pur, poses, so that proper buildings may be erected thereon for such purposes by the Queen.
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51. The Financial Arrangements Act provides for the payment of subsidies to local bodies for the nine months ending the 31st March next at one-half the previous rate, and withdraws from County Councils the 20 per cent, of Land Fund payable to them since the year 1877. 52. The Public Revenues Act is a temporary Act declaring the duration of an annual Appropriation Act, and containing thereunder the appropriations thereof for a limited time. 53. The Permanent Officers Salaries Act authorizes a deduction to be made until 30th June next in salaries fixed by permanent Act, excepting the salaries of the Governor, the Judges, and officers of the Assembly. 54. The Public Works Act further amends the principal Act in certain details, and makes provision in relation to matters not regulated thereby. 55. The Immigration and Public Works Appropriation Act appropriates £2,828,589 13s. 9d. out of ways and means mentioned in the Act for immigration and the construction of public works during the year ending 31st March, 1881. 56. The Appropriation Act appropriates for the year ending 31st March, 1881, a total sum of £2,316,720 9s. 2d. The Reserved Act. 57. The Deceased Wife's Sister Marriage Act validates marriages heretofore or hereafter to be made between any person and his deceased wife's sister, and legitimatizes the issue of such marriages. It also makes a special provision in relation to inheritance1 of property. This Act is reserved for Her Majesty's assent in accordance with the Royal instructions, the same being an Act of an important nature, possibly affecting the Royal prerogative, and the rights and property of persons not residing in the colony. The Local and Personal Acts. 1. The Taonui-Ahuaturariqa Act, for the granting to the Native owners of a portion of land not intended to have been included by them in a certain cession to the Queen of land in the Manawatu District. 2. The Bluff Harbour Foreshore Leasing Act authorizes thirty years' leases of the foreshore for ship-building purposes or export and import warehouses. 3. The Port Molyneux Reserves Leasing Act defines the powers of leasing certain reserves of land. 4. The Sydenham Borough Council Empowering Act transfers to the Council the administration of certain lands adjoining to it, but forming part of the Town Belt of the City of Christchureh. 5. The Public Health Act 1876 Amendment Act authorizes the Drainage Board of Christchureh to delegate the powers it holds as a Local Board of Health. 6. The Inch Clutha Act 1878 Amendment Act provides for an uniform rate on lands for protective river works within Inch Clutha. 7. The Thames Water Supply Transfer Act transfers to the Borough Council of the Thames all the plant of the waterworks for its supply of water. 8. The Oatnaru Waterworks Act 1875 Amendment Act authorizes a further loan of £ LO,OOO for their completion. 9. The Invercargill Drill-shed Site Act provides for the grant of a site for a drill-shed for Militia and Volunteers, and for the management thereof. 10. The Otago Road Rates Validity Act provides that rates shall not be invalidated within districts not subdivided as required by law, by reason only of such non-subdivision. 11. The Auckland College and Grammar School Act alters the constitution of the Board of Governors of the said establishment. 12. The Nelson Gas and Waterworks Sale Act 1877 Amendment Act is to declare that the said works and their extension shall be deemed to be works within the meaning of the Acts relating to Municipal Corporations. 13. The Christchureh District Drainage Act 1875 Amendment Act provides for the reconstitution of the Christchureh Drainage District and the Board of Management therein. 14. The Canterbury Rivers Act 1870 Amendment Act reconstitutes the South Waimakariri River District and the Board of Management thereof in accordance with the alterations made by the last previous Act. 15. The Wangmui Harbour and River Conservators Board Grant Act authorizes the issue of amended grants of land to the Harbour Board of Wanganui in lieu of previous grants authorized to the said Board. 16. The Jackson's Bay Settlement Act provides an exceptional administration of lands within a remote settlement on the West Coast of the Middle Island. ■ 17. The Special Powers and Contracts Act authorizes the Governor to do all things necessary in certain cases for the satisfaction of equitable claims in the absence of a direct law permitting their adjustment. 18. The Taranaki Iron-Smelting Works Lands Act 1874 Amendment Act authorizes a grant of land to a certain company in fulfilment of engagements entered into with them. 19. The Caversham Borouglis Incorporation Act authorizes the merging of three boroughs into one, and regulates the conditions of such merger. 20. The Canterbury Rbads Ordinance Amendment Act Extension Act is a technical measure applying a certain procedure in certain cases to other cases of a cognate nature. 21. The Wellington Harbour Board and Corporation Land Act authorizes the vesting of certain lands in Wellington Harbour in the Harbour Board and Municipal Corporation thereof respectively. 22. The Hokitika Harbour Board Loan Act authorizes the borrowing of £5,000 on a special rate for the completion of the Hokitika Harbour Works. 23. The Otago Harbour Board Empowering Act authorizes a further loan of £100,000 for the construction of the Otago Harbour Works,
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Private Acts deemed to be Public Acts. 1. The New Zealand Bank Act 1861 Amendment Act validates an alteration made in the original deed of settlement of the company by its directors. 2. The Ashhurton County Council Waterworks Act 1879 Amendment Act grants further powers to the County Council for the purpose of developing the waterworks. 3. The Malvern Water-Race Transfer Act 1878 Amendment Act authorizes a loan of £35,000 for constructing and maintaining a water-race.
No. 25. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 60.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 11th September, 1880. Referring further to your Lordship's Despatch No. 8, of 25th May, I have the honor to forward, for transmission to the trustees of the Gilchrist Scholarship, examination-papers of one candidate for the scholarship, and of informing your Lordship that the matriculation fee of £2, required by the regulations of the London University, has been paid by the candidate, and will be handed to the Registrar of the London University by the Agent-General on application. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. . The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 26. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 62.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — N»ew Zealand, 11th September, 1880. I have the honor to transmit to your Lordship copies of letters received by His Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson from Sir William Eitzherbert, the Speaker of the Legislative Council, enclosing the protests of certain honorable members of the Council against the passing of certain Bills entitled "The Taranaki "Iron-Smelting Works Lands Act, 1874," and "The Native Land Court Act, 1880." I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (For Enclosures, vide Journals of-Legislative Council of 7th July, and 27th August, 1880.)
No. 27. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 66.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 4th October, 1880. In compliance with the request contained in your Lordship's Despatch No. 19, of 24th July last, I have the honor to inform you that I have communicated to Mr. Macandrew, of Otago, the receipt by your Lordship of his letter to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, of 12th May last. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 28. Copt of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 67.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,— New Zealand, sth October, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's circular despatch of Ist June, enclosing letters from the Board of Trade to the Colonial
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Office respecting certain alterations desired to be introduced into the annual lists of shipping and seamen which are furnished to the Eegistrar-General of Seamen, and asking how far the wishes of the Board of Trade can be complied with in this colony. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that I have received a memorandum from Ministers stating that, with the exception of the column marked " Foreigners," of which the number employed on board ships registered in New Zealand cannot accurately be ascertained, all other alterations will be included in the next annual account of shipping issued. I have, &c, JAMES PEENDEEGAST. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 29. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 73.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 3rd November, 1880. Your predecessor's circular despatch of 18th February, 1880, transmitting the report of the Chamber of Deputies on the proposed new Erench General Tariff, having been laid before Ministers, I have now the honor to forward a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Hon. the Premier, requesting that, in the event of the proposed treaty being negotiated, endeavours may be made for the admission of wool, grain, timber, and other raw produce from this colony into France upon the most favourable terms possible. I have, &c, JAMES PEENDEEGAST. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 30. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 74.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, sth November, 1880. At the request of Ministers, I have the honor to forward, for transmission to the Secretary of the Chelsea Hospital, the accompanying letter from Eobert Magee, an Imperial pensioner resident in this colony, protesting against requirements made by the Pensions Officer that a stamped receipt for the amount paid should be given. 2. A copy of the colonial law under which this requirement was made, namely, " The Stamp Act Amendment Act, 1880," is enclosed ; also the original " Stamp Act, 1875." 3. I am requested by the Premier to state that the Government have been advised by the Law Officers of the Crown that the Stamp Act Amendment Act clearly applies to receipts such as that which Magee had necessarily to give. I have, &c, JAMES PEENDEEGAST. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 31. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 75.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, sth November, 1880. In reply to your predecessor's Despatch No. 7, of 20th May, 1880, relative to certain War Department lands in New Zealand, which appear to have been handed over to the colony, but of which no legal transfer seems to have been
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effected, I have now the honor to transmit to your Lordship a copy of a memorandum which I have received from Ministers, stating that the Government will be glad to accept the transfer of such lands, and that the schedules will be forwarded as soon as the necessary surveys have been completed. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.
No. 32. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 1.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 29th November, 1880. I have the honor to report, for your Lordship's information, that I left Lomaloma, in Eiji, on the 16th instant, in H.M.S. " Danae," and arrived at Auckland on the 23rd instant. I was detained at Auckland until the 27th, and reached Wellington to-day. I have this afternoon been sworn in, and assumed the administration of the Government. I have, &c, ARTHUR GORDON. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
No. 33. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 2.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 3rd December, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's circular despatch of the 6th September last, on the subject of the International Sanitary Conference to be held at Washington on the Ist January, 1881, and also the receipt of your Lordship's telegraphic despatch of the sth November, on the same subject. My Ministers desire to acknowledge the courteous invitation given by the Government of the United States, but, at the same time, request me to inform your Lordship that they do not see their way to appoint a delegate, or to be otherwise represented at the Conference. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
No. 34. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 3.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 4th December, 1880. I have the honor, at the request of the Premier, Mr. Hall, to forward to your Lordship the enclosed copy of an opinion by the local Attorney-General, Mr. E. Whi taker, on the question whether the members of the Executive Council should be resworn on the appointment of a new Governor of the colony, as has hitherto been usual. 2. In accordance with Mr. Whitaker's opinion, the Executive Council have not retaken the oaths on the occasion of my appointment. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
Enclosure in No. 34. Memorandum by the Attokney-Genebal. Is it necessary that the members o£ tho Executive Council should bo reappointed or again sworn in when a new Governor assumes the government ? 3—A. 1.
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This question has to be determined by the construction of Letters Patent constituting the office of Governor of New Zealand, and the Instructions to the Governor dated the 21st February, 1879. But, before considering these documents, it is as well to ascertain whether there are any precedents on this point. The only occasion, that lam aware of, on which the same question was raised, was in 1868, on the arrival of Sir George Bowen, and, as there appeared to be some doubt, the members of the Executive Council, as a matter of cautiou, were resworn; but a case* was stated for the opinion of the law officers of the Crown in England, and forwarded to the Secretary of State. The Secretary's answerf is very brief, and merely states that he was " advised that the proper course was pursued in reappointing and reswearing the members of the Executive Council." The question in that case turned on the construction of the 2nd clause in Sir George Bowen's Commission, which commenced as follows: " And whereas it is expedient that an Executive Council should be appointed to advise and assist you in the administration of the government of our said colony," and then goes on to give the power of appointment. This clause apparently gives a personal power to Sir George Bowen, as Governor, to appoint members of the Council to advise and assist him. If the circumstances were the same, this case would form a precedent; but, since then, the whole system has been changed by the documents of February, 1879. Instead of granting as theretofore a Commission and Instructions in full "personally" to the Governor, a standing Commission setting out the functions, powers, and duties of the Governor for the time being, with the usual Instructions under the Sign Manual, has been substituted, and a short Commission then granted to the Governor designate, appointing him Governor, with the functions, &c, set out in the standing Commission. The clause (No. 6) of the standing Commission having reference to the Executive Council is as follows: " There shall be an Executive Council for the colony, and the said Council shall consist of such persons as are now or may at any time be members thereof in accordance with any law enacted by the Legislature of the colony, and of such other persons as the Governor shall, from time to time, in our name and on our behalf, but subject to any law as aforesaid, appoint under the Public Seal of the colony, to be members of our said Executive Council." I.am pf opinion that it was not intended that the members of the Executive Council should be reappointed whenever a new Governor assumed that office. If they cease to hold office as Executive Councillors, it must be when the Governor who appointed them ceased to be Governor; and this would lead to very great inconvenience at least, if not to a stoppage of the most important part of the machinery of the Government. Clause 4of the standing Commission requires that every person appointed to fill the office of Governor shall cause his Commission to be read and published at the seat of Government " in the presence of the Chief Justice or some other Judge of the Supreme Court of the colony, and of the members of the Executive Council thereof." Again, clause 12 provides that in certain events the Lieutenant-Governor, or a person to be appointed by Her Majesty (in this colony the Chief Justice or a Judge of the Supreme Court), shall administer the government, "first taking the oaths hereinbefore directed to be taken by the Governor, and in the manner herein prescribed," that is, in the presence of the members of the Executive Council. If the Governor, or, in his absence, the Administrator of the Government, before he can act is to be sworn in in the presence of the Executive Council, and there is no Executive Council till he is sworn and can appoint one, it would appear that the Government must come to a standstill. Such could not be the intention; but if the Commission is not capable of any other reasonable construction there appears to be reductio ad absurdum. I am, however, of opinion that the Commission is open to another construction : that the Executive Council under the standing Commission of 1879 is differently constituted from the Executive Council under the previous Commissions ; that, whatever the members may have been under previous Commissions, they are, under the Commission of 1879, Executive Councillors of the colony, and are not now required to be reappointed or resworn on the assumption of office by a new Governor. Ist December, 1880. Pbed. Whitakee.
No. 35. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberlby. (No. 5.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 22nd December, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 41, of the 3rd November, on the subject of the matriculation examination of London University in New Zealand. I have communicated your Lordship's despatch to my Responsible Advisers, as requested. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
* See Appendix to Journals of House of Representatires, A.-l, p. 55. f A.-la, p. 40.
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No. 36. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 6.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 23rd December, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's general despatch of the Ist November, respecting the preparation of a new die for the seal of this colony, which I have communicated to my Advisers. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
No. 37. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 8.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 30th December, 1880. Your Lordship's Despatch Nc. 27, of the Ist September, was communicated by the Acting-Governor to my Responsible Advisers, and I have now the honor to enclose the copy of a memorandum giving cover to a report from the Registrar-General of this colony, containing the information required. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
Enclosure in No. 37. Memorandum for His Excellency. The accompanying memorandum, prepared by the Registrar-General of Land, is respectfully forwarded to His Excellency the Governor for transmission to the Secretary of State, as giving the information asked for by Lord Kimberley, in compliance with an address to Her Majesty agreed to by the House of Commons on the 26th August, 1880. H. A. Atkinson, "Wellington, 30th December, 1880. (In the absence of the Premier.)
Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 37. Memoeandtjm by the Reghstrak-Genebal of Land. In reference to the annexed circular, addressed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand, requesting information as to the working of the system of land transfer by registration in the said colony, the Registrar-General of Land reports as follows: — The above circular has been referred to me as the officer upon whom it devolves to furnish the information required. It will be seen that the address by the House of Commons, therein referred to, requests " a return supplementary to those laid upon the table of the House and ordered to be printed on the Bth day of May, 1872, reporting on the working and progress of the system of registration of title in operation in the Australasian Colonies up to 31st December, 1879." Referring to the said returns, I find that the report of the then Registrar-General (embodied in the said return, page 204) relates to the now obsolete system of registration established by " The Land Registry Act, 1860," and has no reference whatever to the system established by "The Land Transfer Act, 1870," which has been in general operation throughout the colony since March, 1871. I find it necessary therefore to revert to the questions originally propounded in the circular despatch of February, 1870, and to deal with those questions with reference to the working of the land registration system as at present existing. The following are the questions referred to : — 1. Whether indefeasibility of title has been practically secured under the law in force in your colony; or whether the Courts of law or equity have upset, and, if so, upon what grounds, any title which has been registered under such law ? 1. To the extent to which " The Land Transfer Act, 1870," purports to secure indefeasiblity of title, there is no reason to doubt that the object has, from a legal point of view, been effectually attained. Subject to qualification as to rights of persons adversely in actual occupation in certain cases (" Land Transfer Act, 1870," section 139), a purchaser or mortgagee, hond fide for value, undoubtedly acquires by registration a title which nothing less than an Act of the Legislature could subvert. It is important, however, to note the qualifications referred to, as showing that without actual possession the certificate of title cannot be absolutely relied on. The principle of indefeasibility is still more qualified as regards the titles of persons on whose application land is originally brought under the Act. As against such persons, and those claiming through or under them, otherwise than for value, the title is, until the registration of a bond fide transfer, liable to be upset upon the ground of fraud or misdescription of boundaries. In one instance only a certificate of title has been cancelled on the ground of
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fraud; but the calliug-in and revision of certificates on account of survey error is by no means uncommon. In fact, the survey question is the practical difficulty in the way of indefeaaibility. In this colony many of the older surveys, though sufficient for primary purposes of settlement, are dangerously defective and unreliable as the basis of a system to which accuracy in this respect is essential. This, however, is a difficulty of a local character, and does not affect the merits of the Land Transfer system in the abstract. Except upon the grounds above referred to lam not aware that any title registered under the Act has been upset, or that there has been any litigation affecting the principles of the Act. 2. Whether in such case the person establishing his claim has been restored to his estate or nterest in the property, or has received money compensation ? 2. In the case of fraud, before referred to, the person defrauded was restored to the ownership of the land. This has been the only case of recovery of possession. No claim involving pecuniary compensation out of public funds has as yet been established. I believe two or three trifling claims are now under consideration. 3. Whether such money compensation is payable by the Government from au Insurance Fund established for that purpose, and whether contributions to such fund (stating the rates at which they are made) have been sufficient to meet the claims upon it ? 3. Compensation, if recovered, is payable out of a fund called the " Assurance Fund" established for that purpose under the provisions of the Act. This fund is created by a contribution of one halfpenny in the pound on the value of land brought under the Act, or transmitted under the Act, by virtue of any settlement, will, or intestacy. The amount standing to the credit of the fund is £26,637 2s. sd. As the time within which claims can be made is limited to six years, except in cases of disability or absence beyond seas, it may be presumed that many possible claims are already barred, and that the fund is likely to prove adequate. With regard to the rate of contribution, however, it should be noted that a large proportion of the fund is levied on titles brought under the Act by grant from -the Crown, in respect of which there is little or no risk. If such titles were exempt from contribution it would become necessary to materially increase the rate levied on titles brought under the Act on private application. 4. Whether persons availing themselves of the provisions of the Act have as a general rule recourse to legal advice, and whether it is considered that they do so unnecessarily, or that their expenses are thereby much increased? 4. The necessity of legal assistance in first bringing land under the Act is, of course, dependent on the nature of the title and the degree of complication attending it. It may be observed, however, that the sj'stem of registration of title-deeds, which has been in force almost from the foundation of the colony, greatly facilitates the investigation of titles, rendering the preparation of abstracts of title, which is so cumbrous and costly an incident of English conveyancing, wholly unnecessary. The legal expenses attendant on passing titles in this, colony are therefore comparatively limited. As no technical knowledge is requisite for dealing with land under the" Act, it must be considered that persons who employ legal assistance for that purpose do so for the most part unnecessarily. A. large proportion of land-transfer business is transacted by unprofessional persons, licensed as land-brokers, and who readily acquire the necessary familiarity with the system. 5. What proportion of the land alienated from the Crown in your colony is under the Act; and have complicated titles been registered? 5. Statistical information will be found appended. There are few questions ordinarily incident to conveyancing with which the Land Transfer Department is not called upon to deal, in bringing land under the Act. Titles complicated by wills, settlements, &c, are not unfrequent, and but few have been rejected. The system of caveat is found sufficient for the conservation of trusts, whilst estates in reversion or remainder are fully capable of definition on the register. In fact, the system has, so far, been found equal to all purposes of conveyancing. 6. How has the law worked in respect of mortgages and leases ? 6. I am not aware that any difficult}', specially referable to the land transfer system, has arisen in respect of leases and mortgages under the Act. The number of transactions of the latter kind registered is exceptionally numerous in this colony as compared with England. All amendments to "The Land Transfer Act, 1870," are comprised in the statutes of 1871, 1874, 1876, and 1880, respectively. Such amendments have reference for the most part to matters of detail arising out of the special circumstances of the colony, and little or no alteration has been made in the principles of " The Land Transfer Act, 1870." Apart from the survey difficulty, it is, I think, generally conceded that the system introduced by that Act has worked satisfactorily, and has effected an important reform in the law of real property. G. B. Davy, Registrar-General of Land.
Return allowing the total area of land alienated from the Crown from the foundation of the Colony of New Zealand to the 31st March, 1880, and the area brought under " The Land Transfer Act, 1870," to the same date: Land alienated from the Crown, 14,126,772 acres 2 roods 2225 perches; land brought under the operation of the above Act, 4,585,557 acres 3 roods 10 perches.
No. 38. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 11.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 31st December, 1830. I have the honor to report to your Lordship that my Responsible Advisers have recommended me to invite the Maori chief Te Whiti, —whose name
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is probably familiar to your Lordship in connection with the ploughing and fencing under his directions of land claimed as confiscated by the Crown, but of which the Natives also assert their ownership,—to meet me. 2. I enclose a copy of the memorandum of the Premier offering this advice, and of the letter tendered to me for signature by the Ministers. 3. The letter was despatched by my Aide-de-Camp, Captain Knollys, C.M.G., 26th Cameronians. I enclose a copy of his report to me of his visit to Parihaka, which your Lordship will, I think, find not uninteresting. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
Enclosure 1 in No. 38. Memorandum for His Excellency. Me. Hall presents his respectful compliments to the Governor ; and transmits herewith the draft of a letter which Ministers advise should be addressed by His Excellency to the Chief Te Whiti. 2. In doing this, Mr. Hall thinks it right that he should state briefly, for His Excellency's information, the steps that have been taken for the purpose of communicating to Te Whiti —(1) The purport of the Reports of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into any grounds which might exist for discontent among the Natives on the West Coast, and generally into the Native difficulties there; (2) the action taken upon those .Reports by Parliament; and (3) the steps which the Government have taken, or are taking, for the purpose of giving effect to the Commissioners' recommendations. 3. Full information upon each of these branches of the question has from time to time been communicated to the friendly Natives on the West Coast, and particularly to a chief of high rank there, named Hone Pihama, who is in frequent communication with Te Whiti, and has lately attended the monthly meetings at Parihaka. The Government have every reason to believe that, through this channel, the substance of the information so given has reached Te Whiti and his followers. 4. The Act of last Session, by which Parliament empowered the Government to give effect to the Commissioners' recommendations, was translated into Maori, and a Government Interpreter was sent to Parihaka to distribute a number of printed copies. He found great difficulty in his attempts to do this, and eventually the copies were thrown back at him by Tohu, who is a sort of brother-prophet, and Te Whiti's principal assistant. 5. At a later period, when the Chief Wiremu Kingi Matakatea was released, with several other Native prisoners, from Dunedin Gaol, the Native Minister addressed to Wiremu Kingi a letter embodying the views of the Government as to the West-Coast difficulties. This letter was printed, and the Government Interpreter was again sent to Parihaka with a number of copies of the document, which he succeeded in distributing to the Natives there. 6. Mr. Parris, an officer of the Native Department, who is not only of high standing, but is well and favourably known to the Natives throughout the West Coast Districts, was instructed to attend the October meeting at Parihaka, and to state that he did so because it was understood that Te Whiti had said that he had no knowledge of the Commissioners' reports and recommendations, and that he desired to be informed as to them. Mr. Parris was further instructed to state to the Natives the purport of the reports and recommendations of the West Coast Settlement Act, and of the Native Minister's letter to Wiremu Kingi; to add, that the Government intended generally to give effect to the intentions expressed in those documents, on the acquiescence of the Natives concerned ; and to caution Te Whiti as to the evils that would follow further resistance or obstruction. Owing partly to the inclemency of the weather, but also, no doubt, to indisposition on Te Whiti's part, Mr. Parris did not succeed in giving effect to his instructions. He was, therefore, directed to attend at the November meeting, and to use his best efforts to communicate to the Natives the intentions of the Government. As will be seen from his report, of which a copy is attached, Mr. Parris was refused a hearing by Te Whiti. 7. Te Whiti on this occasion, however, expressed —as he has done on other occasions—his willingness to discuss his troubles, and the best mode of settling them, with the Governor. Under these circumstances, and as it appears to the Government that no reasonable means for arriving at a satisfactory settlement of those difficulties should be left untried, Ministers respectfully suggest that the accompanying invitation should be sent by His Excellency to Te Whiti. They would propose that the delivery of the letter should be, in the first instance, intrusted to Hone Pihama; and that, if he should fail, the Government Interpreter should be sent to Parihaka for the purpose. 8. Mr. Hall thinks it should be added that Sir William Fox, K.C.M.G., the senior member of the Commission already mentioned, has, at the request of the Government, agreed to act under a new instrument, conferring upon him ample powers to carry out the recommendations contained in the reports of the first Commission, and which were sanctioned by Parliament, and that he proposes to commence his work immediately after the new year. Wellington, December 22nd, 1880. John Hall.
Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 1 in No. 38. Friend Te "Whitt, — This is an announcement from me to you, who are living apart in a far-off portion of these Islands, and whom'l desire to see brought near to me. I am come here to assume the Government on behalf of the Queen, and in her name to administer justice to both races of her subjects.
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The troubles which have existed among some of the Maori people have been known to me in the past; and now I am here, it is my duty to do my best to remove them. I know, too, what has been done by my predecessor, and the General Assembly, to settle these difficulties which have arisen; and I desire to finish the work of putting things right. I am told that you are desirous of seeing me, and representing to me your view of what should be done to promote this good end. That is very good : and if. you will let me know when you will come to Wellington to wee me, you shall be received with fitting hospitality, and I will not only listen to whatever you wish to say to me, but also, if you show that wrong has been done, will do justice, in accordance with the law and the will of the Queen. Should you consider the distance between Wellington and Parihaka too great to travel, then there is another way in which it would be easier for us to meet to discuss these matters. I shall soon be journeying round the Colony, to make myself acquainted with the affairs of Europeans and Natives throughout these Islands ; and in my journey I shall visit New Plymouth. Now, if you will come to see me there, you can more readily return from thence to your own people, to tell them the result of our conference. Or, if you prefer it, I will meet you at any other place on my way between New Plymouth and Havvera, by the inland road. 1 am told that you have heard of what is proposed to be done for the settlement of differences ; and when we meet, I will make more clear to you the provision which will be made for the settlement of your people, and the plans which I have for their future welfare. I have lately ruled over a people very like the Maoris. I have left them happy and contented, discussing their own affairs. They make their wishes known to the Queen and to the Governor in a regular manner, through duly-constituted channels. Why do not you and yours, in like manner, avail yourselves of those channels which, though not the same, here answer a similar purpose ? Why should we not talk of these matters ? I have heard that you are a man of peace, and that you have striven to prevent war. The light is still lingering on the mountain-top. - When you receive this letter, write to me at once, so that I may know what your intentions are — whether you will come here, or whether you will meet me on my journey—and I will then let you know what day I shall be at New Plymouth. If you explain in your letter what your grievances are, I shall be the better able to answer you when we meet. Prom your friend, Abthtje G-oedon.
Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 1 in No. 38. Mr. Paeeis to the Hon. the Peemiee. Sib,— New Plymouth, 19th November, 1880. I have the honor to report that, in obedience to the instructions conveyed to me in your telegram of the 3rd instant, I visited Parihaka on the 17th instant, to be present at the monthly meeting, for the purpose of explaining to Te Whiti and his followers what has been done by the West Coast Commissioners, together with their recommendations to the Government for the final settlement of the land question on the West Coast, &c.; which I am sorry to say I was prevented from doing by Te Whiti, who unmistakably indicated that he would not treat with any subordinate of the Government, and, consequently, would not allow me to make any statement, as will be seen by the herewith enclosed copy of report of the meeting. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. E. Paeeis.
Parihaka Meeting, 17th Novembeb, 1880. About 1,200 Natives present, larger proportion of whom were women. Te Whiti addressed the Natives to the following effect: At the beginning of the world all things were ordained that were to happen in old times, those which were to happen in the intermediate period, and those which were to happen yesterday ; whether important or unimportant events, whether for good or evil, all were ordained which were to happen on earth. Also, those evils which were to happen in our days —namely, wars and dissensions: all of the latter, however, are now at an end. This also was ordained of old. The wars of our time were prophesied, as were also the different wars of different generations: all that was to happen in. the earlier and intermediate periods down to our own time. We could not have altered anything, strive as we may. We have seen what happened in the early part of the world's history; good and bad were mingled: so in the intermediate period, down to the present day. Do not let us be blind to what may happen to-day, lest bad mingle with good. All that happened of old we know, as also of a later period down to yesterday. Listen carefully : all things shall be altered to-day, and shall be conducted differently henceforth ; this day is quite altered from other days —all old ties are dissolved, whether they proceed from men or laws. War shall cease, and shall no longer divide the world. Adam's race has fallen over many cliffs, but the cliffs have disappeared by numerous landslips, and none shall fall over those cliffs again. It was ordained in the beginning that I should address you as I am doing to-day on this subject. I shall say but little to you to-day but this: that there is still a cliff left over which men will fall. It is not the man who tells you this, but the Father. All that has been hidden shall be brought to light this day. The state of men, both old and young, is like that of a pig struggling in agony, after having been almost killed by blows on the head. There is one cliff still left which has not been levelled, and that is death. All that has been foretold has come to pass ; no portion has been omitted; nothing added, and nothing taken away. This is a day for you all to settle down in peace ; and remember, the nearer you are to death, the nearer also you will be to life. All that was done of old was to lead up to the things that are being done in our time.
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One cliff is left as an enemy and a snare to us. All that I say will be carried out—not because I say it, but because it was ordained from the.beginning. All the evils of old are gathered to pester this generation. We have seen the prophecies of old carried-out, and we shall see those for this time also come to pass. War is for ever ended: it was prophesied it should end, and it has ended, and all old customs are done away with. If a pole is insecurely joined together for the ridgepole for a house, it will break at one end ; so also will Europeans and Maoris break away from each other, and cannot agree. After Te Whiti had ended Mr. Parris got up, and was about to speak when Te Whiti interrupted him, and said, "Do not speak now ; speak to-morrow." Mr. Parris: No one can answer for to-morrow. If you do not wish me to speak now, shall I speak after Tohu ? I cannot say how long I shall live ; life is uncertain ; perhaps to-morrow may never come. Te Whiti: Very good: speak on the day that never comes. If a dog flies at a pig it does so at the bidding of its master; the dog will not act of its own accord. If you have anything to say it will not be true, and will not be your own words. Mr. Parris: I have addressed you all [alluding to and addressing the Natives] many times, and I never deceived you; but Te Whiti is leading you astray. Te Whiti: Tour address will be your superior's, not your own. Where is he ? Let him come. Mr. Parris: Are you so great and important that my chief should visit you? You are afraid to let me address the meeting, lest I detach the people from you when they hear what I have to say. Te Whiti : I have little to say. Black and white will never agree, and cannot be joined. Mr. Parris : I did not say I came here to join white and black. At this stage of the proceedings Te Whiti, to prevent Mr. Parris speaking, said to his people, "Me pakaru te hui" (Break up the meeting), whereupon they all rose as one man and left the meetingplace. .Mr. Parris afterwards went to Te Whiti's whare and tried to get him into an argument, but Te Whiti merely repeated the refrain of a halca (song) having reference to the wheat. Mr. Parris told him he was not a philosopher (tohwngd) to repeat childish songs. In reply, Te Whiti repeated the refrain, and Natives sitting round joined in it. Mr. Parris met Te Whiti outside of the whare afterwards, and told him that the new Governor was expected; that the " Hinemoa " was going to Auckland for him. Te Whiti said, "Although a new Governor comes, it is still the same Government—you and others."
Enclosure 2 in No. 38. Captain Knollys, A.D.C., to His Excellency the Governor. Sic, — "Wellington, 31st December, 1880. I have the honor to report to you my proceedings in fulfilling the duty, intrusted to me by your Excellency, of conveying a letter to the Maori chief Te Whiti, inviting him to meet you, and of endeavouring to obtain an answer from him to the same. I was accompanied on this mission by Mr. Hursthouse, a gentleman who speaks thoroughly the Maori language, has resided much with the Natives all his life, and is acquainted with their customs; and Hone Pihama, a Maori chief of considerable power, and in close and frequent relations with Te Whiti, with whom many of his people are living. We left Opunake, twenty miles from Parihaka, the residence of Te Whiti, on the morning of the 25th December, and drove straight to Parihaka, avoiding the Armed Constabulary camp, which is within a mile and a half of that place, by the advice of Hone Pihama, who thought we should probably be better received if we went direct, without communication with the armed force in occupation. At a distance of three or four miles from Parihaka we passed through some large and good fields of potatoes, maize, tobacco, &c. : these had the appearance of being well looked after, were carefully fenced, and the crops were looking very promising. The land appeared to me to be very good, and likely to be a valuable property to whoever may eventually possess it. These fields, I am informed, are in the land proposed to be put up for sale by the Government, but whether the particular spots now under cultivation are reserved to the Natives I am not in a position to say. Beyond these fields, and at a distance of about a mile and a half from Parihaka, we crossed the road, now in course of being made, which is to be the boundary between the land marked out to be sold and that reserved for the Maoris. Here also were fine fields of wheat, maize, potatoes, &c, well cultivated and well fenced. In crossing the road we passed close to one of the barriers recently erected by the Maoris. The country being full of cattle, horses, and pigs running at grass, all the fields are, of necessity, well fenced. If nothing were placed across the road, each spot where the road passed through a field would leave a gap for the convenience of intruding animals. The Maoris accordingly continued the fences across the road; thus completing the enclosure. As this, however, impeded the road, it was naturally objected to by the Government, and many arrests took place, I believe, before the present compromise was come to, viz., that the fences on each side of the road should be joined by slip-rails, thus not blocking the road, and effectually fencing the field. It seems to me that the erection of such fences is not only reasonable, but most necessary, as certainly little wheat or other grain would stand a chance in a country so thickly grazed without some such effectual fencing. These slip-rails now cross the road at intervals, and are not interfered with : indeed, they are most carefully replaced by passers-by, European or Maori, after being removed to give passage. At Pungarehu itself, however, at the entrance to the Armed Constabulary camp, where the greatest number of arrests and the most determined attempt to make a continuous fence took place, no slip-rails have been put up, and the gap into the Maori wheat-field is watched day and night by Natives. We reached Parihaka at about 1 p.m., and, after taking our horses out of the buggy, went into the town. It was a place of considerable size, from a rough estimate I should say of over 250 houses, and.
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from 1,200 to 1,300 inhabitants. The " whares "or houses seem well and neatly built, in sizes about 20 feetjong by 15 feet wide, and 10 to 12 feet high under the centre ridge-pole. The people appeared to be comfortably and well off, as far as I could judge from my experience of natives in other parts of the Western Pacific, the houses being well furnished with blankets, pillows, and garments of different descriptions, and the various necessities of Maori life. There seemed also to be plenty of food, and the people looked well nourished. Parihaka shows no sign of fortification. The neighbouring country however is rough, covered with bush in parts, intersected by watercourses, and generally adapted to irregular warfare. It is also hampered by the field-fences, which are either of strong timber, or else are banks, such as are seen in Devonshire. We were shown into a house where we found five or six elderly men, sitting and lying about smoking. These received us civilly, shaking hands with Mr. Hursthouse and me, and embracing Hone Pihama ; but the reserved courtesy, which I have been accustomed to see in Fiji, was wholly absent. After these salutations we sat down on the mats and lit our pipes. We were informed that Te Whiti was playing draughts, and we were desirous of showing that we were in no hurry. A man remarked after we had sat for a short time, " lie [the prophet Te Whiti] said something would happen to-day." Conversation was going on freely in the houses, but of course 1 could understand nothing except a few words I could catch by their being identical with Fijian, and a few gestures. Mr. Hursthouse, however, informed me somewhat of what was going on. This gentleman is in charge of the new road, about which some of the disputes have arisen ; and one of the Maoris asked him why he did not finish the road, saying that it was a much shorter and more convenient one for them (the Maoris) than the old one. A remark was made by a Maori that the part between New Plymouth and Stoney River was the worst. -"Ah," said another, "that goes through white man's land; they have to mind how they go there; in our land they can go straight at it." "Don't think they mind your feelings," said another. I mention the above items of conversation, as they seem to indicate no special ill-feeling against the road itself, or, rather, that it has been accepted as an inevitable fact. Further conversation about various matters went on. Among other things, they asked, " What sort of a man is the Governor ? " Hone Pihama spoke up well, describing what I told him about arrangements in Fiji, especially about the settlement of lands there. After we had sat and smoked for three or four hours, and fully proved that at least want of patience was not among our faults, food —potatoes, greens, and pork —was brought, and we were asked to eat, which we accordingly did; and it seemed to afford them satisfaction that we could enjoy their own food in their own way. After we had waited altogether about four or five hours, a chief, Tahana, asked what we had come for. He was told, "To bring the Governor's companion [a very free translation of A.D.C.], and a letter from the Governor to Te Whiti. If Te Whiti likes to answer it in writing, well and good ;if not, he can reply orally to Captain Knollys." He asked if we had the letter, and was told we had. Tahana then asked, " What sort of a man is the Governor ?" Hone Pihama answered, "He is, I think, a good man of high abilities." Tahana then said, " His works in Fiji may be left there with their good; he will not be equal to the task of setting the difficulties right in Now Zealand." He then went to Te Whiti, and returned saying nothing, by which we judged that Te Whiti did not mean to come and see us. We accordingly went to see him. We found Te Whiti in the village, sitting in the open air with the chief Tohu and others, wrapped in a blanket. He is a good-looking man, with a " smug " face, and a most marked expression of self-complacency and conceit. The absence of courtesy, dignity, and good manners, again struck me, as it would any one used to the courteous bearing of Fijian or Samoan chiefs. Had I met with such want of ceremony in Fiji, I should certainly have anticipated violence as the termination of the interview. It was evident, however, that no discourtesy to us was intended, the men, women, and children pushing about among the chiefs, and even against the sacred Te Whiti himself, without the least ceremony. We shook hands with Te Whiti and those round him. After a short pause, Hone Pihama asked if he should give the letter. As Te Whiti would not touch it, he laid it down by his side. Te Whiti just glanced at it, and made a sneering remark about the size of the envelope. As Hone Pihama laid the letter down, he said, " The reason for coming here is to give you this letter from the Governor, telling you that he is willing to talk to you about your promises ; and this is his companion to whom you may give your reply, if you do not like to write." Tahana took the letter up, saying, "Is it written in Maori?" and then, "Shall I do this to it?" breaking the seal. He then called a man named Tai to read it to all present. When Tai had read about two pages (as far as the words "to discuss these matters ") Te Whiti said, " The cooked potato cannot discuss." By this he meant that "he was cooked by the Government beyond discussion." Tai attempted to go on reading, but Te Whiti interrupted him again, with the same remark. Tai then put the letter in its envelope, and laid it down by Te Whiti, unread. I then asked Mr. Hursthouse to tell To Whiti that I had been sent by the Governor to bring the letter, and to talk to him, if he wished, on the subject it contained. Te Whiti, as soon as Mr. Hursthouse commenced to speak, said, "You must shut your eyes before you tell me what this man sa3 rs. Do you come here to support this letter and the wicked works you have been doing?" By this, he meant that Mr. Hursthouse, who is engineer of the new road, could hardly be a proper interpreter in such matters. Mr. Hursthouse told him that he only came as a servant of the Government. I then said, " The letter is only to tell you that you can meet the Governor; if you do that, you may make things clear to him, with a view to their being settled. The Governor has set right difficulties with people like you in Fiji." Te Whiti, as he persistently did when we spoke to him, turned his back, half-buried his head in his blanket, and pretended to be busy with his pipe. He returned no answer. Tahana then said, " There is nothing for Te Whiti to say or do; he only looks on —all doing is on the part of the Government." Te Whiti said to Hone Pihama, "Do not be deceived : the Government are bringing trouble for the future [literally, are pushing strife on in front]." After this we left, as we considered that nothing further could be done until (as we knew would be the case) the letter had been read and discussed among themselves, Wo accordingly drove
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to the Armed Constabulary Camp, at Pungarehu, about a mile and a half off. In presenting the letter, I noticed that Hone Pihama was nervous, and his hand shook. I also noticed that Te Whiti was not as much at his ease as he wished to appear. On the following day, the 26th, after consulting with Mr. Hursthouse and Hone Pihama, I decided not to go to Parihaka myself, but to send a short message. I accordingly asked Mr. Hursthouse and Hone Pihama (the latter objected to go alone) to say the following to Te Whiti: " The Governor has recently arrived here, and seeks to settle justly the difficulties. If wrong comes to Te Whiti's people because of the Governor's ignorance of their desires, the evil will have been brought by Te Whiti, because he will not come to make things plain to him." On their arrival at Parihaka, they found that Te Whiti was in the bush getting honey. Mr. Hursthouse saw Tohu and others. Mr. Hursthouse delivered my message to Tohu to convey to Te Whiti; Tohu impressing upon him that he was Te Whiti's " associate and equal." Tohu then asked if any telegram had come from Wellington about what was said on the previous day. He was told the telegraph office had been closed. He then said, " Then I have nothing further to say ; you know what was said yesterday." Tohu then added, " Why did you not tell me yesterday that that was the Governor ?" This he said jokingly, meaning to imply, "Surely no one else could have sent you." Mr. Hursthouse replied, "I could not tell you so, as he was not here: that was his companion, through whom he speaks." Tohu then said, " Where, then, is the Governor?" Mr. Hursthouse replied, "In Wellington." Tohu said, "Oh! I thought this was the Governor. I have no one to tell me this is this, or that is that, and require no one to uphold what I say. If I chose to speak now, my words would be with authority." Mr. Hursthouse then said, "If a sick man will not go to the doctor and explain what ails him, how can he be healed ? " Tohu replied, " That is a good saying of yours ; but it is for those who have charge of the sick to go and tell the doctor what is the matter." A shower of rain came on at that moment, and they stepped into the nearest house. This happened to be the sacred house, in which no one, white man or Maori, has been before admitted without taking his shoes off; but Tohu said, "Never mind, let us get out of the rain." Food was then brought and eaten ; and, after some conversation, carried on in a friendly manner, very different from that of the previous day, Tohu was asked if he had anything he wished to say to the Governor. He replied, " Nothing, unless the Governor is able to bring to its raw state the cooked potato." Hone Pihama believes the last speech to refer to the prisoners in detention for the ploughing and fencing. I doubt this, and think he referred to the whole question. Mr. Hursthouse told me that the above-related interview and conversation were carried on in a cordial manner, totally different from that at our first meeting, which gives reason to believe that something might yet be done. This determined me to see Te Whiti again. On the 28th December we again went to Parihaka, conveying your Excellency's message received by telegraph, that " Until the Governor knew how ' the potato was cooked ' he could say nothing about it. It was of the cooking of the potato from the very beginning that the Governor wished to have his account, and for that reason had asked him to meet him, to which he was awaiting an answer." Hone Pihama was unwilling to come again to Parihaka, but we persuaded him. When we arrived at Parihaka we sat for a time in the village, and lighted our pipes. After smoking for awhile and shaking hands with several of the people, we went to look for Te Whiti, Hone Pihama remaining behind. We found Te Whiti after awhile, and sat down outside a house to talk to him. His manner was quite changed from what it was before. He sat and talked, and was civil, showing no signs of a desire to avoid us, or to turn his back. I delivered the message. After an interval of silence I said, "The Governor has heard about the cooking of the potato from others, but now he wishes to hear what Te Whiti lias to say and to tell his mind, of which he, Te Whiti, knows nothing." Te Whiti answered, " I have nothing more to say. The Governor knows how it was done." He spoke again about Mr. Hursthouse being concerned in the wrong, and so being a man he could not talk to about it. He said also, "If the Governor wishes to know about it, he must come to the pot where the potato was cooked, and see the heap of evils that have been done. It is no good my going to hide myself away in Wellington." I answered, •" That is what the Governor proposes to do, and asks you to meet him." He answered, " Where the Governor wishes me to meet him is outside the pot." I suggested that it was on the edge of the pot, where the ashes might be seen. He said, "Itis no good. When a man's face is burnt, the doctor comes to him to see it." I said, " Why don't you go to the doctor to show your burnt face p" He said, ■•' No. If a dog is chasing a pig, the pig does not cry out to the man; the man calls the dog off." I said, "True. But if the pig runs to the man, he is saved from the dog." We asked him if he was going to answer the Governor's letter. He said he never had answered other letters; the people about the Governor could tell him their story about it. I urged on him the necessity for telling his own story, but could get nothing satisfactory from him. He said, " The Governor is like other Governors—a Governor for the white man." I said, "He has left good behind : where he came from the people are happy." He answered, "He has left good and bad behind him. The Maori potato is cooked." I then suggested how it would be if the Governor saw other chiefs, and their matters were settled, and his and his people's were not, because he would not take his case to the Governor. To this he made no answer. The above conversation was carried on in all good humour, but, as is apparent, without immediate result. We then thought that, at present, it would worse than useless to say anything further, and left Parihaka. We left Pungarehu the following day, as there seemed to be nothing further to be done for the present. In offering any opinion on what passed, I need hardly remind your Excellency that I have been little more than a month in New Zealand, and that I am not acquainted with the details of the Maori question. I have, therefore, been only guided by such experience as I may have gained of neighbouring and similar races in any conclusions I may have come to, which conclusions men of greater experience in Maori matters may find to be wholly erroneous. From my personal observations of Te Whiti, and from what I have been able to gather during my short stay in this neighbourhood, I have formed the following opinion, which, however, as I have said before, men of experience in Maori matters may not share. 4—A. 1.
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I believe that a few years ago Te Whiti would have been glad to come to some arrangement which would have assured him and his people peaceful possession of such portion of his land as will be reserved for him. Two causes have, however, made him now most difficult to deal with. The first is that he has been so often interviewed, questioned, examined —it may be, promised something—by different emissaries of the Government, without any satisfactory result, that he is weary and sick of the sight of such emissaries ; and, secondly, that the peculiar position in which he is placed, and his own cunning self-complacency, fanaticism, and action with the Government, have won him a share of power and importance far above what he is entitled to by birth or inheritance, and which a satisfactory settlement might considerably endanger. He lives now, seeking, with Tohu and ten others, for the "truth" —as he considers his present religion, founded on his rendering of the Bible—prophesying and receiving worship ; feared by others for his divine attributes and power of witchcraft, and believed in, I think, by himself. This is, to him, a state of happiness, which might be modified were he only to become a contented Maori chief. That the belief in him is somewhat on the wane I think there is little doubt. Events have not always turned out as he prophesied, in spite of his crafty translations of his prophecies. Those who brought clothes for their deceased relatives, who, he had promised, should rise from the dead, took them home unused, hardly satisfied with the explanation that the prophet had meant the General Resurrection at the last; and some other such failures of his prophecies have raised doubts. But, though belief in him is waning, fear of his supernatural powers of witchcraft is, I fancy, as strong as ever. This waning of the Natives' belief in Te Whiti is, I think, certainly a great inducement to carry on things deliberately, without forcing a collision. The people, no doubt, dislike this present unsettled, state. They would wish to be assured of their land, or to be allowed to fight. Though they are comfortably off, well fed and well clothed, their present position is an uneasy one to them; and I think that sooner or later they will put pressure on Te Whiti to come to an understanding—peaceably or otherwise. Tohu, who does not admit of Te Whiti's superiority, would be, I think, of this mind. He would listen to some arrangement: if it was wholly unacceptable to him he would fight. While Te Whiti is at Parihaka, unsatisfactory as the position is, he is certainly of value in keeping the peace, and is worth a large force of police in that respect. What might be the result were the lands to be occupied by white settlers without his having agreed to some arrangement previously, of course I have no experience to judge. If nothing else be considered but expense, I believe that some time occupied in coming to an agreement with him will be far more economical than forcing a war with a people weak indeed as far actual fighting is concerned, but powerful enough to cause many years of trouble and lawlessness such as to render their neighbourhood unsafe without considerable armed defence. Te Whiti is determined on peace. He should not be disappointed. At any rate, some time must elapse before your Excellency's letter can be declared without fruit. It must work among the other chiefs and the people, as well as in Te Whiti's mind, before it can be known what results it may have, or that it is entirely without results. Before closing my report I would beg to call your Excellency's attention to the sale of spirits and beer to the Natives in the District of Taranaki. Each hotel and publichouse is thronged day and night by a crowd of Maoris, among whom is a large proportion of women and young boys, simply loafing and drinking. I have seen the same people at a publichouse for days consecutively, evidently drinking their money out, day after day, poisoning themselves with the vile spirits imported for Maori consumption. I heard a case of a chief, to whom another was paying a visit, going with all his people and the visitors to a publichouse, and every individual leaving with a bottle of spirits in each hand : £70 was the cost of the carouse. The chief Hone Pihama has a large publichouse on his property; there is no other within eight miles of it, but he steadily refuses to allow a license to be again taken out for it, so evil did he find its effects on his people. Te Whiti also prohibits any spirits from being taken to Parihaka. If the chiefs struggle to suppress the evil among their people, cannot some assistance be given them in their good object? In conclusion of my report, I wish to bear testimony to your Excellency to the very valuable and able assistance rendered by Mr. Hursthouse in the mission, who spared no fatigue or inconvenience to bring it to a satisfactory end. I have also to call your Excellency's attention to Hone Pihama's ready and valuable aid. I have, &c, Louis F. Kjtollys, A.D.C., His Excellency the Governor. Capt., 26th Cameronians.
No. 39. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 2.) Government House, Auckland, Mi Lord, — New Zealand, 12th January, 1881. I have the honor to report to your Lordship the resignation of the Minister of Native Affairs, Mr. J. Bryce. 2. Mr. Bryce was desirous that measures of active pressure upon Te Whiti and the Natives of Parihaka should he at once undertaken hy the Government, but has been unable to induce his colleagues to share his views, and has, consequently, retired from the Cabinet.
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3. I enclose extracts from this day's New Zealand Herald containing what is said to be Mr. Bryce's own explanation of his course, and also comments which probably indicate the opinion of a considerable section of the public. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
Enclosure in No. 39. [Extract from Neto Zealand Herald, 12th January, 1881.] Mb. Beyce's Resignation. In reference to Mr. Bryce's resignation, I telegraphed last night that his reason for this step was understood to be the refusal of the Cabinet to agree to the immediate adoption of measures with regard to Parihaka. This involved a serious and radical difference in the policy. Mr. Bryce is well known to have been of the opinion for some time past that the period was rapidly approaching when it would be desirable in the interests of peace and settlement to supplement resolute but just measures so far pursued in regard to the West Coast difficulty, by some more marked and decided proceedings. Mr. Bryce held that the present policy of the Government has been wise and sound, but it does not meet all the future as well as present requirements, and possibilities of danger to the peace of the country in the attitude of the determined and uncompromising, although as yet passive, hostility by Te Whiti. Mr. Bryce, while not going all the way with the alarmists, was in favour of more vigorous precautionary measures than his predecessors, and advocated an early advance on Parihaka, to arrest Te Whiti and Tohu, and their removal from the settlement. Strong objections were entertained by the other members of the Ministry to any but a purely peaceful course. They strongly held the advisablenes's of waiting, and altogether discountenanced every plan of action which might endanger, even temporarily, the peace of the colony. Their view was that the slow course was the sure one : the progress already made in the settlement of the West Coast Native difficulty was as satisfactory as could have been expected : that to precipitate a direct conflict by advancing on Parihaka, and arresting Te Whiti, would be a step of serious moment and questionable prudence, involving the risk of grave consequences earnestly to be deprecated. This difference was so wide and material as to admit of no compromise, or anything short of one side yielding altogether. Unfortunately, this was equally impracticable. Mr. Bryce had stated to Parliament that he should only hold the Native portfolio so long as he was allowed to pursue the course which he deemed best. His colleagues, on the other hand, agreed in deprecating any new departure in Native matters; and, as Mr. Bryce insisted on the necessity of taking such fresh departure, a collision of opinions was unavoidable. Matters reached a climax when Mr. Bryce insisted that the Government should agree to advance on Parihaka by the 17th instant (when the monthly meeting is to be held), and occupy the place, and arrest Te Whiti under the West Coast Settlement Act. The other Ministers objected to this course, and considered the Government bound to adhere to the lines laid down last session, and to carry out the policy advised by the Royal Commissioners, and sanctioned by Parliament, especially as Sir William Fox was recently intrusted with a new mission in the same direction. They therefore refused to agree to Mr. Bryce's proposal, believing also that the opinion of the House and colonj would be strongly opposed to such a course. Mr. Bryce made the acceptance of his proposal the alternative of his resignation, and, on a final negative decision being arrived at, he at once resigned. The resignation was received with much regret, and I understand the entente cordiale is and will be thoroughly maintained, although there is a difference on this one point. Mr. Eolleston will take charge temporarily of the Native Department, vacated by the resignation of Mr. Bryce. It is not likely that the vacancy in the Ministry will be filled up for some days. Rumour is busy with the name of the probable successor to Mr. Bryce. Among those mentioned were Sir William Fox and Mr. Ormond, but there is not the slightest likelihood of either gentleman taking office.
No. 40. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 7.) Government House, "Wellington, My Loud, — New Zealand, 19th February, 1881. In reply to your Lordship's despatch of the Bth July, 1880, which has been communicated to my Responsible Advisers, I have the honor to inform your Lordship that the whole of the regulations with regard to the testing of colourblindness contained in the Board of Trade Instructions enclosed in that despatch will be immediately brought into force in this colony. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
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No. 41. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 8.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 19th February, 1881. In reply to your Lordship's circular despatch of the 23rd August, 1880, requiring information with regard to the measures which have been taken in this colony for the protection or extermination of animals, insects, and birds which are useful or injurious to agriculture, I have the honor to forward to your Lordship a copy of a memorandum on the subject from the Premier, Mr. Hall, which, with its enclosures, supplies the information desired. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. AETHUE GOEDON.
Enclosure in No. 41. Memorandum for His Excellency the Goveenoe. Me. Hall presents his respectful compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and in reference to the circular despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated the 23rd of August, 1880, begs to say that the only legislative provision extant in New Zealand for protecting or exterminating animals which'are useful or injurious to agriculture are " The Animals Protection Act, 1880," and " The Eabbit Nuisance Act, 1880," copies of which are enclosed herewith. The only indigenous natural enemies of agriculture existing in New Zealand are insects. The work of importing insectivorous birds has been left to the various Acclimatization Societies, of which, there are from twelve to fifteen in the colony, and their importations have been protected by the Act first above quoted, and by those which preceded it, and of which it is a consolidation. The only animal whose extermination it has been necessary to make the subject of special legislative enactment is the rabbit. Originally imported from England and liberated in New Zealand, this animal has increased with such prodigious rapidity as to have become a pest to pastoral and agricultural occupiers of the soil. The enclosed Act explains the mode in which, the country is divided into convenient districts, and trustees are elected, with rating powers, to provide for the extermination of rabbits. It may be added that the most efficacious preparation which experience has yet suggested for the destruction of rabbits is grain steeped in a solution of phosphorus, and odorized with oil of rhodium, mixed according to the enclosed instructions. Sparrows and linnets have also increased so rapidly since their importation that, in some of the grain-producing districts, the farmers have formed themselves into sparrow clubs, and have resorted to poisoning by means of wheat steeped iii a solution of strychnia, as a mode of reducing the numbers of these birds; but they have not been the subject of any legislative enactment. They have, however, been removed by Proclamation from legal protection. "Wellington, 21st January, 1881. John Hall.
No. 42. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 9.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 21st February, 1881. I have the honor to forward to your Lordship, at the request of the Premier, Mr. Hall, as conveyed in his memorandum, a copy of which is also enclosed, a memorial, signed by members of the Intercolonial Conference recently held in Sydney, respecting the action taken by the Government of "Western Australia for the introduction of Chinese immigrants to that colony. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. AETHTJE GOEDON.
Enclosure in No. 42. Hemokandtjm for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and begs to advise His Excellency to forward to the Secretary of State for the Colonies the accompanying memorial, signed by members of the Intercolonial Conference recently held in Sydney, respecting the action taken by the Government of "Western Australia for the introduction of Chinese immigrants to that colony at the public expense.
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The Premier understands that a like memorial has been, or will be, forwarded to Lord Kimberley from each of the other colonies on behalf of the Government of which the document is signed. "Wellington, 12th February, 1881. John Hall. [For Sub-Enclosure, see Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1881, A.—3, page 17.]
No. 43. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 10.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 22nd February, 1881. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch No. 29, of the 7th September, 1880, giving cover to a claim from the Lords of the Admiralty upon the Colonial Government for payments made on behalf of a New Zealand boy in 1862-63, I have the honor to enclose a copy of a memorandum addressed to me by the Minister for Native Affairs, in which he states that no information on the subject can be found in either the Native Office or the Colonial Secretary's Office. Search has also been made for papers connected with it in my Private Secretary's office, but without result. 2. It appears, from the vouchers forwarded by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty (and which I have now the honor to return), that the payments in question were not made in this country or within the limits of the Australian station, but on board one of Her Majesty's ships stationed at Devonport. There is' nothing to show that the boy came on board the " Impregnable," in New Zealand, or where or how he joined that ship, or that it was at the desire, or with knowledge, of the authorities of the colony that he did so ; and in these circumstances the Government of New Zealand can scarcely be expected to acknowledge a claim, the presentation of which has been delayed for nearly twenty years, and the details and authenticity of which are no longer ascertainable. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
Enclosure in No. 43. Memoeandum for His Excellency the Goveenob. "With reference to the accompanying despatch from the Secretary of State, No. 29 of the 7th of September last, transmitting a claim from the Admiralty, amounting to the sum of £7 Bs. 3d., for the maintenance of a New Zealand boy in 1863, His Excellency is respectfully informed that search has been made in the Native and Colonial Secretary's offices, but that no papers can bo traced on the subject. It is suggested, however, that a search should be made to ascertain whether there is any information regarding the claim in the Private Secretary's office. Native Office, Wellington, Bth February, 1881. "War. Eolleston.
No. 44. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 13.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 26th March, 1881. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that I have lately made a tour in the Southern Island of New Zealand. I was everywhere received with the greatest respect and cordiality, and more especially so by the Scotch settlers, who form the hulk of the population of Otago. 2. I venture to enclose reports of the speeches made by m; at Chris:church and Invercargill: not that there is in either of them anything i l the least degree worthy of your Lordship's notice, but because the first public utterances of a new Governor have generally some effect on the popular estimate of his subsequent administration. 3. I thought it right to show that my long experience in the government of Crown colonies had not led me to forget the obligations of a constitutional
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Governor; and I hope that my remarks may be so fortunate as to meet with your Lordship's approval. 4. I also enclose an article from the New Zealand Times on the subject of this visit. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
No. 45. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 22.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 16th May, 1881. In reply to your Lordship's Despatch No. 1, of the 12th January, I have the honor to enclose the copy of a memoradum addressed to me by the Premier, which contains the information desired by your Lordship with regard to certain provisions of the " Act to amend and consolidate the Law relating to the Native Land Court." I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. ARTHUR GORDON.
Enclosure in No. 45. Mbmoeandum foe His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and forwards to His Excellency, for transmission to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, answers to the questions put by Lord Kimberley in his Despatch No. 1, of January 12, respecting certain provisions of "An Act to amend and consolidate the Law relating to the Native Land Court," passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand during the session of 1880, but to which Her Majesty has not yet been advised to assent. 2. To His Lordship's first question, the reply is, that all Assessors under the Act are Natives or half-castes. 3. The time within which applications for rehearings may be made was not shortened by the Act of 1880, as appears to be supposed by Lord Kimberley. Six months was fixed as the limit by the Act; of 1873, but this was reduced to three months by the Act of 1878, the longer period having been found very inconvenient, and to bear hardly upon Native owners. The Act of 1880 continues the limit of three months. 4. The change in the authority having power to order rehearings has, it is believed, brought the proceedings of the Court more nearly into accord with those of ordinary English Courts. In addition to this, it was doubtless considered by the Legislature to be desirable the responsibility should be placed where the real power had long rested; for, in fact, the Governor in Council has during fifteen years followed the advice of the Chief Judge, excepting in two cases only. Wellington, sth May, 1881. John Hall.
Authority: Q-eob&e Didsbttby, G-oyernment Printer, Wellington. —1881
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DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1881 Session I, A-01
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23,482DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1881 Session I, A-01
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To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.