FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE

"No ; but lam plaintiff's friend, and I want to move you on his side." Seeing that this maoriism would be a great evil, if permitted to intrude in the Courts, 1 determined to stop it at once. So I told him that we, the Magistrates, were there to discover the truth', and did not want his assistance ; that he must at once leave the box, and, if he wanted to make a speech, he must go out of doors. I expected a scene, but he quietly walked away. When the Court rose, he made an apology, and said tliat he would do so no more ; that now he saw that tlie new things were too strong for the old, and Maori notions were past away. I told him that his feelings were very proper, and his duty in future was to support the magistrates and their decisions, and that we relied much on the old Maori chiefs After business was finished, I asked tlie assembled people who they thought was the person most fitting to be a coadjutor for Waata, as there slum d be two Magistrates for each Court-house. Two men were mentioned, but all but two or three united in recommend'ng Arama Karaka. This is, I think, the next best man ; rather too much given to mixing himself up with land questions, but of good sense, and in earnest; besides, his influence is extensive, and he is of this generation. If ho shows a prospect of becoming a useful Magistrate, I will bring his name before the Governor. I explained to the people about the three classes of Magistrates, much to their satisfaction. I then proceeded to explain the constitution of the Village Council—how to be assembled, and when, what to do &c. ; and exhorted them speedily to make some regulation about fencing, for I observed the pigs all loose and injuring the young crops. Po and Ruka, the old Maori chiefs were requested to act as Presidents or Chairmen ; the meetings to be called by them, whenever requested by six people in writing, and to be held in the Court-house, to distinguish it from a Maori " komiti." The old men seemed gratified with their position. Thus will be blended the new with the old influences, securing, I liope, a moral force that will be irresistible by any individual member of a tribe. Thus passed the first of the experiments, with marked success and much benefit to these settlements. I am told that the multitude are much pleased and say that everything was very clear. Subsequently visited Waata's farm. It would be a great benefit if an agricultural instructor were attached to the schools, of whose services and advice the kainga Maori natives could avail themselves. I saw the natives raking up fern root with their luinds. In the evening, Waata, Mohi. and Paul visited me, and we had long conversations about Ngatipo. Their opinion is that, as the tribe is divided now into two parties, kingites and people of law. 1 ought to visit them and assist the latte* ; that it is not fair to leave them to struggle unassisted against the old influences. I told them I would go if they wrote to me, but the people themselves must express the first desire. Had a visit afterwards from a man who is very much in love with a girl, and is rejected by the relations of the boy to whom she is betrothed. The girl is equally attached to him. He solicited me to use my influence, for he should be very ill if the girl was taken by force: — this horrible custom of " taumau." July 24, Friday.—Went with Colonel Russell to the Court-house, to assist at the first Village Council ; but, as the weather was bad and the Court-house unroofed, no meeting was held. Saw large pieces of land partially exhausted, left to weeds. Exhorted the people to hoe off the weeds and sow grass. They say they will, if they can get seed, but prices are so low they can get no money. Waata is salting a fat pig—the first attempt that I have seen amongst the Maories to make bacon. I start to-morrow for Tuakau, in Hetarakn's canoe. He and a party have come voluntarily to fetch me. July 25, Saturday. — Had long conversation with Colonel Russell, about agriculturist to travel through this district, and assist the schools and Natives generally with instruction and assistance. I think such an appointment would be highly beneficial, as a vast amount of labour is now lost or wasted from ignorance and misapplication. Travelling through the district, he would be of great use. The cost might perhaps bo partly placed upon the school fund. I think the pecuniary benefit directly resulting would be soon apparent ; I mean in the way of increased production. We were lo have started at 8, a.m., to get to Tuakau at 12, for the CoHit. The day was stormy, with foul wind and abundance of raiu. Only Hunia came at the time. I successively sent three messengers, and at 12 the rest of the party arrived. They were volunteers, so I could not scold them ; but the consequence of their delay was that we did not arrive at Tuakau until 10 minutes to 4, p.m., and I found that the European defendant had left about ten minutes before my arrival. The Natives were giieved when they saw the consequences of their delay, but excused themselves on the ground that the day was not fit for any one to be out in. I should have called tlie case, late as it was, had I not been so wet- and cold that I was unable to write, ami almost to speak. The Maori plaintiff hinted that, if his lemedy was gone, I ought to pay. The contingencies of canoe travelling must be provided against, for I ought to be independent of weather and Natives. This necessary certainty can only be procured by land travelling, on horses. Got into a house at the waterside, and changed clothing ; then went inland to see the people, and got wet through igain. Having no other change, went to bed at seven. [Mem. —Can any provision be made in the Act now proposed for unavoidable delay in the attendance of the Magistrate at a Circuit Court*] There were three European travellers at the hut, weatherbound. Rained heavily all night. The Natives asked me to come to see them on Monday, but I declined, unless they asked me in writing, as they did not join in the letter sent by the tribes of Waikato to the Governor, after the meeting at Paetai, in which letter adhesion to law was expressed. July 26, Sunday—Tuakau. Still at the hut. Rained and blew heavily all day. River rose greatly. Mr. Maunsell passed through on his way to town. July 27, Monday—The letters at length came. Early this morning received two, from Ngatipo and Ngatimauuki respectively requesting me to go inland, and meet an assembly of the Natives, and explain to them the new system, and give them an opportunity of accepting it. These people either actively joined the Kingites, or remained neuter at the great meeting at Paetai. Proceeded inland to

16