E—No. lc

TO NATIVE AFFAIRS.

residents—ho approves of the issue of licenses to squatters allowed to dwell on native lauds. I hear uuiversal complaints of the hostelry at Waipapa, Mechanics' Bay. [Mem. —Get almanacks for the Court Houses.] August 1, Saturday—Besides the people of the place, Ngatikarowa, and all Ngatitapa, came to the Court to-day. Tried the case of Pukewhau and Minarapa and others, but adjourned for further evidence, advising them, at the same time, to come to an amicable arrangement if possible. I did this, because the case, so far as it has gone, is so intricate that I cannot see my way through it. In the second case, Wiremu v. Taraiti, defendant did not appear, although service had been effected. The case was heard, and judgment went for the plaintiff for full sum demanded. They say defendant stayed away because he knew he had no chance. After Court, held a meeting, and advised them to assemble as soon as possible and consider the questions of fencing, trespasses, &c. They said they had hitherto been detained by the illness of Te Kereihi, the chairman. Afterwards we discussed the question of sowing the abandoned lands with grass. They all gladly consented to the plan, and the piece of land before mentioned was generally approved for the purpose. The consent of the other owners must be obtained. They promised to do the necessary fencing in a satisfactory manner. The other owners are Takerei, Taneti, and Hoera, about whose consent there is no doubt. This piece of land is almost all clear, having borne crops last year, and contains, I should think, between 50 and 100 acres The plan, however, is contingent upon the advance by Government of seed, for the Maoris are now very indigent. It appears to me, that money thus advanced would be advanced most beneficially, not only to the Maoris but to the public at large. Letters were written to His Excellency requesting the necessary assistance. Subsequently crossed the river to see some land belonging to Paul Tirua—itwas perfectly clean and contained perhaps 2 acres. Several other persons having detached pieces of land requested small supplies of seed. The whole of this flat is admirably adapted for grass, being a light sandy soil. As the Government could scarcely (if they consent to the advance) manage the distribution of so many small quantities of seed, and the keeping of the consequent accounts, I think the best plan will be for me to have at Waiuku or elsewhere a considerable stock of seed, on which I can draw as the necessity arises, keeping accounts and rendering them to the Government at the close of the teason. As a rule, the pieces at first will be small, seldom amounting to an acre; but the persons now anxious to adopt the plan of sowing the abandoned lands, are numerous. It should be mentioned that the loss of this season creates so many acres of dock, which would, if the occasion is improved, be next Tear bearing a crop of grass and clover and furnish seed for all future necessities of the owner. Euihanadesired me to get him apprenticed to a shoemaker: I told him I thought he was too old. The proceedings at Paetai were satisfactory. Pukewhau is halting between two opinions, and not trustworthy. In the evening, parted with Hetaraka and the rest, and walked overland to Mr. Armitage'e with Hunia, intending to proceed to Mr. Ashwell's; but darkness with wind and rain coming on, remained at Mr. Armitage's all night. August 2, Sunday—At Mr. Armitago's. August 3, Monday—Paul came again about his grass land. Had interviews with several people, who took me to see plantations varying from less than a rood to an acre in size, which they were nnxious to lay down in grass. Pulled up the river (Hunia and I) to Kaitotehe, the wind blowing in furious squalls. Proceeded to inspect the great piece of land stretching from Mr. Ashwell's to the creek below, ascertaining names of owners and boundaries. Takerei, Taneti, Mare (Ngatinaho), Tβ Kereihi (Te Iwipoaka), Hoera (Ngatihaua), Wiremu Te Wheoro, Pukewhau and Miru, are the principal. It is a fine piece of land, stretching along the banks of the Waikato for three-fourths of a mile, about 800 to 400 yards in depth, and hemmed in and sheltered-towards the S.W. by the range of mountains, which forms one side of the gqrge through which the river has forced a passage. The greater part is free from fern and native growth, having been under cultivation this year. I think the seed might be sown, and simply harrowed in; —in some places more labour would be required, but the Natives have promised to do whatever is necessary, whenever I tell them. To the sacrifice of their dogs they have already consented, so that no obstacle at present appears in the way. At Mr. Ashwell's found a letter from Ngatiruru, wishing to know the Governor's ideas about our proceedings, and stating that having received a letter from Whaingaroa with the information that I wished Court Houses to be built, they had commenced one. Met here also Takerei and Taneti, who recounted to me all that had happened in my absence. It appears that difficulties have arisen at Te Whakapaku (Takerei's place) from the kingites. Paratene and Tarahawaiki, near relations of Potatau, and ardent kingites, felt annoyed at Takerei's decision in opposing the movement, himself being a near relation. They constantly agitated amongst the people, and said if he built a Court House they would onpose the operations of any Queen's magistrate therein. Thereupon he assembled the people and told them he was going to leave the place, and establish a new settlement at Karakariki. Then Ngatitemainii, Ngatitehuaki, and other tribes got up and declared that if he went, they would go with him. So the matter remains. I cannot help thinking that European suggestion has something to do with all this, but I don't know. However, I fear that this king business will still add'to our difficulties. lam delighted with the firmness that Takerei displayed, especially as it is a quality in which he used to be very deficient. They also told me that Porokoru Titipa of Ngatikoura, living at Awamutu, had received £40 from Government, and asked me what it was for, and if the Governor was aware of his conduct at the great meeting. I told ihem that I then for the first time heard of it, and was not aware of the Governor's sentiments. They said that such favours to people who are openly arrayed against us in our labours for law and order operated injuriously, as it led people to believe that the Governor was as much pleased with them as with us. Ngatimaniapoto had also sent for him. This tribe, inhabiting the head wajeri of Waipa, had to a man been advocates of the new dynaety. He assembled thorn, ar.d they te|

19