BEFORE THE WAIKATO COMMITTEE.

J. Armitage, Esq. 28 Sept. 1860.

Waikato party was very much subdued ; by which I mean they were more temperate in their views, but 1 should hesitate at present in recommending the introduction of civil institutions until the native mind is in a more composed state : I mean in reference to the Taranaki war, which has of course caused a great excitement. 77. Mr. Forsaith.] Supposing it were now determined by the Government to resume in Waikato the system inaugurated by Mr. Fenton, do you think it would be difficult to do so, or would the attempt be attended with danger?— Certainly not with danger, but it would of course be surrounded with difficulties; Mr. Fenton's system, if I understand it right, was based on this, that the Natives should govern themselves j I cannot therefore see any possible danger ill trying, as it would be at their own invitation. 78. Chairman.] Would they consider it an indication of weakness to attempt the re-introduc-tion of Mr. Fenton's system? —On the contrary, I think, they would consider it an instalment of justice. - , .... 79. Mr. Dillon Bell.] Are you generally acquainted with the opinion of Resident Missionaries in the district on the subject of Mr. Fenton's 'proceedings?— lam with those of Mr. Archdeacon

Fenton be permanently established in the midst of Waikato at once. Let there be no delay. We say this to you in order that he may reside near us, that he may be near to instruct us in the rules, so that we may understand them. We shall not gain knowledge from casual instruction ;it will be better for him to constantly reside at Waikato, that is, in the centre of Waikato. If Mr. Fenton is not willing, the thought will be with you to appoint some one else. Enough. From the Runanga of Paetai, of Rangiriri, of" Horahora, and of the Wakairinga. Hone Kingi Te Pake. Te Wi Pana Waka. Hetahaka Muru.

Ordered that letters to the following tenor be forwarded to the Venerable Archdeacon Maunsell, the Rev. Mr. Ashwell, and the Rev. Mr. Morgan. House of Representatives, Auckland, September 28th, 1860. The House of Representatives has appointed a Select Committee to enquire into the attempt made in ]fcs7 to introduce Civil Institutions in the Waikato district and the causes which led to the discontinuance of that attempt. The Committee have bad placed before them a Report, a copy whereof they transmit to you, from Mr. Fenton, late Resident Magistrate in the Waikato, of an attempt made by him in 1857 to initiate Civil Institutions amongst the Natives in that district. The Committee are as yet uninformed as to the causes which led to the discontinuance of that attempt; to ascrtain them is one object of their enquiry. A general opinion prevails that to provide Civil Institutions for the Government of the Natives is of vital importance to the welfare of the Colony, and much interest attaches to the experiment tried in the Waikato. The Committee are led to believe that you may be able to throw light on the subject. They do not feel justified in requiring your attendance in Auckland, though should it suit your convenience to attend they would feel obliged by ) our doing so. If not, they earnestly request a written expression of your views generally on Mr. Fenton's Report, and particularly on the following points :- —■ 1. The tiue causes of the origin and progress of the King movement,—its present its probable direction. 2. The practical effects of Mr. Fenton's operations in the Waikato, and the causes which led to their discontinuance. 3. What might be the probable result of repeating the experiment there, or elsewhere. 4. The general capacity of the Natives for Civil Government —the kind of Institutions adapted to their circumstances—and the best practical mode of introducing such Institutions amongst them, in order to bring them within the pale of the Jaw, aid to re-establish the Queen's authority amongst them. H. Sewelx, Chairman.

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