3EFORE THE WAIKATO COMMITTEE.

F—No. 3

335. If such an expression had been used in such a conversation, what would have been the signification of it on the Native mind?—l really cannot say; it is an expression frequently used by them. They say, " Tomo mai ki ate Kuini: tomo mai ki a Kawana." 336. Then it would not imply degradation?— None at all; if Mr. Buddie says it would, I can only say I differ from him: it would be an extraordinary conclusion. 337. Mr. Forsaith.] Supposing it possible that you did use the expression, without giving any explanation of the meaning you attached to it at the time, but that, in reply to a question from him, you had said "Me rapu koe," would not a mysterious meaning have been naturally conveyed to his mind?— Yes; but what has " Me rapu koe" to do with it? 338. I will read the whole extract again. (Extract read.) Now let me repeat the question just answered?— But why not come to the point at once; what is the use of making these suppositions? Either I used the expressions attributed to me, or I did not. I have not the slightest recollection of using the words "Me rapu koe" any more than the others. I should have thought I was trifling with an intelligent chief by using such expressions: it would have been talking a kind of Maori slang, which Jam not accustomed to resort to. I wish to put in the following memoranda: — [Memoranda put in by Witness.] (' At a recent interview which took place between the Minister for Native Affairs and myself, I was given to understand that no fixed arrangements had been made in regard to the management of Native matters, and on that occasion I was invited to suggest whatever might tend to facilitate the satisfactory arrangement of the Native Departments. " It may be well to state here, without further preliminary, that the political atmosphere, in respect to the Maori population, seems at present to be surcharged with those elements which portend a storm. The people are unsettled; and a feverish discontent everywhere pervades Maori society. This is acknowledged by those who are in the habit of entering into familiar conversation with the Native people. Our laws have, in a great measure, ceased to be respected, and the Natives in the principal settlements enact laws of their own, which in many instances affect the lives and property of their fallows. The recent murders at Whangaroa were perpetrated in consequence of certain resolutions passed at a public meeting of the tribes to this effect: "It is right that Kamarie and his wife Hara be strangled, they having been found guilty of witchcraft." " At various places the Natives have seized vessels belonging to Europeans, for real or imaginary wrongs, and money extorted from the parties, without the slightest reference to the properly constituted authorities of the Colony. " The prohibitory laws enacted by the Government are evaded by all classes of Natives, and many in the immediate neighbourhood have the daring to harbor the offenders, and every possible means are taken to frustrate the ends of justice. " The Waikato, Kaipara, and Thames tribes have been, for some time past, making extensive purchases in the way of guns and powder, and the sum expended on these forbidden articles by two or three tribes lately is estimated at £1,200. " There are also several stations where powder is manufactured; one at Tautora, between Kaipara and the Bay of Islands, and three in the Waikato District. Doubtless the Maori people receive assistance from the Europeans in reference to this matter; it is asserted, however, that one Native was a hired servant in a mill, near Sydney, where he learnt the art of making powder, and, on his return to this country, brought with him the apparatus to carry on what his countrymen consider his legitimate occupation. The sum of £500 has been collected as a reward for his services, the powder he makes being in quality superior to that of the other manufacturers. " The most important feature, however, is the fact that the Natives generally consider themselves an independent nation, and not amenable to British law. They discuss this subject with great seriousness, and many of the tribes are warmly advocating the election of a Maori King, who will, it is supposed, be able to settle all their grievances, and quiet the troubles of the land. " It may be asked, What is being done to lessen the discontent which prevails everywhere among the Native people? The influence of the missionary bodies, in regard to the Maori population, has ceased; it is at present a mere shadow. The influence of tJie Government is daily becoming less, owing in a great measure to our want of system. Expediency, not principle, is the order of the day. And here I would remark that it is altogether a mistaken notion to suppose that we are attaching the Natives to us, and securing their allegiance to the Crown, by the bestowment of presents, and granting loans. In most instances this is positively injurious, fostering idleness and covetousness, and causing the chiefs to lay aside that self respect which raised them so far above the generality of barbarians. If these statements be correct —and I imagine they are not likely to be controverted, as the Natives tell me their sentiments in confidence—surely we should endeavour by every possible means to regain the influence we once possessed? Indeed, the safety of the Colony depends upon this; it seems to linger upon this point, whether we are to sever the few ties which bind the Native people to us by continuing the present confused system, or whether a better system should be introduced so as to insirre their confidence and respect. To secure the good management of the Native people, it is absolutely necessary in the first place that proper arrangements should be made in respect to the Native Departments. "At present the utmost confusion prevails, and I cannot see how order can be secured, where so many interests clash one with the other. ''Practical experience has convinced me that little or no order can be maintained, nor the respect or confidence of the Natives be secured, unless judicious arrangements be made in the Native aflairs. "It is my unalterable opinion that there should be three separate and distinct departments for the conduct of Native business: —

C. 0. Davis, Esq. 6 Oct. 1860

21