E—No. 9 Sec. 11.

On attending this appointment, I found the Natives engaged in a preliminary discussion as to Waala's proposed plan of dividing their lands into individual portions. This scheme was supported by YVaata, Araum Karaka, and their immediate friends: opposed by Ruka (who had been named President of the Runauga) and his friend*. High words ensued between the respective parties; Waata threatening to withdraw altogether from taking any part in their future proceedings. I took upon myself to suggest to the latter, that as the sclieme was so violently opposed, it might be judicious to abandon it for the present, and proceed with the other business of the Kunanga; to this he assented, and ultimately a reconciliation was affected between him and Ruka. The Runanga then proceeded to the large building at Taupari, and commenced their deliberations ; a report of which, together with a copy of the Resolutions passed, is enclosed herein. I should inform you that before the proceedings commenced I stated to the Runanga that you were detained in Auckland by sickness ; that His Excellency had been pleased to appoint me to the office of Resident Magistrate for the Lower Waikato, and that 1 had been instructed to attend the meeting; but as I ha<] not received my official appointment or any precise instructions from you, I could not take any part in the proceedings farther than being the medium of communication with yourself. I have also to inform you, that the Natives were very much disappointed at your absence, and that I think it necessary, in order to allay their doubts, that you should come here as soon as your health will permit. I have, &c, James Armitage. F. D. Fenton, Esq.

Proceedings of the Runanga of Ngatitipa at the first meeting. Taupari, 1st January, 1862. Ruka Taurua, President. Kapene Matenga, Pita Maatai, Pumipi Kawara, Te Remi Te Rahurahu, Mohi Kotorowera, Te Teira Pomare, Henare Ngahiwi, Wetere, Parata Tahua, Te Patu, Wiremu, Rata Patiti, Hori Kukutai, Tamati, Honi, Hapurona, Nooa Te Tawharu, Hahapata. 1st. As to a Town:— Ruka: (President.) There are three large towns, Auckland, Onehunga, and Waiuku, formed by thelPakehas. According to our old ci stoms we used to live in Pahs. Let us now imitate the Pakehas and have a town for ourselves. Let us all cling together, and live in one place (whakakotahitia). Parata: Recited Ruka's words verbatim. I agree to them. Let there be one town. Te Teira: Recited as above, I agree that there shall be one town here, but I shall have another smaller one at my place (meaning his cultivation as a " residence.") This will be the large town as the Governor fixed upon it. Wetere: Recited as above. I agree to a town here, but let there be several; the" Tino Taone" here, but oth re to j.row food—(i.e. not to neglect their cultivations). Hohapata: Recited as above, and agreed also. If I build a house in the town here, I shall also go and live ;it my faro, to raise food for myself. Wiremu: Recited as above. Let there be a town here. I shall live at the town and go to my farm for work; and have thoughts for both. Te Patu: Recited as above. Let the " Tino nui Taone" be here. Rata Patiti: Recited as above.. I agree to this town, but I shall work at my farm, and when business is to be done, return to the town. Pita: Recited as above. I agree to it. Tamati: Recited as above. 1 think it right that we should have a town like Auckland, because from these proceed all the good things; the "Tikanga" of the Governor, Magistrates, and Runangas. Let there be one town here for Runanga, Magistrate's business, and also for Government work. Nooa: Recited as above. Let us have one town for business ; my cattle and horses are at another place. Let me have a piece of ground for my hou<e, and a small piece to leave my horse in when I visit the town to save me " raru raru" about my horse. Pomipi: Recited as above. Let there be one town; " he mahinga ma tatou" for the Runanga, and " korero maha," the same as the Pakeha. Ruihana approved of the town, and then spoke on other subjects. Mohi highly approved of the town. Hori: Recited as above, and said the Tikanga, the Ture, Runanga, and so forth, all came from the town. Let us make proper houses with brick chimneys. Henare, Honi, and Hapurona, each recited as above, and approved of the town. Ruka: (President.) I agree to Nooa's plan. Let each man have his land as he proposes. Let us have one large town here for the disposal of all business.

LOWER WAIKATO.

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