E_No. 9 Sec. II.

Another conjecture has been hazarded, but I do not place much reliance upon it; viz., that Tapihana is waiting for the consent of William Tamehana (Thompson) to the Ture; when given he will give in his adherence. The day's proceedings were not concluded until suudown, Hone Wetere giving notice that the discussion would be resumed on Monday morning. 6th April.—Conversation with Hone Wetere; told him I considered he had grossly deceived both the Government and myself iv his letters, stating that the tribe had accepted the Ture, &c., and that I should not attend any further Runanga of the tribe, as they had now all rejected the Ture. He stated the tribe had deceived him, and insisted that they had all previously agreed to the Ture. N. B.—Tapihana and party deny this. 7th April.—Went to Poewe to see Mr. Charlton about the Cattle complaints. Tapihana and Haurua (a leading Chief of Tapihana's party) came over here to see me (see speeches). I do not, suppose Tapihana to be in earnest in his threat to levy tolls on vessels coming into Kawhia; but to allay his irritation and prevent him from having a ground of complaint I would suggest the advisability of an official communication being made to the tribes of Kawhia that the port is open, not addressed to Tapihana individually, as that would be a recognition of his importance, aud he is by no means a Chief of high rank, his standing arises solely from his powers as an orator. Tapihana's account to me of his reason for lowering the flag is evidently not the real one, and therefore I feel assured that my first conjecture is correct, viz., that he is willing to accept the laws if assured they are not to be applied against him for his acts at Taranaki. Deputation from South of Kawhia came over to have an account of our proceedings, but returned without applying to me on the subject. William Te Ake, Wi Hikairo and Pumipi, sent for me; explained my reason for refusing the Ture was on account of the division in the tribe; that I came to bring peace not trouble (raru raru); that they must all agree in one mind, and then I could work for them, but that I should inform His Excellency of the proceedings and leave the ultimate decision to him. They assured me they should persevere in their efforts to obtain the Ture; Hone Wetere afterwards said the same. N. B.—Hone Wetere shewed me a letter from Mr. Smith, late Native Secretary, stating that the Government bad £16 in hand of the fees forwarded by Hone Wetere formerly; I beg to recommend that it be retained until a Runanga is formed at Kawhia, as I feel assured this tribe will join us unitedly ere long.

No. 14. REPORT BY J. ARMITAGE, ESQ., RESPECTING THE NGATIWHAUROA HAPU. Resident Magistrate's Office, Sir, — Lower Waikato, 24th April, 1862. I have the honor to inform you that I only returned from Circuit last night. Hona, on behalf of the Ngatiwhauroa tribe, who are partly in my district and partly in that of Mr. Gorst, has been to see me to-day, and informed me that the tribe object to being included iu the latter district, but wish to be in mine altogether. As I purpose going to Auckland next week, in compliance with a private request of the Honorable Mr. Fox, I asked him (Hona) to accompany me, and see you personally on the subject, to which he consented. I hope to be able to bring my final Circuit Report along with me. Early in the morning of the 23rd instant, I met a messenger from W. Nero, on the river. He informed me he was the bearer of rather alarming intelligence to the Government, respecting the King-party. I wish to observe that I have heard nothing of it here ; and that Matutaera and his friends are about proceeding to a large feast in the Hauraki district. I have, &c., The Honorable James Armitage. The Attorney-General, Auckland.

No. 15. REPORT BY J. ARMITAGE, ESQ., RESPECTING HUNDREDS OP TAUPARI AND KOHEKOHE. Resident Magistrate's Office, Lower Waikato, 26th April, 1862. Taupari Hundred. Sir,— I have nothing special to report to you respecting this Hundred. Everything seems progressing favourably ; the proceedings in Court are conducted in a most orderly manner. The members of the Runanga refused to assemble unless some payment was given to them, when Ruka, the Warden, promised them, out of his salary, the sum of five shillings (os.) each per diem for their services ; to meet three times a year. This, I understand, satisfied them. They are very anxious to have the grass seed sent to them. Kohekohe Hundred. On arriving here, on the 21st instant, I was informed by the Assessor, Te Wheoro, that during my absence on Circuit, the Taupari policemen came here, to demand a married woman of the

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LOWER WAIKATO.