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anxious for a renewal of hostilities. Others, who have not been actually engaged, believing themselves to be more than a match for our soldiers, are quite ready to renew the quarrel, nothing loth to have an opportunity of trying their strength with the Pakeha. Thos. H. Smith.

NOTES OF AN INTERVIEW BETWEEN HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR AND PIRIPI, OF NGATIHAUA, SEPTEMBER 241H, 1861.

Present:—The Hon. the Native Minister and the Acting Native Secretary, the latter interpreting.

Piripi stated that since his last interview with His Excellency he had been engaged in trying to overcome the opposition of the most determined supporters of the Maori King, to the terms of peace offered by the Governor, and that he had succeeded in gaining over many of those who were the principal advisers of Wireinu Tamihana: that he could reckon twelve men of the Runanga who had been induced to adopt more moderate views, and who would be prepared for concession for the sake of peace ; that there were others whom it would be necessary to try and win over; and that if he and his friends succeeded in their endeavours to this end, Tamihana would then be formally called upon to propose some plan for a peaceful solution of the question at issue with the Government. With reference to the old Chiefs, he believed they would be induced to agree to whatever was resolved on by the younger men who had taken the lead in the King movement. He stated that among the latter several might be reckoned on as committed to moderate and pacific counsels: naming Paora Te Ahuru and Toma Whakapo, whose visit to the Governor in July mightbe taken as a proof of their being favourably disposed. Tioriori might be looked on as not committed to either party, and would offer no opposition. Rewi also, since his return from Taranaki (where he saw the Governor) was anxious for peace. The Chiefs who were yet to be conciliated were Epiha aud Aporo, of Waipa ; Wail ere and Tapihana, of Ngatimaniapoto; and some others. Those who were acting with him (Piripi) in this matter, had sought to divert the minds of the people by introducing sheep into the district. Several of the Chiefs had purchased sheep, and were turning their attention to agriculture with this object, in consequence of advice given to them by Mr. McLean when he visited the Ngatihaua in July last. The advice given by Wiremu Tamihana was to turn their thoughts to raising food for the support of schools for their children, as in his opinion the hope for the New Zealanders was in the rising generation. Piripi further stated that he was at present working in secret, and he did not wish what he was doing to be talked about until the end he had in view should be successfully accomplished; as if his plan were known he should not be able to carry it into effect; but he was anxious to see His Excellency and obtain his approval of the course he had adopted. With reference to William Tamehana himself, he had been very desirous to come into Auckland to confer with the Governor and explain his sentiments; but the Chiefs and the Runanga so determinedly opposed it, that he felt that to follow his own inclination in spite of their remonstrance would only have resulted in mischief. His conduct in this matter had not been dictated by pride, but from feeling that he was bound to respect the wishes of those who had suffered in supporting the cause which they had espoused at his bidding. He, however, had never intended to go so far as the ultra-king party had done. When Potatau was set up, he had asked him what title he wished to be given to him. The old Chief, advised by others, chose the title of King; but he, Thompson, had only thought of a Director of affairs for the Maoris. He, Tamihana, felt that he had treated the Governor with discourtesy in not accepting his invitation, but he had not felt at liberty to adopt any other course. His Excellency replied that he was very glad Piripi had come to see him, and had heard with much satisfaction what he had now told him. It was unnecessary to repeat to him that the Queen desired the welfare of the Maori people; this had been declared times without number; but actions were better than words, and if the Maori people would look at the actions of the Government from the Commencement, they could not but see that kindness and a regard for their interest and welfare had always characterized them. He was now about to leave New Zealand, and as their friend he left them his parting advice. Sir George Grey was coming here, they knew him to be their friend; let the Chiefs make up their minds at once to follow Sir George Grey's advice. Two paths were open before them, the path to life, and the path to death: it was for them to choose : if they chose the path to life they would find the Governor willing to aid them, and to meet their wishes as far as possible, with respect to the mode of government which would be most acceptable to them: they would be able to make known their wishes at the Conference, aud so far as these were reasonable and practicable they would find the Governor willing to meet and aid them. His Excellency expressed his approval of the course adopted by Piripi, and trusted that it would prove successful. It was the work of a wise man to seek to save men's lives instead of destroying them. The plan of seeking to engage the attention of the people in industrial pursuits, such as sheep-farming and cultivation, so as to divert their thoughts from war, he also highly approved. It was by this means that the Pakehas attained to wealth and prosperity. The plan of interesting the people in establishing and supporting schools for their children was also an excellent one. With respect to Tamihana, His Excellency had always entertained a high opinion of his intelligence. He had heard of his school, and was much pleased with the accounts he had received of

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DESPATCHES FROM GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE