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it. It was his high opinion of Tamihana which had made him anxious to see him, that they might have an opportunity of conferring together ; believing that by conversing freely together, a good understanding would be arrived at: that Tamihana must, of course, judge for himself as to the expediency of accepting the Governor's invitation, but that His Excellency was willing to see him or any of the Waikato Chiefs who might wish to confer with him, and would be always ready to listen to them and to answer any questions they might ask. His Excellency's advice was that they should lose no time, hesitating about the course to he followed, but make up their minds to take the path of peace, and accept the terms set forth in the declaration which was sent to the Ngaruawahia meeting. Thos. H. Smith.

NOTES OF AN INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND AIHIPENE OP NGATITEATA.

At an interview with His Excellency the Governor on the 25th September, 1861, the Chief Aihipene Kaihau, of the Ngatiteata, expressed himself to the following effect:— He hoped His Excellency would not leave New Zealand with dark forebodings for the future. He believed the time was approaching when the Waikato Chiefs would become wiser, and more amenable to reason than they had been. He had lately seen many indications of this. One thing he especially noticed, which was that the forbearance shewn by the Governor in suspending hostilities up to the present time had produced a great effect on the minds of those who had been most disaffected. Even those who were still indisposed to concession, admitted that the Governor had shewn that he was influenced by kindly feelings towards the Maories. This belief in the Governor's benevolent disposition towards them was becoming very general in Waikato; and, now that his sentiments were better understood, much regret would be felt at his departure. Aihipene also stated that at a late meeting the question was warmly discussed as to whether Waikato should again interfere, in the event of hostilities between the Europeans and any of the Southern tribes. The question was referred to Matutaera, Potatau's successor, who deprecated taking up arms under any other circumstances than that of an attack upon themselves. Even in the event of troops being stationed at Te la, on the Waikato, he would advise their remaining quiet. Only in the case of an attempt to take land not fairly acquired, would their interference be justifiable. Aihipene further stated, that he had lately discussed the same question with Porokoru, and other Ngatihaua Chiefs, who had, he believed, been convinced by his arguments in favour of non-interference. He had suggested that the better course would be to employ the mediation of some neutral tribe to remonstrate with the party who might be considered to be in the wrong. With respect to Matutaera himself, Aihipene said that he knew him to be anxious for peace. His advice to the people was to turn their thoughts to industrial pursuits, and to raising food for themselves and their children; also to behave well to the Europeans living among them. The defiant language which was held by some of the more headstrong and reckless, did not receive his countenance or approval. It was his (Aihipene's) opinion that the Waikato Chiefs were beginning to think more like men, and less like children, than they had done; and that His Excellency would hear in another land of their having forsaken their past folly, and adopted a wiser course than they had hitherto pursued. For himself, he felt affection for his people, but no sympathy with their vain projects, which were the offspring of ignorance and would be abandoned as they grew wiser. His relative Te Katipa had died professing friendship to the Europeans, and attachment to the Government; and those whom he left behind him were pledged to maintain the same friendly relations. He regretted that His Excellency was leaving the country, as he felt that the Maoris would lose a friend ; and though he knew that Sir George Grey was also their friend, and came here as the representative of the same Sovereign, this did not prevent his feeling sorrow at the departure of the Governor whom they had learned to regard as a parent, and whose kindness was only now becoming generally understood and appreciated. Thos. H. Smith.

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TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.