E—No. 7

at Waihi, Te Wetini Nga Kahawai, son of Tawhao; at Mokau, Te Kaka Ngatawa; at Awakino, Wetere Takerei, son of the late Takerei Waitara, who disposed of all the territory over which he had any control to the Government. He was friendly disposed to Europeans since I became acquainted with him, which is many years ago. I may observe here that these people wrote to the Chief Commissioner at Taranaki after hostilities commenced, stating that they would take no part against the Government. Notwithstanding this assurance, Tikaokao, with a number of the Mokau Natives, joined the Waikatos: they were at the attack on No. 3 Redoubt, and afterwards held the rifle pits at Te Arei pah most tenaciously. I have been informed by Hapurona, that, had it not been for Tikaokao, the Natives would have fled to the bush long before peace was made with Te Ngatiawa. The other chiefs took no active part in the late conflict; but Tikaokao, who is now quiet, will be found leading his people against us, the first opportunity that presents itself. The next Native settlement is at Waikawau, where a section of the Ngatikinohaku tribe resides, whose principal chief is Te Wetini Pakukohatu, who lives in the interior: Te Hemara Paroa takes the lead on the coast. These people were well disposed towards the Government until the late insurrection, when they took arms and joined the Waikato party at Waitara. They have now abandoned their settlement on the coast, fearing they might be attacked from the sea. The coast between Waikawau and Te Taharoa (formerly the residence of Te Rauparaha) may be said to be abandoned for the same reason. The Natives at Te Taharoa belong to the Ngatimahuta branch of the Waikato family. They were considered by the traders of Kawhia to be the most straightforward and well conducted people in that neighbourhood, and well affected to the Government; yet many of them were found dead amongst the enemy in the field at Taranaki. The chief Maneha, son of the Roto Pihopa, said they were compelled to go in self defence lest they should be attacked by the war party on its return from Taranaki. The principal chiefs of Ngatimaniapoto residing on the South side of Kawhia, are Te Pakaru Nuitone, Takerei Ngamotu, Hone Pumipi, aud Anatipa. These chiefs and their people (excepting Takerei) took up the cause of difference between W. King and the Governor most promptly, although Te Pakaru was an Assessor: his son was at the seat of war, from which he returned to Kawhia wounded. Te Pakaru was always a man of great influence in Kawhia, and is now considered the principal chief of the Ngatimaniapoto tribe; his son Mateni Poihipi, several years ago, while on the beach after fishing, requested his slave wife to bring him a light, which she declined to do, when he struck her with a piece of wood on the temple and killed her. This was soon known at Auckland, and a policeman was despatched to Kawhia to make enquiry into the case. The Natives believing he was sent to take the Native into custotly and bring him to Auckland, threatened the policeman, who soon returned, and from that period Matene became our enemy. Shortly after the war commenced, Matene and his relations came to Yates' store in Kawhia and ransacked the place, taking away with them a number of double barrel guns. Hone Pumipi was considered a friendly Native to the settlers, and disposed of a block of land South of Kawhia to the Government: he lost influence with his tribe for persisting in selling his own property, and the only reason I can conceive for his taking up King's quarrel, was to regain influence with his own party, who have been opposed to the sale of all land to the Government. Anatipa, son in law to Te Pakaru, led the Waikato party at Puketakauere; he is a most intelligent chief, and speaks English remarkably well; he resided in Sydney for several years, and is well acquainted with English manners and customs. After living at the kainga Maori for some time he has become a thorough Maori in his habits, and is perhaps the greatest enemy to the Government in all Kawhia.

John Rogan, Esq.

William Kumete is a chief of the Ngatitamainu tribe (Waikato); he was considered the best Native in Kawhia, and without any apparent reason he also joined the ranks of the King party, and was wounded at No. 3 Redoubt. When chiefs of this man's previous good character are found to change their disposition so suddenly, it is difficult to place confidence in any Native, especially in times of war. Nearly all his followers were at the war, but some of them never returned. He made an excursion through Waikato, after his return from Taranaki, inciting the Natives to join their countrymen. The North side of Kawhia is occupied by a branch of the Waikatos, called Ngatihikairo; who, to my knowledge, have, for several years past, always been prone to quarrel, even with their neighbours. They have repeatedly threatened me, if I should attempt the survey of a block of land offered for sale by Te Kanewa Kihirini, who was then desirous of having European neighbours, but who now is one of the pillars of the Maori King at Ngaruawahia. Kikikoi is the Chief of Ngatihikairo, and his son Hone Wetere is the Native Assessor. I believe their near relations did not go to Taranaki, but the tribe was the first war party that moved for the South. I have no hesitation iv saying that I believe the Kawhia Natives are the most disaffected people in the country, and I think it will be seen that they will be amongst the first to join in any rebellion against the Government. At Aotea there are three of the Waikato confederation, called respectively, Te Patupo, Ngatinaho, and Ngatitewehi. Pingareka is the Chief of the Patupo tribe; some of his people joined the enemy in the latter part of the war. The Ngatinaho tribe, of whom Hohepa, a relation of the celebrated Chief Muriwhenua, is the leader, has always remained faithful to the Government. The Ngatitewehi party have not, to my knowledge, moved in the recent disturbance, although they may be considered very uncertain, as they are related to Ngatihaua; and it is very probable these people would sympathise with their friends in the event of a war with Waikato. I was stationed at Raglan for a considerable time, purchasing laud from the Ngatimahanga tribe, of whom W. Nera is the principal Chief. This section of the Waikato people is unquestionably the most staunch on the side of the Government of any tribe that I am acquainted with

4

REPORTS ON THE STATE OF THE NATIVES.