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the laws vindicated, but by far the majority openly contenm the idea of being compelled to submit to the Queen's laws when they do not acknowledge ILr supremacy. They say, let the Queen's laws be enforced on the lands acquired by the Queen, but no further; we, as subjects of the King, will have our own laws to govern us. They complain, that under the Queen's Government they have not equal lights with Europeans, they are restricted from doing as they could wish with their land: that the ordinances prohibiting the sale of ammunition, wines, spirits, &c, have reference to the atives only, and are theiefore arbitrary. Then again, the constitution granted to the colony is looked upon with distrust by many, feeling as they do their inability to assist equally with the settlers in carrying out its principles. As to the relative position of the two races in this district, they are on the whole on good terms: this must however be ascribe 1 solely to the forbearance and conciliating disposition of the settlers, as for the last year or two the Natives have assumed a most dictatorial and bounceable spirit, and now extort and impose upon the settlers on every opportunity. They have a great notion of their superior physical powers, and the late disturbances at Taranaki have certainly aggravated that opinion. They believe that peace was concluded in compliance with the expressed wishes of His Excellency the Governor and the Bishop, and was not solicited or desired by them. The Waikato movement of establishing a King of their owu, is very generally supported and approved of by large majorities of the tribes along the coast, including the Ngatiawas at Waikanae, the Ngatiraukawas at Otaki, Ohau, Manawatu and Rangitikei, and also a portion of the Ngatiapas at Rangitikci It is a difficult matter to ascertain to what extent they severally or collectively might be induced to go in supporting this movement, but I apprehend any ;forcib'e attempt to put down the Maori King would immediately induce large majoiities of the tribes above mentioned to enrol themselves in his defence. Nepia Taratoa, the most influential man of the Ngatiraukawas, has not openly declared hi uself Kingite; but there is no doubt that he has secretly (lone so to his own people, and it is my opinion, that immediately a blow were struck he would come forward in his true colors. F"or particulars of the different tribes and hapus, Christian and Native names of their principal Chiefs and of their territorial claims, &c, 1 cannot, I think, do better than refer you to Mr. Bearancke, who is possessed of the fullest information on all these matters. I am, &c. The Native Secretary. Thomas M. Cook.

T. M. Cook, E„q.

Rev. R Taylor,

No. 13. WANGANUI. REPORT OF THE RET. R. TAYLOR. Wanganui, September 4th, 1861. Sir, According to the request contained in the circular which I have received from your office, I will endeavour to give you as coirect an idea of the present stale of the Native feeling towards the Government in this district, as I am able. To begin with the Ngatiruanui. I fear (with very few exceptions) that they are decidedly hostile to (he British Government and to the settlers in general. They do not permit any to pass through their district, and have been using every effort to draw in the Wanganui Natives to their views. The same may be said of the Patea and Whenuakura Nuives; they are, however, few in number and of little influence. The Ngatirauru or Waitotara Natives aie divided in their sentiments, part side with the Ngatiruauuis, find part viith the British Government. At the head of the latter, may be placed Penehamini, a promising young chief, who appears to use all his influence in b half of tie Government. The next chief who has remained firm is Hare Tipene, who offered a portion of the Waitotara land for sale, and received the first payment for the same as far back as two or three years ago: and who has since lately petitioned to have the purchase completed, to hinder the ISgatiruanui from interfering. It appears highly important that his request should have immediate attention given to it. The Upper Wanganui chiefs appear generally to side with the disaffected, and to sympathise with the King movement. They openly say that in case of the King being attacked at Waikatu, they should go and join in his defence; but one and all express their kindly feeling to the settlers, and their unwillingness to have the war brought into this district. 'Ihe lower Wanganui Natives are decidedly attached to the Government, though alarmtd by the militaiy preparations, and especially by the calling out of the militia. Ilori Kingi, Te Jlawae, Hoani Wiremu, Kawana I'aepae and Hakaraia Porako may be called the chief supp rters of Government in Wanganui. The Wangaehu and Tuiakina Natives, under Aperahama lip.ii, may also be considered steadfast. The Natives of Rangi'.ikei are divided in their frelings; their chief, Kawana Hunia, professes to be a king Native, but the Ngatinpa generally are faithful The Ngatiraukawa on the ltangii kei South tiank are, with few exceptions, king Natives. NepiaTaratoa professes to be attached to Government, but is not, perhaps, to be trusted. All these Natives profess to be friendly to the settlers, and with the exception of running about attending Runangas, they are living veiy quietly. Perhaps the best expression of the Native feeling in their district was seen at Kanihinihi last Monday (September 2), where a large Runanga was held which was attended by nearly all the Wanganui Chiefs, and Taraloa and some few Waitotaras and Waikntos. The professed object was to decide whether individual Chiefs having land outside the European block should be allowed to exercise their rights over it independentof the king's Runanga. This was decided in favor of the land owners; previously, it was intended to hoist the king's flag, but this was not done. They

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ON THE ARRIVAL OF SIR GEORGE GREY.