E—No. 3. SECTION I.

Eawhitu, June 16th, 1863. To the Eev. Abchdeacon Mattnsell, — Greetings to you, residing at your dwelling place at Kohanga. This is to inform you that the reason why Mr. Armitage's Europeans went to you was, because I sent them. The cause was :— lstly. A letter from your friends residing at Tuakau and Onewhero, which arrived at Eangariri, saying that an attack should be made on the Europeans of those parts, on account of a feeling of sympathy with the Taranakis, who are now fighting against us. The letter was signed by the Eunanga of Te Atua. 2ndly. A letter from Ngaiuawahia directing that the Eununga should assemble for the purpose of conveying To Eangatake to Taranaki, meaning thereby that he should be conveyed to Te la ; the signature of this letter was the Eunanga of Ngaruawahia. I myself saw those letters, but the word regarding Te la was in a letter read secretly to me by Tipene, it was signed by Euta. Other causes of quarrel from which I thought that evil was likely to arise in Waikato were : — lstly. The disinterment of the corpses at Mangere. 2ndly. The extensive purchases of goods made by the Waikatos. These are the reasons why I sent away the property (i.e. the European servants) of Mr. Armitage. I did not speak fully to Mr. Armitage. I am now for the first time doing so in thus writing to you. I have also spoken in a similar manner to the Eev. Mr. Ashwell. Another evil too, on account of which I was in fear was, because, in my opinion, the feelings of the elders of Waikato have become evil. Now this was the evil. Te .Kihirimi wrote the letter saying, Let Tataraimalca be held fast to, the consequence of which was the evil (fighting) now going on at Taranaki. Furthermore, look at the Hokioi,* now there you see the cause why the first Europeans were killed. It was in consequence of these things that I thought, perhaps these tribes will consent to the evil work (i.e. fighting). Oh, my Father be loving towards me ; destroy this letter, it is for yourself alone ; the people did not know that it was I who sent away those Europeans, according to what they say it was Mr. Armitage who sent them. It is well that those people should have gone, for it is well lest his property (servants) should have been lost. This is my word to you, do not let Mr. Armitage come here to his new abode, there is a snake lying a little on this side of his dwelling, let him remain at your side. My father if you blame me 'tis well; it is for you if you think fit to be angry with me for my presumption in thus addressing you. This I want to say to you, if you hear other people sayiug that I, here, am implicated in the doings of the people, don't believe them, let them talk on. From your friend, Heta Tarawhiti. Great is my sorrow on account of these doings, pray to God in my behalf that I may not be drawn into temptation. * The Hokioi is the Newspaper published by the Xatives of the King party.

Enclosure 2 to No. 26. Heta's House, Eawhitu. June 23, 1863. My Loed Bishop,— Seth says, Tuakau and Onewhero Eunanga (i.e. Ngatipou) have assented to kill some Europeans. They have sent letters to Eangiriri. Heta does not know what answer has been given, their hiding it from him is a bad sign. Messengers were sent from Manukau and Eangiriri to Peria, Eangiahoahia, Hangatikei, on Friday last. Seth does not know the purport of their hacrenga (going); this also they hide from him, he fears mischief is intended. The intentions of Ngatimaniapoto are kept secret. One of the messengers is Hetaraka Muru, the principal man in the affair of Patumahoe. A letter from Tuakau and another from Ngaruawahia have been sent to Eangiriri proposing to carry Eangitake Wi Kingi to Taranaki, i.e. they mean the la. Heta does not know what reply has been given. The take (causes) of the late murders at Taranaki are Eewi and Herewini. Heta fears that ere long some murder will be committed by the Tuakau and Ngatimaniapoto natives. Would it not be well to put the outsettlcrs on their guard ; would it not be well that they should be warned. Ngatimaniapoto are very secret about Aporo, in all probability we may hear of murders soon. Can anything be done to protect Martin's and other outsettlers, who may be exposed to a raid from Taukau. The military at the Bluff are much exposed. I purpose this week to pack up a few of my things and send them off. Next week I may return (D.V.) to Auckland. Heta fears the parents will not let their children go to Auckland. I am doubtful if Benny will return. I cannot do good by remaining longer among a people determined to do evil. I shall leave tables, chairs, crockery, SO., &c, and when the people are in a better state of mind (D.V.) return to them. This is a gloomy letter, but I feel persuaded that a gracious God will bring good out of all. I have, &c, B. Y. Ashwell. I believe Benny will try to return.

Enclosure 3 to No. 26. June 23rd, evening. Anatipa and party are here. At his request I sent for the captain of the "Favourite," who was told "go"—"come," do not fear until I send all the pakehas away.

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TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.