E.—No. 4

make this point clear to Matiu and his party because according to Native views they have had great grounds for apprehension; having been informed by Tirarau that Mr. Bell had written, to him to say that the Land Commissioner, Mr. Rogan, was directed to survey the disputed block in order to effect a purchase for the Government, that he, Tirarau might pay some of his debts. I am perfectly satisfied that all Hokianga and the greater part of Ngapuhi will support Matiu in his claim, and, should an attempt to take forcible possession be made, that it will lead to bloodshed. I beg therefore to suggest that a letter be written to Tirarau from the Government to the effect that no disputed land will be purchased, and that Mr. Eogan should be instructed to inform Tirarau to this effect, also, a letter to Matiu to the same effect, and a copy of which, is to be forwarded as early as convenient. At the first District Runanga I propose bringing the subject before them and will then forward their decision. I have, &c, George Clarke, Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure 1 to No. 2. Waimate, February 19th, 1862. Sib,— In compliance with your request that in consequence of information I had received that a quarrel of a serious nature was likely to take place between Matiu Te Aranui of Mangakahia, and Tirarau of the Wairoa, I should proceed thither and endeavour to preserve the peace between these parties ; I have the honor to inform you that on the 11th instant, in company with Mr. Hopkins Clarke and three Native Assessors, I proceeded to Mangakahia and had an interview with Matiu. The anticipated quarrel we found to be, as reported, in consequence of a disputed tract of country, Matiu having determined to start on the 14th instant, with an armed party for the purpose of drawing a surveyors' chain along the boundary line, Tirarau at the same time threatening to fire upon them as soon as they appeared on the land. We endeavoured to dissuade Matiu from taking this step, and proposed that the question should be decided either by the district llunanga or by arbitration, and after some difficulty succeeded in obtaining his consent. On the 14th instant, we proceeded to the Poroti, Hori Kingi Tahau's residence, where we met Tahau and Tirarau, and made the same proposal to them; they positively refused to attend any meeting ■which might be held either at Waimate or Mangakahia, but expressed a willingness to attend at Whangarei. On returning to Mangakahia and acquainting Matiu with the result of our interview with Tirarau, he as positively refused to attend at Whangarei, declaring his conviction that Tirarau would never be brought to terms, and therefore he should proceed with his chain. This declaration led to a second long and tedious meeting, which however ended in our obtaining a promise that his party should remain inactive until the 28th February, when, if they could be assured that the Government had stopped any survey or sales, on the part of Tirarau, of the disputed land, a longer time should be agreed upon for negotiation. The anxiety felt by these Natives is occasioned by an assertion made by Tirarau himself, that he is on the point of having a portion of this disputed land surveyed and sold for the purpose of liquidating his debts. Hira Te Awa, who as you arc aware, is an influential chief, spoke in a very decided manner upon the subject; he assured us they were fully determined Tirarau should never hold this land, and that if the Government were unable to settle the question, they should resort to arms and take forcible possession. Matiu has the sympathy of all the influential chiefs in this district, he being generally considered the oppressed party, and I have no doubt that should hostilities once commence he will be joined by most of the Ngapuhi tribes. I trust therefore that in reporting this case to the Government, you will urge the necessity of immediate action, and that such steps should be taken as may lead if possible to an amicable adjustment of the question. I have, &c, Edwakd M. Williams, Resident Magistrate. George Clarke, Esq., Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure 2 to No. 2. Waimate, February 20th, 1863. Friend the Governor. Salutations. We have a word to say to you. We and our pakeha, Edward Williams, went to Mangakahia on the 12th February, to look at the disturbance between Matiu and Te Tirarau. Enough, we stopped Matiu's chain, and we said to him, " Would you not agree to let (this matter) go before the Bunanga?" Matiu replied " Very well, but be quick about it, let it be in the days of February. Do you write to the Governor to keep back the surveyors ; if the surveyors are restrained, do you work in the days of March. If Te Tirarau's side do not keep the surveyors back, evil will be the consequence." Matiu's words to us ended here. On the 14th February we went to Te Tirarau. This was our word to Te Tirarau and Hori Tahua, " Will you not agree to let your dispute with Matiu go before the Eunanga at Waimate ?" Te Tirarau replied, " No, I will not go to Waimate, I don't want any assessors or Eunanga, I am my own assessor, I have no laws. I am only waiting for Matiu's chain; if Matiu brings his chain out, the man (who chains) will be killed by me. I will soon bring out my chain (to measure) off a piece of land to pay my debts. This was what annoyed Matiu, and why ho wished the affair to be quickly brought before the Eunanga at Waimate. These words are ended."

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NATIVE AFFAIRS.