E.—No, 4.

Whether the Chief Arama Karaka has joined Matin for war or peace, is problematical; in the late disgraceful skirmish, when three of Matiu's party were killed and three were wounded, Arama Karaka took no part in the affray, and is said to have been much displeased with those who did ; still I am of opinion, that though pacific, he would have been better away, and I have written to him to that effect. The Government will learn with satisfaction, that most of the Ngapuhi Chiefs are making great efforts for conciliating the hostile parties ; and they are very inquisitive to learn what steps the Government have taken, or are proposing to take, with Tirarau, for the restoration of peace ; and they are feeling sore about Rotorua and Ngatiwhatua Natives being employed against them by Tirarau. I can have but little doubt that, with the assistance of Native Officers, we shall be able to restoain Ngapuhi Natives to the extent of preventing any large body joining Matin,, provided the Government can prevail upon Tirarau, and prevent his making further demonstration; and it is satisfactory to know that all the respectable chiefs continue to express their displeasure with parties engaged in hostilities, but more especially with those who ai-e receiving salaries from the Government. The Government seems to express its surprise, that " after professed loyalty, and a desire to adopt civilized habits," such an occurrence should take place ; it is to be regretted, but the Government have no cause for discouragement as to the ultimate success of the Policy ; there has not been time for its operation, and however good, we must not expect it to work as by Magic, changing the Moral and Social State in a day. Our own civilization, the work of centuries, is not without its anomalies arising from remaining ignorance and prejudice ; it was but the other day in the nineteenth century when a National benefit of the greatest magnitude, met with such opposition, as will hardly be credible a century hence. The railway scheme for years, was opposed with such violence, amounting in some cases almost to riot, as to stop its progress, and that not by the vulgar but by gentlemen of the first education ; we ought not therefore to be surprised' or discouraged by a semi-barbarous and uneducated race, presenting anomalies, and sometimes acting in opposition to their best interests, arising from ignorance and prejudice. There will be occurrences in Native affairs, which will at times require and call forth the rebuke of the Government, and I apprehend not the least of our difficulties with the Natives will be in the settling the boundaries of land, which will try and exercise the patience and forbearance of a Parental Government; but by perseverance in the present policy, I am under no apprehension of failure, nor can I yet see anything to discourage the beneficent scheme of the Government. Before closing my letter, I will trouble you with one more remark. The impression upon the minds of the Ngapuhi Chiefs to the present time is, that some promise or encouragement has been held out to Tirarau by the Government, respecting purchasing the disputed land. I know that Tirarau has affirmed it ; the consequence has been that hitherto I have not been able wholly to disabuse their minds ; some have gone so far as to affirm that a deposit has been paid to Tirarau by the Government, and that the case is similar to the Waitara one. I think this incorrect impression might be entirely removed, by giving it a contradiction through the Maori Messenger. Enclosed No. 1, is a copy of my expressions conveyed to the Natives, upon my own responsibility, before receiving your letter expressive of the Governor's displeasure at their conduct in general, but more particularly with those Natives in the pay of the Government. This, although not worded as that which I am directed to circulate, will I think meet the wishes of the Government, be effective with the Natives, without provoking that natural combativeness, which is constitutional. The Government displeasure cannot be too strongly expressed, but if accompanied by anything approaching to a direct threat, it would I fear defeat its own purpose. Under these and other circumstances I have deferred circulating your proclamation in its present form, until I can learn your further pleasure, and beg to submit for your approbation, that the draft No. 2, be substituted. I also enclose a copy of a letter I have just received from Mr. Clendon, which expresses not only the good feeling of Hokianga Chiefs, but of Ngapuhi in general. I have, <fec, George Clarke. Civil Commissioner. The Honorable the Native Minister.

No. 9. W. B. WHITE, R.M., MONGONTJI, TO THE HONORABLE THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL. Resident Magistrate's Office, Mongonui, June 7th, 1862. Sir,— I have just received your letters relative to the disturbances between Tirarau and Matiu. I shall lose no time in making known the opinion of the Government ; at the same time, I am happy to say, none of the Natives of my district have, as yet, joined in this affair, nor do I think they will.

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