E—No. 4

No. 1. ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY, TARANAKI, TO THE HONORABLE THE NATIVE MINISTER. New Plymouth, 6th January, 1862. Sir,— I have the honor to forward herewith copy of a letter written by a Native living at Warea, in the Taranaki district, and addressed to a friendly Native living at Moturoa, and to report for the information of His Excellency's Government that I have made an enquiry as to the cause of this extraordinary document, and have obtained the following information in reference thereto :— The Warea Natives are said to have received a letter from a Waikato Native named Tapihana, who lives at Kangitikei, instructing them to hold themselves ready for an emergency; that in the event of His Excellency the Governor continuing to refuse to sanction the Maori King, they had determined to make a sudden attack upon the Europeans. A day was to be fixed, and a simultaneous attack to be made ; but whether on any other place but this, has not been explained. I have not seen Tapihana's letter, and therefore cannot vouch for the truth of this report, which was delivered to me orally. The writer of the letter, herewith enclosed, is related to the Moturoa Natives, who, together with all the friendly Natives, attach great importance to the letter ; so much so, that they are talking of renewing their pas, and strengthening their positions. I am doing all I can to allay any unnecessary alarm, knowing Tapihana to be a complete maniac and fanatic in the Maori King Movement, but of very limited influence in Waikato. I have reported to Colonel Warre, C.B., who has issued instructions to the different Military Posts consequent therefrom. As it is uncertain when a Mail will go by sea, I send this overland. I have, &c, Robert Parris, Assistant Native Secretary. The Honorable the Native Minister, Auckland.

Enclosure to No. 1. December 31st, 1861. Fbiend Hoeea, — Salutations to you all. Hearken you, our elder brothers ; our old women, and our sisters. Hearken to my word. Lean to one side for the day of " mate " (death or tribulation) is nigh unto all the world. I have a word to say to you that you may escape from that " mate." It will be very bad—worse than any that has been seen in the world. That "mate " is the sword. You had better all beware of that day ; assemble all at one place on that day. Publish this letter ; take care of it; let it not be lost. From Ihaia Na Taeo Obanga Tangata.

No. 2. THE HONORABLE THE NATIVE MINISTER TO THE ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY, TARANAKI. Native Secretary's Office, Auckland, January 18, 1862. Sir,— I am directed by the Minister for Native Affairs to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 6th instant, concerning the copy of a letter written by a native named Ihaia, living at Wairea, and to convey to you the thanks of the Government for having taken the steps as reported in your letter. I have, &e., H. Halse, Acting Native Secretary. The Assistant Native Secretary, Taranaki.

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NATIVE AFFAIRS. SECTION X.—TARANAKI.