E.—No. 2.

pointed but that to do so would bo a breach of faith towards the Ngatiapas, who were undoubtedly entitled to receive a portion of the reut3, they consented that the rents should remain impounded till the purchase was completed. Ihakara subsequently presented me on behalf of the tribes with a carved club as a token that the land was for ever gone from them, and was now in my hands. The following day I met the Ngatiapas at Parawhenua ; there were fully two hundred present including some of the chief* from Wanganui. They had made great preparations in the way of food under the impression that the Xgatiraukawas and Eangitanes would have accepted their invitation. Te Kepa was almost the only spokesman, and he simply said that they were anxious to learn what had passed at the meeting at Manawatu, that for their parts they had given me their lands in January, and were determined to leave the dispute entirely in my hands " Only make haste and settle the matter." I then briefly related the result of my interview with the other tribes, when Kepa and others expressed their entire satisfaction, declaring that they never had denied the claims cither of the Eangitancs or Ngatiraukawas, and that as for the rents they had no wish to receive them till a final adjustment had been effected. I feel therefore that I am fully justified in sayiug that this quarrel which has for so long a period seriously threatened the peace of this Province is now virtually at an end, and that though some considerable tiine'inay elapse before the questions of price, reserves, &c, are arranged, that the purchase of the Block is certain. I have again to bear testimony to the invaluable services rendered to me throughout these difficult and harrassing negotiations by Mr. Walter Buller, and also to express my thanks to his Excellency's G-overnment for leaving me so perfectly free and unfettered. I have, &c, I. E. Featiieeston, Superintendent. Enclosure 1 in No. 1. [translation.] Manawatu, September 23rd, 1864. F"F!lE>'n, This is my message to you. I have listened to the contents of the letter sent to you by Ihakara and the others, Mr. Buller having read over to me the copy in his hands. Enough, I consent to the words of that letter. I therefore ask you to add my name to those affixed to that letter. I have one word more ; it is concerning the leases. lam anxious to have the restrictions relaxed. "When we meet you at Te Wharangi (Trask's) you shall hear all we have to say. Ended. From your friend, Tapa Te Whata, Chief of Ngatikauwhata To Dr. Featherston. Oroua. Enclosure 2 in No. 1. [TUANSLATIOIf.] Tawhirihoe, Eangitikei, September 17, 1864. Feiexd, — This is our message to you. Hearken. Our land lying between the" Manawatu and Eangitikei rivers, the land in dispute between us and the Ngatiapa we place in your hands, for sale to the G-overnment, as the only means of finally settling our difficulty. The price to be paid for the land, and the portions to be reserved for us, will require careful discussion, in order that these matters may be properly adjusted. But we wish you to understand that this is the individual act of a few, the leading men in the dispute, and threatened fight. The general consent of the tribe has not yet been obtained to the proposed sale. The final decision as to selling or refusing to sell, rests of course with the whole tribe. But we are anxious to communicate to you at once our own conclusions on the subject. You are sufficiently acquainted with the system of laud selling—that it is only when both chiefs and people are agreed the land can be absolutely ceded. This is all we have to say to you at present. Ended, From your true friends, lIIAKAHA TUKUMAEr, A Chief of Ngatiraukawa;

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