E.—No. A

mation came from Te Puke and returned immediately to watch the proceedings of this party. This statement has been taken down by the Native Assessor Paul. I enclose the document and translation herewith, also a sketch shewing the position of the places named. I am informed that there is a Native pa at To Kaliika which has recently been partially fortified, and it is supposed that it is intended to bo made a rendezvous for the disaffected Natives from Eotorua and Tauranga. I am informed that there is a Native fool path from Te Puke to Kari Kari (inland of Maungatapu) but it is not practicable for horses. There is a path also from the North West side of Eotorua lake to Te Puka of a similar character. There is also a path from Maketu to Benana. The Maketu river is navigable for canoes for some miles beyond Kenana. The Waiari branch is also navigable for canoes as far as Te Kahika. It is reported here that Natives to the number of 200 are now assembling at Te Puke, but I believe the number has been greatly exaggerated ; it is, however, probablo^that Hori Tupaea's party will be joined by the Ngaiterangiwewelii from Eotorua who have nearly all gone over to the Pai Marire superstition. Under these circumstances it would be useless for the Civil power to attempt the arrest of Tamahana. I am unable to say how far the Arawa Natives would be prepared to co-operate in any military operations undertaken for the purpose of taking or dispersing the Pai Marire fanatics. The Ngatiwhakaiane branch ajjpear quite prepared to adopt vigorous measures for the purpose, but I have not yet been able to ascertain the views of the other sections of the Arawa. I have little doubt that volunteers could be had if required to act in conjunction with the Military, and even were they willing, I think it would not be desirable to employ them in any other way. Dr. Nesbit has kindly undertaken to be the bearer of this letter to you. 'I his gentleman is in possession of my views and can furnish detailed information upon many points in connection with the state of things here which may assist you in deciding upon the course to be adopted, and which could rot so conveniently be conveyed by letter. I have, &c, Tuos. H. Smith, C. C. Enclosure to No. 16. Maketu, February 2, 1865. This is to report that a man from Te Puke has come here to Maketu ; his name is Ephraim, and he belongs to the Tapiuka Tribe. He stated as follows : — Hori Tupaea and Tamahana Tiu have arrived at Te Puke ; their party numbered 30, and there were 20 from Eotorua, making 50 altogether ; he thinks, however, that the number is 100 by this time, as men are arriving continually during these few days. These are the words of that Tiu, which he heard : — 1. That all the King's people should assemble at Te Puke. 2. That they should then consider about writing a letter hither to Maketu to ask permission of the people of Maketu for that Tiu to pass this way on his journey to the Southward, that if the Maketu people refused, then that Tiu said a letter was to be written to each of the other places of the Arawas, and if all those refused, then he would come right on to Maketu. Ephraim, however, did not hear anything said about fighting. All he knows is, that he saw that the men carried arms ; this looks like fighting, especially when it is said that they propose coming openly here to Maketu. This is all the statement that Ephraim made to us. Paul te Amoiiau. Ha>*e Haka. Peteee Pakuatua. No. 17. COLONEL GEEEE, TATTBANGA, TO T. H. SMITH, ESQ. Camp Te Papa, Tauranga, February 4, 18G5. Sic,— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, relative to the Chief Hori Tupaea, and Te Tiu Tamahana having occupied a strong Pa, and threatened to force their way through the Arawa Country. I understand that you consider these men should be prevented going eastward. I quite agree in that view. The latest accounts have shewn that the East Cape Natives have returned to their homes and intend to keep the peace ; the intention of those Chiefs is no doubt to stir them up a^ain and renew a hostile spirit among the enemies of the Arawa. E

17

HATJ HAU SUPERSTITION AMONG THE MAOEIES.