E.—No. 5.

as soon as Mr Volkner landed he was tied to a willow tree, and his head was then cut off with an axe. His body was thrown down for the dogs to eat, his head was " paki pakid," and his brains were given to the women and children. They also stated that Mr. Grace was taken a prisoner by them at the same time. They did not intend to kill him, but keep him as a slave. Before Mr. Volkner's arrival from Auckland, they had broken open his house, and sold all his goods, and regularly ransacked the place, and held war dances in the new church. Wm. J. Youtcg. Witness to Signature — Henry E. Rice. No. 3. THE CIVIL COMMISSIONER, TAURANGA, TO THE HON. THE NATIVE MINISTER. Civil Commissioner's Office, Tauranga, March 7th, 1865. Sin, — In continuation of my report of yesterday's date No. 13, I have the honor to enclose a statement I have just taken down, confirmatory of the melancholy death of the Reverend Mr. Volkner, and the detention of the Rev Mr. Grace by the Pai Marires. There is not the least doubt now of the truthfulness of the whole report. The fanatics are going down the East Coast, carrying everything before them. It is said that Turanga is their destination. Fears are entertained for the safety of the Europeans along the coast. I have, &c, Henry T. Clarke, The Honorable the Native Minister, Civil Commissioner. Wellington. _ • Enclosure 1 to No. 3. STATEMENT JRDE BY " NATANA," OWNER OF THE SCHOONER " JANET." The party of Hau Haus left Whakatanc for Opotiki. The party was made up of people from Taranaki and other tribes. Wepiha Poono and Apanui also went with them. They arrived at Opotiki. When they got there they found that Mr. A Tolkner's vessel had not arrived. The Hau Hau party then divided, some went on to Tavapahore. Patara went also. Kereopa and the other Hau Haus remained at Opotiki. Mr. Volkner's vessel arrived, and entered the river. Kereopa and his party then went on board, and tied up all the Europeans, including Messrs. Volkner and Grace, the vessel was dragged on shore. Messrs. Volkner and Grace were then taken on shore, close to Mr. Volkner's house. The Hau Haus then held a Runanga, and it was decided to kill Mr. Volkner. He was then taken to a willow tree and hanged. He was hanging two hours. He was then let down, and his head was cut oft. His blood was drunk by all the Whakatoheas, the head was preserved. Mr. Volkner's coat, vest, and watch have been taken by Kereopa and party. Mr. Grace's life is preserved; but I heard that he would be taken on to Turanga, and from thence to Taranaki, where he would be killed. Mr. Volkner's property is all taken. They entered the house, and have sold all by auction. The men belonging to the vessel are to be released. This report was given me by Wepiha Poono, who was an eye witness to Mr. Volkner's death. He ran away and arrived at "Whakatanc on Sunday last, March sth. Mr. Volkner was killed on Friday last. Patara was not present at his death ; he was at Tarapahore. Nat an a. Taken before me, this seventh day of March, 1865. Henry T. Clarke, E.M. * No. 4. THE CIVIL COMMISSIONER, BAY OF PLENTY, TO TnE HON. THE NATIVE MINISTER. Civil Commissioner's Office, Maketu, March 9th, 1865. Sir, — I have the honor to forward for the information of the Government, the enclosed translation of a letter received by me from the Native Assessor at Whakatane.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE MURDER OE THE REV. CARL