*.—No. 5.

Natives collected at tlie pa of Paora Apatu, when it was arranged that the friendly Natives should march to the Uni, all armed, and that the Europeans should all stop on the right bank of the river, near the stockade, but that there should be no unnecessary show ; all of which plans were carried out ; but on arriving at the Uhi Pa, and waiting for some time, the Natives returned to Paora Apatu's Pa, first setting a guard on both sides of the river. The nest morning, 18th, the friendly Natives again collected, numbering about one hundred and fifty, under arms, but many more were in readiness should ■ necessity require. We marched up to near the flagstaff. The friendly chiefs present were Kopu, Paora Apatu, Hamana Tupaea, Maehe Kaunoana, Haparoua, Kohe, and others. Hamana commenced by making a speech. lie was followed by Maehe and others ; Kopu spoke at great length. lam -sorry to say that I have not been able to collect all his speech. As it is with Ihaka Whanga at the Mania, so with Kopu here, for it is owing to their staunch loyalty and known bravery that keeps together the Natives of this district. Nothing has yet transpired that would lead me to suppose that there is any immediate likelihood '■of an outbreak here at present; but at the same time I cannot too strongly recommend precaution, for although the Han Hau are compelled to leave here, some of them intend stopping at■ "Wakaki, and others^at the Waui Pa; and it is more their underhand cunning and dissimulation that requires guarding against than their open hostility at present; and at the same time I would state that if the •Government had not taken the precautions they have done in this district, by arming a few of the loyal Natives, and sending up the stockade and volunteers so as to show a bold and determined front, that I should not be now able to make such a favourable report. There has been a small Native Police force organized, of ten men, to perform duty as long as the enemy are in the district, which I hope will meet with your approval. I have, &c, His Honor Donald McLean, Napier, Saml. Locke. Enclosure 5 to Xo. 39. Sib,— Wairoa, 20th April, 18G5. I have the honor to report for your information that a large body of the Pai Marires, consisting of about four hundred, arrived here on Monday last. lam unable to give a detailed report •of their proceedings, as I was unfortunately away at Moliaka on the day in question ; but Mr. Locke, who was present, has sent in a report of the speeches, &c, &c. I am happy to say that owing to the precautions taken by the Government in arming the friendly "Natives, and in sending up a blockhouse, together with the determined stand made by Te Kopu, and indeed nearly all the Natives of this place, the whole affair went off very quietly. I beg to remark here that too much praise cannot be given to Te Kopu for his conduct on this occasion. Paora te Apatu was also very staunch. The Hau Hau propose starling to day for Matiti, and from thence home by the inland route ; they intend leaving a few at the settlements on their way, to get converts, but I am inclined to think they -will be unsuccessful; particularly if the loyal Natives are kept together, which may be done by ■enrolling them in some simple way as a sort of Volunteer Native Force. They appear to be very -anxious to learn the drill. They have a few young men among them who, with a little instruction from the Sergeant of the Defence Force would be quite capable of teaching them in a very short time -and would be the means of keeping them together to a certain extent. I am sorry to say that Te Matinga, with his followers, have joined the Hau Haus ; but I have, written to Ihaka to get all the muskets returned. I believe there will be no difficulty in the matter, .-and as you are aware that Te Matinga was never much liked or respected by the Natives here, verylittle harm will be done by his disaffection. I have been obliged to employ labour in digging a trench round the blockhouse, and have also taken on ten Maoris as a night patrol for a few days. I have, &c, His Honor Donald McLean, Napier. S. Deighton, E.M. No. 40. His Excellency the Governor to the Right Hon. the Secretary op State for the Colonies. Sic, — Government House, Auckland, 7th May, 1565. I have the honor to transmit for your information a copy of a letter addressed to you by Mr. FitzGerald on the 15th ultimo in relation to my Despatches, No. 41 of the 4th, and 46 of the 7th of April last, as also the copy of a letter which Mr. FitzGerald has addressed to the Colonial Secretary on the same subject, expressing his regret that he cannot unsay or modify any of the statements contained in a letter he addressed to Mr. Adderley. 2. I have nothing to add to the statements made in the Despatches to which Mr. FitzGerald refers. lam quite satisfied that the case should now rest on its merits, and believe that ultimately Mr. FitzGerald will deeply regret the course he has in this instance pursued, evidently under the influence of prejudice ; but I wish to correct a few additional mis-statements he has made which might mislead you. 3. Mr. FitzGerald is wrong in saying that the letter from the AVaikato chiefs which led to the murder of two officers and six men of our forces at Tataraimaka in no way emanated from the Lower iWaikato people. It was signed in their behalf by Herewina, a Lower AVaikato chief, who lived within a few miles of oair out-settlements. 4. Mr. FitzGerald is wrong in saying I did not see fit to publish a letter of mine to the Natives until a year after it was written. I have nothing to do with the publication of my letters. This is done by my Eesponsible Advisers, in their own way and at their own time. It is a matter regarding which I have exercised no control whatever. 5. Mr. FitzGerald is wrong in stating that Mr. Domett was the Minister who advised me to erect a court house and police station at the Kohekohe. This advice was tendered to me before Mr. Domett, took office, and he -could have known no more of the subject than Mr. FitzGerald did.

No. 60. Ilr. FitzGerald to Secretary of State, 15th April, 1865, Mr. FitzGerald to Colonial Secretary 17th April, 1865"

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DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW