A—No. 5

that, though frequently pressed to receive Pai Marires and Kingites, ho had not done so, and would not. He complained that he was none the better for his faithfulness, and said that he had not arms and ammunition enough to shoot a brace of pigeons for his guests. The clergyman from Kawa Kawa now lives at Houkamau's pa under his protection. The Kawa Kawa people, he told me, gave him much trouble, and he thought it best to leave them for a time. Tour letter to Morgan was forwarded from here, with one from Mr. Fulloon, asking him, in my name, to come to me. Though the chief promises not to admit the Pai Marires, I observed a great curiosity among his people to see what the religion was like. At Kawa Kawa : The chief Hona and most of his people met us on the beach. There were not above 30 or 40 men present, but many women and children. The chief said that ho and his people had remained firm and quiet, and would continue so. They want, he and the other speakers said, another Magistrate, and arms to defend themselves; and they also wanted to receive a visit from your Excellency, who they had never seen. I believe there are several Kingites in the pa, and I was told that the King's flag often flies from the flagstaff. The chief returned on board with me, and that afternoon I entertained a large number of Maoris, including several chiefs, and Morgan, who .arrived about sunset. All parts of the ship were free to them ; they saw our arms, and we fired at a mark, &c. ; they left astonished and delighted. Morgan and his clergyman Moses were my guests for the night. ¥c slept at Kawa Kawa the next night (Sunday), and started for Waiapu at daylight on Monday, Ist May, and arrived there the same afternoon ; several chiefs and others accompanied us. At Waiapu: There were not so many Natives present at the meeting as Morgan had expected. Some of the small tribes had been persuaded that if they did not attend, I should go to them, and they did not like Morgan to receive all the honor. There is no doubt of the complete loyalty of Morgan and his people ; but there are many Kingites in tho immediate neighbourhood, and we could see the King's flag flying during my stay at two pas inland. The constantly repeated cry of Morgan's people was :" We are surrounded by dangers ; we want arms and ammunition to defend ourselves ; we want another Magistrate in the room of Mr. White; and we want some soldiers or settlers. At Poverty Bay: I arrived here on the 3rd May, and arranged with Archdeacon Williams for a meeting to be held at Whakako the following day. The principal chief, Kaniatohorau, was absent at Napier; but the Bishop's letter was opened and read by his people. There were about 100 men at the korero. All professed to desire to remain quiet; some declared themselves to be loyal; the majority said they wore neutral. Some of the neutral said that in case of war they would side with the Government. Two acknowledged that they were Pai Marires, but said they had no wish to break the peace. Several wished a visit from your Excellency ; a few said they did not object to your coming, but thought no good would result. Some blamed the Bishop as the cause of the coming of the Pai Marires, and said he need not have left them. Many said they wished him back again ; but some of these said the time was not yet ripe for his return. Morgan and Wickliff spoke out boldly, and were sometimes interrupted. It was reported to me that the deserter Brown (late 57th Eegiment), who has been travelling about the country with the Pai Marires, had escaped from them and was working for a settler named Skyrme; I thought it very desirable that this man should be apprehended. Mr. Fulloon willingly undertook to try to capture him; ha took his measures promptly and effectively; the man was taken into custody by Mr. Fulloon, who brought him on board within four hours of my having desired his capture. Archdeacon Williams informed me that Butler had returned to Opotiki, but that about three days since ho had sent a message to tho Poverty Bay Pai Marires, desiring them to sow potatoes, &c, on the adjacent hills, so that provisions may be ready for him when he revisits them. Butler advises the people to remain quiet as long as they are not interfered with, but they are to send to him and he will immediately come to their assistance if the Pakehas give them trouble. The Maoris wherever I have visited them, appear to be living in a state of unhealthy excitement. The settlers complain that trade is slack and very little doing, but I do not think that their lives or property are in any danger. All tho tribes I saw, speak very highly of Mr. White and regret his loss. Many even of the King party brought their disputes for him to decide, and all wish a good man may be sent to fill his place. In conclusion, I have pleasure in acknowledging the valuable assistance I have received from Mr. Fulloon, his presence was extremely useful, not only as a zealous and obliging interpreter, but also because he was able to explain to the Maoris what has been done in other parts of the Island, and to talk to and advise with them in a friendly and unofficial manner. I have, &c, Sir George Grey, X.C.8., Auckland. J. P. LrcE, Captain. Notes by Mr. James Ftilloon, Interpreter, respecting the Cruise of the "Esk" to the East Cape. 28th April, 18G5. Captain Luce landed at Karetonia, and saw the old chief Iharoira Te Houkamou, who spoko to the following effect:—"Welcome, welcome, my friend the Pakeha. Welcome to Wharu Kahika. Welcome to your place. Steamers frequently come in here, but you arc the first to come in a man-of-war to see me: Welcome. I am living here quietly and without thought. I have remained quietly from the first. They have tried to make me a Kingite without success, now they are trying to convert me to the Hau Hau fanaticism with the same result. I have forbidden them to pass through my territories; they will not come past Cape Eunaway (Tirirau). They (the Hau Haus under Patara) are going to wait there, for the Ngatiporous to go and see them. I do not think they will go to see them: I have forbidden them to do so. They are constantly threatening vs —they say they will clear us off. Look at me, —I have no arms, nor have I legs; if they do come we have nothing to defend L

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ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OE STATE.