ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

A.—No. 1

49

~Y rolknor), have re-appeared in the vicinity of Opotiki, and have been threatening to attack the settlement. It has accordingly been found necessary for the Military Settlers, located in the district, to leave their isolated farms, and to concentrate for the defence of themselves and their families. On a recent occasion (the Bth ultimo) a skirmish took place between a reconnoitring party of Military Settlers and a marauding body of these Hauhaus, who were found encamped at a new kainga outside the boundary, a short distance from the farms of the Military Settlers. A loss of six of their number was inflicted on the Natives, and two Europeans were slightly wounded. A quantity of ammunition, a rifle belonging to Her Majesty's 40th Regiment, and several muskets, were found in the kainga. Several prisoners were taken, but released on the retirement of the Military Settlers. From the information received by Native letters obtained on this occasion, there can be no doubt that the Hauhaus had traversed British territory for the sole purpose of laying ambuscades and murdering unwary settlers ; under these circumstances, which were previously known to the Government, Major St. John, in military command of the district, conceived it to be his duty, after communicating with the chief Civil officer, not to await the perpetration of further atrocities on the part of the fanatics, but to induce them by vigorous measures to abstain from re-entering the military settlements. He accordingly acted as above stated. Since the skirmish on the Bth ultimo, no collision has taken place, and it is believed that the hostile Natives have returned to their villages in the mountains. The Defence Minister has, however (as your Excellency is aware), proceeded to Opotiki, and has taken such precautionary measures as will, it is hoped, effectually secure the safety of the settlement, and, at the same time, give the assurance that, while the Government is resolved to protect its settlements, it is desirous of avoiding any action which might be construed into an attack not called for in self defence. For His Excellency the Governor. J. Richaedsox.

Enclosure 4 in No. 30. Addeess from Te Poihipi Tukaieangi to His Excellency the Goveeitob. Tapuaeharuru, Taupo, 18th December, 1867. Sir Geoege Boweh", Governor of New Zealand, — Eriend, salutations. I have heard that you are coming to this Island, to New Zealand, to be a parent to us, and to take care of vs —that is, of the whole of this Island. 0 father, salutations. Come on shore ; come to your land, New Zealand, and to your people. Come to see the evil and the good of this Island. Do you see which is evil and which is good. O friend, salutations. My desire is this : that you should travel through your Island, and alsothrough our settlements. Sufficient. From your friend, TE POHIPI TUKAIEAJTGI.

Enclosure 5 in No. 30. His Excellency's Reply. Feiend, — Your letter of welcome was waiting for me here on my arrival. I was glad that the voice of peace and goodwill should come from the heart of the Island to which I have been sent to administer the Queen's laws. I echo back those words of goodness to you and all your people. I have heard of the services you have performed in times past in putting down evil and promoting the good, and it was well that your words should be the first to reach me. From your friend, G. F. Bowen, Governor.

Enclosure 6 in No. 30. Addeess from the WiiANGATnri and Tatjpo Chiefs to His Excellency the Govebnoe. Sic, — We salute you upon your arrival in New Zealand. This our letter to you, namely, that of the Chiefs of Whanganui and Taupo, is to welcome you, our parent, at your first arrival in this Island. Great is our desire to see you at Whanganui, and that you may see us likewise. Do not wait till the arrival of the Prince, but come soon that we may do honor to you and hear your word at a fitting time. This is all. From your friends, George King Te Anana, George Grey, Mister King Paetahi, Charles Tauteko, Governor Paipai, Matthew Tukarangi, Simon Hirote, Paul Poutini, Te Mawhae, John Tumango, Kemp, Hakirei, Zachariah, Joseph, Abednego, And from all the Chiefs of Whanganui, and from all the tribes. To Sir George Bowen, Governor. 13