VISIT TO THE WAIKATO.

7

A.—No. 12.

Mr. Davis : I want to know whether they are in unison with the statements that were expressed. Manuwhiri: You know the contents of the letter already. Mr. Davis: Don't suppose that I have any other feeling but that of kindness towards you, and a desire to benefit you, and these gentlmen are equally anxious to serve you. Manuwhiri: I know you well. I have not the least doubt as to your sincerity and your good feelings towards us. Mr. Davis: Mr. Firth waited on Sir "William Martin, and made certain propositions to him in reference to bringing about the establishment of peace. Afterwards Mr. Firth heard that Sir William Martin had written to you ; and I wish to see this letter, or to ascertain whether the propositions contained in it agree with those suggested by Mr Firth. Manuwhiri: You know the contents of the letter ; they come from you. Mr. Davis : What think you of the contents of the letter ? Manuwhiri: No ; but what think you of them ? Mr. Davis : Do you approve of them ? Manuwhiri: No ; do you approve of them ? Mr. Davis : I am not quite sure about the contents of that letter. Manuwhiri : I approve of them. Mr. Davis: Are you satisfied that righteousness and peace will kiss each other, if the suggestions mooted in that letter are carried out ? Manuwhiri: Yes. Mr. Davis: That is most excellent, for the lives of men will be preserved, and peace will be restored, and we shall be able to sleep soundly and eat with relish. What are your sentiments in reference to your visiting the Prince ? Manuwhiri: What are yours ? Mr. Davis : We left the Prince in Auckland. Manuwhiri: I heard he was gone. Mr. Davis: We have here the notification in reference to his having remained, and his being willing to come up the Waikato to visit you. [A copy of the extra published by the Daily Southern Cross in reference to the prolongation of the Prince's stay was here read in English by Mr. Davis, and translated into Maori by Mr. Preece.] The foregoing conversation had been listened to with the deepest attention by the Natives, who crowded round the verandah of the council-house, the principal chiefs sitting under the verandah, while the commoner sort of the people sat down or stood up outside. Every point that could command a view of the spot where we sat was occupied, and many of the men looked over the shoulders of those in front. By this time, however, the shades of evening had begun to close, and we were invited to continue the Jcorero inside. A mat was spread for us in a corner of the whare, and we seated ourselves upon it, a lamp being placed beside us. Manuwhiri, who, the reader will be careful to bear in mind, is one and the same person as Tamati Ngapora, then came and squatted clown in front of us as before. _ A Hauhau prayer was then offered up, and a chant sung, which occupied about half an hour. At the conclusion of the service the conversation was resumed. Manuwhiri said : Were you at Opepe (in the Taupo District) ? Mr. Davis : No, I was at Oruanui (Taupo District). Manuwhiri: Te Poihipi and Hohepa Tamamutu were building apa at Opepe, and Te Heuheu, finding it, sent them back. Mr. Davis : I have heard that there has been fighting in that district. Manuwhiri: While we are talking of peace here, there is fighting there, and at many other places. Mr. Davis : Why don't you put a stop to the fighting ? Manuwhiri: AVhy don't you. Mr. Davis : Has all mana (power and authorit}') been taken away from you ? Manuwhiri: Has all mana (all authority) been taken away from you, that you do not put a stop to this fighting? Mr. Davis : I have seen your proclamation in relation to peace, which has gladdened my heart. Manuwhiri: I tried to send it to Te Kooti, who is now fighting, but my messengers could not get through on account of your armies. Mr. Davis : Now that you and I are agreed about peace, cannot you do your part ? Manuwhiri: Cannot you do yours ? You are all-powerful. You have the road open by sea and by land. All you have to say to your side is " Come back," and they will come back immediately. But our side is slow to work. There are hindrances in the way; our messengers are obstructed by your armies. Mr. Davis: You say you are anxious for peace, and we say that we are anxious for peace : cannot you meet the Governor, and state what you want ? Whitiora: I will answer that. We do not want any particular part of Waikato; we want all Waikato and all New Zealand back ; for this is Waikato and there is Waikato (meaning the confiscated line through the country). The Taranaki land belongs to its own people ; the Manukau land belongs to its own people ; the Whanganui and Waikato lands belong to their own people. Let the G-overnor call back all you Europeans, who are sojourners (i.e., living on the confiscated land) merely, throughout the Colony, and not until then will we meet the Governor to talk about peace. Mr. Davis: Our anxiety is that peace should be established throughout the country; that the weapons of war should sleep in the corners of the house; that men should dwell together as brethren, not only in Waikato, but at Taranaki, at Hawke's Bay, Poverty Bay, Opotiki, and all other places. Let us assist each other in bringing about this desirable end. Manuwhiri: He (Whitiora) is speaking about Wairoa, about Whanganui, about Waitara, about Waikato, and other places. Mr. Davis: I should like you to give expression to your feelings with respect to what the Maoris desire to have, in order to bring about the establishment of peace. Manuwhiri: You know already : why do you ask ? You are fully acquainted with my views—fully.