A.—No. 5.

correct. It was standing there the word of the Governor: " Let the evils of the Pakeha and Maori be buried in the tomb of Potatau." This letter was intrusted to the Eev. W. Barton (W. Patene) to deliver. I have forgotten to mention before, that on the 29th May, J. C. Firth, Esq., accompanied by Messrs. J. W. Preece and C. O. Davis, arrived at Ngaruawahia, en route to Tokangamutu, where they were journeying with the intention of seeing the King Natives, and inducing them to attend the meeting at Ngaruawahia. I understood at the time that this was a private affair, and therefore did not in any way interfere in the matter. I merely informed them, that the meeting at Ngaruawahia was convened by Te Wheoro, and not by the Governor or Government. On their arrival at Ilangatiki, Manuhiri wished them to go right through to Tokangamutu; but Bewi refused to allow this, on the ground that Manuhiri had not agreed to his proposition to meet the Governor at Ngaruawahia. I append Mr. A. Barton's report on this subject, which is very interesting, as it shows there must have been considerable discussion between Eewi and Manuhiri about the proposed meeting. It also seems pretty clear that Te Wheoro was justified in convening the meeting, but that the non-compliance with his invitation arose from dissensions among the leaders of the rebel party. Mr. A. Barton's report is very plainly and distinctly given. Te Wheoro also received two letters from Orahiri, which confirm my opinion that he was badly treated by the rebel leaders. On the 10th June the Eev. "W. Barton arrived at Ngaruawahia; he then informed the assembled Natives (between GOO and 700) of his proceedings, and that the decision of the King party was, that they would not attend the meeting. This is very clearly set forth in W. Barton's letter, which is enclosed herewith. He afterwards gave me some additional reasons why the King party did not come, viz.,—" That some years ago, when Te Eauparaha (father of Tamihana to Eauparaha) was in confinement on board H.M.S. ' Calliope,' Potatau had interceded for him and procured his release: that now Tamihana te Eauparaha had come to propose peace in recompense for that, and they would not have it. Also, that Mr. C. 0. Davis, who accompanied Mr. Firth, had teld the Natives to hold out for giving up the Waikato lands as far as Mangatawhiri." Annexed is a pamphlet giving an account of Mr. Firth's proceedings. It has transpired that the King party were much annoyed that the Ngapuhi, Ngatipaoa, Ngatimaru, and Ngatiwhatua chiefs should have travelled to Ngaruawahia for no purpose. On receipt of this intelligence I at once broke up the Native meeting. The only business transacted after this was to endeavour to persuade the Thames and Ngatihaua Tribes to discontinue their quarrel about the Aroha Mountain. The Ngatihaua admitted they had encroached on the lands of Ngatipaoa, and offered to give up some portion. This did not at all coincide with the Thames people's idea of their rights, and was refused. All Waikato then agreed to support the Ngatihaua, and, if necessary, fight on their side against the Thames Tribes. The meeting broke up on the 11th instant, and I returned to Auckland on the 12th, but arrived there too late to report to His Excellency the Governor, or the Hon. Dr. Pollen, as they had both left for Wellington that evening. The opinion I. have formed of the whole question is, that Eewi Maniapoto was really desirous of meeting His Excellency the Governor at Ngaruawahia, but that he met with strong opposition from Manuhiri, and but little support from Tawhiao. I have heard that Eewi has since the murders at the White Cliffs, been apprehensive of the Government sending an expedition into his country, and he does not wish to lose any land. Eewi, also, perhaps would be glad to eject the fugitive Waikato Tribes from Tokangamutu, and he would be the gainer by their making terms, and taking land in the confiscated district. Information has been conveyed to me from various sources, that the common people of the Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto Tribes do not approve of Manuhiri's proceedings, or of the treatment which Wiremu te Wheoro received through his agency. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, James Mackat, jun., Wellington. Civil Commissioner. Enclosure A. He niu ka torona ki nga iwi katou. 1. Ko te patu a te tangata i te whenua me mutu. 2. Ko te patu a te tangata i te tangata kaati. Ko te maui kite maui ko te matau kite matau. Na Tawhiao i Mea. Ilangatiki wahi o te Kuiti, Aperira 26, 1869. [teanslation.] A Proclamation to all the tribes. The word niu is a Hauhau word denoting a flagstaff or a sacred spear, round which worship is performed. Ist. The killing by man of the land to cease. Ist. Probably means that confiscation and leasing of land by Pakehas is to cease. 2nd. The slaying of man by man to cease. The 2nd. Probably means that Maoris are to cease left to the left, the right to the right. to kill their fellow-countrymen. Let the Pakeha adhere to the Pakeha, and the Maori to the Maori. By command of Tawhiao (at) Hangatika, part The whole is ambiguous, like all documents of Te Kuiti, 26th April, 1869. emanating from Tokangamutu. Enclosure B. » Ngaruawahia, Mci 22, 1869. Ko nga kupu tenei i timataria ai te karanga ki Ngaruawahia ara nga kupu i rangona c au o te taha ki a Eewi ma koia tenei. Tuatahi, ka tae au k^ Hangatiki te tuatahi o nga tikanga ko te panui mo te 2

Enclosure K.

Enclosure L. Enclosures M. andN.

Enclosure O.

For confirmation, vide Appendix A. No. 12.

A MEETING HELD AT NGARUAWAHIA.

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