TO NATIVE AFFAIRS.

A.—No. 16.

23

Topini has sent an invitation to Major Nixon (who is an old friend) and myself to visit him at Maraekowai, but I do not think it will be advisable, at any rate so far as I myself am concerned, to visit Topini until he and his people have first come to the Aomarama. As to the application for arms, I think the same argument will hold good as in the case of issuing arms to Topia, viz : That Topini is a chief of sufficient standing to render the experiment a safe one, especially under the restrictions proposed by Pehi; and I feel confident as in Topia's case, when once Topini receives assistance from Government in arms and ammunition, the allegiance of himself and of his tribe will be permanently secured to tho Government. I would therefore respectfully suggest that a few (say thirty or forty) rifles be lent to Topini, and if you Sir, can possibly spare the time to come to Whanganui for a week, I think there is very little doubt but that the allegiance of every Native on this river will be secured. List week a man from Okirihau named Kawherio, paid a visit to the Ngatimaru district, Upper Waitara. He went by way of the Taumatamahoe road, and on the second day after leaving the Whanganui river, he reached the settlement; where, besides the Ngatimaru, he found Titokowaru with his people, 100 in number. They have been living there ever since their retreat from Te Ngaere. A letter was a short time ago sent to Titokowaru, to Whiti and to Tohu, (the two last of Parihaka) asking them to go to Te Kuiti next month, (April). Titokowaru said he should if he was not engaged preparing his land for cultivation at the time. Kawherio told Titokowaru that all the Whanganui Hauhaus had given in their allegiance to the Government and had become soldiers, and that he himself was a captain over twenty men —the latter part of the statement was purely imaginary. He was not allowed to go to the sea coast to visit the Ngatiawa. A party of ten Ngatimaru Natives have come with him to Whanganui. Monday, 28th. When I reached Town on Saturday I learut that Mete Kingi, getting anxious about not hearing for so long a time from Kemp and Topia, had determined to raise 100 men and go after them; but fortunately on Saturday evening letters arrived which are satisfactory, so the idea will be abandoned. Mete is most useful here, and has, during the last few months, done excellent service for the Government, but I am afraid he would not be so useful in the field. Tho Hon. the Native Minister, I have, <fee, Auckland. James Booth, R,M.

No. 27. Mr. J. Booth, R.M., to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Whanganui, April 11, 1870. I have the honor to report that the Natives in my district are all peaceable and well disposed towards the Government. Topini te Mamaku and his tribe are at Maraekowai, awaiting the result of the visit of Topini's wife, which was reported in my last letter. Topini says he is willing to come right through to Town but Tamati Ngapora (Manuwhiri) advised him to come no further than the Aomarama at present, on account of his being a Hauhau " Pou." Tahana was also a " Pou," but he has thrown off all allegiance to Hauhauism and Kingism. I learnt on my arrival here on Saturday last, by telegram from the Hon. Mr. Fox, that a report had reached the Government by way of Taupo to the effect that the leading Kingite chiefs are assuming a hostile position towards the Government, and that the King is alone in his desire for peace. I do not think there is much truth in the report, or Topini, who is in constant communication with Waikato, would have heard of it. There is a good deal of excitement amongst the Europeans at this place about the return of Hata Rio and Aperahama Tamaiparea, to Waitotara. The Ngarauru who are living up the river at Tawhitirau, at Kauaeroa, and at Hiruharama, have had nothing whatever to do with that attempt; they do not profess to have any desire to return, but are willing to live at Whanganui during the pleasure of the Government. In conclusion I have the honor to state that in compliance with instructions from the Hon. the Premier, I find that a good bridle and pack track can be made from Ranana to Murimotu ; it was an old war track, and abandoned on account of scarcity of water. There will be only one side cutting of any consequence, on the left bank of the Mangawhero; the rest will be through thickly wooded but comparatively level country. "^.The Natives are delighted at the good news from the East Coast. The Hon. the Native Minister, I have, &c, Auckland. James Booth, R.M.

No. 28. Mr. H. T. Kemp to Mr. J. Booth, R.M. Civil Commissioner's Office, Sir,— Auckland, April 20, 1870. I am desired by the Hon. the Native Minister to acknowledge the receipt of your interesting reports, dated respectively the 26th March and 11th April, and to thank you for the information therein contained. Tou will, ere this reaches you, have learnt of the return of the Whanganui Natives, who have for the present suspended their operations against Te Kooti. James Booth, Esq., R.M., I have, &c, Upper Whanganui. H. T. Kemp.