A.—No. 16.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATING

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Having appointments at Waimate, I was obliged to leave on the 14th, earlier than I otherwise should have done, the natives at that time not having begun to disperse, but intending to do so this morning, which intention I have no doubt they would carry out Avith as much order as they did the assembling of themselves together. I have, &c., The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Edward M. Williams, R.M. Wellington.

No. 43. Mr. H. H. Maning to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Auckland, May 25th, 1870. I have the honor to inform you that I was present at a large native meeting held at Waima, in Hokianga, on the 11th instant, the occasion being the exhumation of the bones of Arama Karaka Pi. There were about 2800 natives present, principally Ngapuhi; the Rarawa tribes were also represented by most of their influential chiefs. The provisions were on the usual liberal scale—stacks of kumaras, potatoes, pigs, flour, sugar, and tobacco. After these had been distributed, the natives, numbering about 1000, performed a war dance, after which a number of speeches were made by the different chiefs of the Ngapuhi and Rarawa, containing assurances of future friendship between themselves and towards the Government. There is every reason to believe the differences which for some time caused an ill-feeling to exist between the Earawa and Ngapuhi regarding Te Wake are now dispelled. Mohi Tawhai especially made a long speech on this subject, hoping that all unfriendly feelings might cease, and that for the future the two tribes may live peaceably. He also promised on behalf of himself and the Ngapuhi that Te Wake was free to go where he liked without fear of molestation at their hands. Most of the European inhabitants of Hokianga were present to show their respect to the memory of the late Arama Karaka Pi. The meeting lasted three days, and passed off in a most satisfactory manner. ]No disturbances of any kind happened to mar the universal harmony which prevailed throughout. This is in a great measure due to the absence of intoxicating liquors, for which great credit is due to Mohi Tawhai, who prevented any being brought to the meeting. I forgot to mention that at the distribution of the provisions, a number of potatoes, pigs, sheep, sugar and tobacco were given to me and Perenara Te Tai (who accompanied me from Auckland) on behalf of the Government. We accepted the compliment, and divided the presents amongst the natives again. I have, <fee, The Under-Secretary, Native Department. Hereward H. Maning.

Enclosure in No. 43. List of Provisions supplied at the Feast at Waima, Hokianga, May 16th, 1870. Kits of potatoes and kumaras to visitors ... ... ... 1860 Pigs to accompany this lot .. ... ... ... 100 Potatoes and kumaras on the great stand ... ... ... 2559 With it bags of flour ... ... ... ... 186 Bags of sugar ... ... ... ... ... 81 Do Biscuit ... ... ... ... ... 20 Tobacco ... ... ... ... ... 4501b5. Pigs ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 Sheep ... ... ... ... ... ... 9 Preserved sweet potato—kits, &c. ... ... ... 16 £300 worth of various goods. Number of Natives present at tho meeting, 3000 ; at the war dance, 1000 fighting men. Hereward H. Maning.

No. 44. Mr. J. A. Knocks to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Resident Magistrate's Office, Sir,— _ _ _ Otaki, 20th June, 1870. I have the honor to report that the Natives in this district continue peaceably disposed, and that the late excitement in reference to the purposed Native meeting to be held in March next has cooled down. Neither is there anything further said about their wishing to send some of themselves to represent them in Parliament, only that they are waiting for the Government to consent to, and assist them in, carrying out the above purposes. Two Ngatiruanui Native messengers, sent by Te Whiti, of Parihaka, Taranaki, conveying letters of invitation to a general meeting to be held either at Parihaka or Warea in September next, passed through Otaki last week on their way to Waikanae and Wairarapa. Kiharoa Te Mahauariki, a Hauhau leader of this place, informs me that the letter to them states