TO NATIVE AFFAIRS.

33

A.—No., 16,

what was said between Mr Parris, Native Commissioner, and Te Whiti at a meeting held at Parihaka, a part only of which they understand. The Ngatiraukawa chiefs have not as yet made up their minds whether they will or not attend the above proposed meeting. I should have reported the circumstance of the Ngatiruanui messengers earlier, but I delayed to get correct information as to the reason of their presence here, and how any intelligence they brought was taken by the Natives here. I have now to report that the Natives in this neighborhood are very reticent on the subject of the Ngatiruanui invitation. They appear to treat the matter as something not worth talking about. Matene Te Whiwhi informs me this evening that Wi Hapi, Heremia te Tihi, and a number of other Natives from Oroua, Manawatu, are on their way to pay him a visit at Otaki, and are supposed to be at Ohau pa to-night. Ohau is about six miles north of Otaki. Matene Te Whiwhi says that he believes good will come from this visit. I have. &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Affairs, J. A. Knocks. Wellington.

No. 45. Mr. J. A. Knocks to the Under-Secretary Native Department. Resident Magistrate's Office, Sir— ... otaki > 4th July> 187°I have the honor to report that the Natives of this District continue quiet and peaceably disposed, and at present are principally occupied, some in taking their land through the Native Lands Court, and others watching the proceedings, and upon the whole seem to be satisfied. I delayed reporting to you by last post, as I had not then any definite information as to the result of the nightly meetings held by the Natives here since Thursday evening last. I have now to state that I am informed by Matene Te Whiwhi, Karanama Te Kapukai, and Ihakara Tukumaru, all Ngatiraukawa Chiefs, that at several meetings held, at which Wi Hapi, Heremia Te Tihi, and other Hauhau leaders were present, it has been concluded that the Native meeting proposed to be held in March 1871, should not be called until the Ngatiraukawa Chiefs had communicated with Tawhiao, as the said meeting would be too one-sided and serve no good purpose, the chances being that the Natives who had joined in the rebellion would not attend without being first consulted. Ihakara Tukumaru and Karanama Te Kapukai now inform me that at a consultation of Chiefs held last night at which Wi Hapi and Hauhau party were present, it was agreed that the Ngatiraukawa Chiefs, both Queenites and Hauhaus, should go personally during the month of September next to see Tawhiao, for the purpose of ascertaining his intention about making peace ; also to understand what is really meant by the contents of Manuwhiri's letter of May last, addressed to the Ngatiraukawa Hauhaus, which is strongly objected to by both Hauhaus and Queenites. Ihakara Tukumaru says they purpose starting for Tokangamutu sometime in September next, and that he expects the party will number from 100 to 200 persons, that they may be strong enough to meet any opposition from Te Kooti, and that they intend to go armed for their protection. Ihakara Tukumaru has written to-day to Te Poihipi, of Taupo, informing that Chief that he, Ihakara and Ngatiraukawa party purpose passing through Taupo. Matene Te Whiwhi informs me that Wi Hapi expresses himself as anxious about the Rangitikei land question, which is the principal reason for his coming to Otaki, that he fears that Ngawaka, a Hauhau leader of Oroua, who is very obstinate about a claim of his to a portion of the Rangitikei Block, may lead them, the Hauhaus, into trouble. That Ngawaka has already gone so far as to pull up some of the survey poles, stating as his reason for so doing that neither himself nor Hapi had consented to the sale, nor had they received any of the money. That he, Wi Hapi, came to Otaki trusting that Ngatiraukawa would assist him in overcoming Ngawaka's opposition; otherwise, he felt that it would end in a quarrel which would involve the whole Ngatiraukawa ; that if a quarrel should arise through this land question, he and Heremia Te Tihi and people would leave the district, and return to their native homes in the North; that he, Wi Hapi, quite concurred with them in the object for calling a general meeting of the tribes, as he thought a good deal of good would be derived by the different tribes being in a position to talk to each other; but that he objected to Wi Tako taking a leading part in bringing the tribes together, as he had been a kingite, and had assisted in bringing their present trouble about. I have not as yet heard what impression the Ngatiraukawa reasoning has made on Ngawaka ; he is at present with Wi Hapi and party, and appears to be sulky. Ihakara Tukumaru and Karanama Te Kapukai express their belief that a visit of the Otaki Ngatiraukawa to Tokangamutu will be productive of good, and hope the Government will not object to their going. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary Native Department, J. A. Knocks. Wellington.

Note. —The following reports have been received since the foregoing sheets were in type. No. 46. Mr. Locke, R.M., to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Napier, June 21st, 1870. I have the honor to forward the following report of the East Coast portion of my district, including Waiapu, Poverty Bay, and Wairoa. I enclose a separate report on the Taupo District. 9