CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

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A—No. 17

nf the above settlements. I returned to Napier on the 24th instant. The first chief of importance in the Taupo District with whom I communicated was Poihipi Tukairangi. I found him and his followers (about twenty-five men), and about fifty Arawas under their chief Te Kepa Tuhourangi, at Tapuaeharuru. Poihipi has always been an advocate for opening up the interior of the country by roads &c, and expressed ldmself as being very desirous to have that part of the country settled by Europeans. I enclose a letter, with rough map attached, from him addressed to Mr. M'Lean, in which he sets forth his views on that subject. I explained to him the nature of the arrangements the Government proposed respecting the Kaimanawa Gold Fields, with which, he fully concurred, and in fact appeared to highly appreciate the advantages to be derived from a European occupancy of the district. At Tokano I found Hataraka te Whefcu, Paora Hapi, Hohepa Tamaumutu, and other chiefs of the Ngatituwharctoa tribe, with their followers ; also Henare Tomoana, witl^the Ngatikahungunu. These people showed the same friendly feeling as Poihipi, and all appeared to appreciate the prompt manner in which assistance had been rendered by the Government when they lay entirely exposed to the murderous band of Te Kooti. At Eotoaira, which is the present head-quarters, I met Hare Tauteka and Kingi Te Herekiekie, with Te Parera, Karaitiana Te Eangi, and Ihakara, from Patea, and other chiefs of that district. There was also Eenata Kawepo, with about oue hundred and thirty followers. Hare Tauteka is one of the most important chiefs of that part of the coimtry. and as Eotoaira is likely to be about the centre of our future operations for some time, and should the Kaimanawa Eanges turn out a rich diggings, that district would soon be the scene of great excitement. I took great pains to thoroughly explain the intentions of the Government to him and the Patea chiefs. Hare Tauteka and the Patea chiefs are the principal owners of the Kaimanawa country, and with them the final agreement was made for the handing over of the whole country (about 300,000 acres) to the Government, according to regulations drawn up and carefully translated into the Maori'language, and explained to them in the presence of several witnesses, including Lieut.-C'olonel M'Donnell, who rendered me great assistance in bringing this important arrangement to a satisfactory issue. I feel satisfied that as soon as the all-engrossing subject which now attracts the attention of the natives of that part of the island is somewhat abated, a large amount native labour could be obtained from that and the neighbouring districts for the purposes of making roads and other useful and important public works, not only from those tribes or hapus generally looked upon as friendly or neutral, but also, with judicious management, many of the natives who are now in a semi-rebellious state would take up the new excitement, and soon be led to appreciate the benefits to be derived from more easy communication and a friendly intercourse with the Europeans; and once having started the works, and gained their confidence, I should have no fears but that the feeling would spread throughout the island. 1 have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, S. Locke. General Government Agent, Napier.

Enclosure 2 in No. 100. [translation.] Copy of a Letter from Poihipi Tukairangi to the Hon. D. M'Lean. Tapuaeharuru, To Mr. M'Lean. Taupo, 20th September, 1869. Friend, salutations to you. Mr. Locke has arrived here, and we have been talking aboxit the conditions for mining gold. lam agreeable to lease my portion of Kaimanawa, Parinui 0 Ngaki, Kavvatara, extending to the top of Kaimauawa, and on to the other side. Another subject was the road-making. I have long ago consented to the road to Tauranga and Napier. Make haste with this work. Don't prolong these roads which Mr. Locke and myself have been talking about. Friend, the whole of the people are agreeable to have the roads made. The reason is my great desire that we may have light afforded to us into the middle of this island—that is, into Taupo. ft is a desire that I have had of former days, from the first to the second, the third, the fourth, and even xip to the present Governor, and now I am pleased with the present subjects brought to me by Mr. Locke. That is all on those subjects. lam also pleased to have Mr. Locke as a friend here in Taupo to supervise the works of this place. That is all. From your friend, Poihipi Tckaieangi.

No. 101. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Mr. Gisborne to His Honor J. D. Osmond. Colonial Secretary's Office, SlB, — Wellington, 11th October, 1869. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist inst., enclosing a copy of Mr. Locke's report of his late visit to Taupo, and to express my gratification at its contents. The native letter (translated) which also accompanied your letter will be answered, with an expression of the desire of the Government to employ natives in road-making. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, General Government Agent, Napier. W. Gisborne. 12