AND MAORI CHIEFS.

17

A.—No. 21

Te Wheoro—That is a different thing. The arms that you allude to were asked for by your friend Topia, who asked for them at your own request. Manuwhiri —No ;he is not my friend. He belongs especially to your party. Manuwhiri —Bevenge sufficient has already been exacted from Te Kooti ; he has been attacked at Taupo, and Te Heuheu has been taken prisoner. Te Wheoro—He (Te Kooti) has not made sufficient atonement for his guilt. Nothing but his death will atone. It was through him that Te Heuheu and his people were taken. It was he who induced Te Heuheu to take arms, and the consequence was that he was taken, and he used force to accomplish this. Manuwhiri —Are you, then, without fault ? Blame rests with you, as it does with myself, on account of the Waikato war. Te Wheoro —That was an honourable fair fight; it was done in broad daylight [as contrasted with Te Kooti's work]. Manuwhiri—Should those people come here, I shall make them my own. Te Wheoro—lt is possible that what you say may be agreed to [by the Government], but take my advice stretch not forth your hand to help that man, neither give him quarter in this district. Manuwhiri —I have nothing more to say with reference to Te Kooti. He has already been chastised. Had you and the other Maoris remained quiet, and not made the first attack, leaving it to Te Kooti to make the first aggression, and then for you to attack him in return. Te Wheoro —There have been many persons put to death by him. It is not right that he should be allowed to go free. It is, moreover, not right that so many persons should suffer through the guilt of one man. This is another word of mine to you : Had you, as you ought to have done, got up in pursuit of Te Kooti, I would have assisted you. If you still think that the European force should cease in their pursuit after Te Kooti, then address yourself to the Government on the subject. Manuwhiri —That is just what 1 thought—that you, the Europeans, should withdraw from the pursuit, and leave to me to consider as to the pursuit of Te Kooti, lest he should come and trespass within my bounds; but now I have done with the matter, since Te Kooti has already been punished. Te Wheoro—Now, Manuwhiri, take care; do not permit this man to come within this district. Manuwhiri —He shall not be allowed to come or interfere in this place. Te Wheoro—l hope so. Do not permit that man to enter this district. Should I hear of any disturbances here, I shall again come back and visit you. This finished the interview. I returned to Otorohanga, and here I saw the zeal with which Louis Hetit and his children carried the letters of Manuwhiri to Alexandra, to be taken on to the Government, and the Government letters to Manuwhiri to the Kuiti, by way of Alexandra. This finishes the account of what took place at this visit. Wi Te Wheoro.

No. 47. The Hon. Mr. M'Lean to Biwai Te Kiore. Friend Biwai, — Auckland, 27th January, 1870. Salutations to you. Your letter has reached me, explaining the word of Te Hira. The consultation for peace within the boundaries of Hauraki (Thames) has been completed; but should trouble arise who can help it 1 I have no faith in what Te Kooti says. You know his murders are many—his words are for good, and afterwards he has slain both young and old. That is why we regard with suspicion the acts of that man. From your friend, To Biwai Te Kiore, Hauraki. Donald M'Lean.

No. 48. The Hon. Mr. M'Lean to Hauaueu Potaua. Friend Hauauru, — Auckland, 9th February, 1870. Salutations to you. I have seen your letter to Mr. Searancke, telling him that should Te Kooti attack him you will be there and your friends to defend you. Your words are very clear. Our ideas are alike in reference to that murderer, Te Kooti. Our joint desire is to put down those who are guilty of murders and other crimes, that peace may soon return to our borders. Friend, your words, or letter, are very plain on this subject. From your friend, To Hauauru Potaua, at Baglan, Waikato. Donald M'Lean.

No. 49. Manuwhiei to the Hon. Mr. M'Lean. Mr. M'Lean,— Te Kuiti, 14th February, 1870. V our letter with reference to the rents has been received. The amount of the rents connected with the Mangere property is quite correct, viz., £1 per acre. Dr. Furchas knows all about it. It is with Dr. Purchas. From your friend, To Mr. M'Lean, Auckland. Manuwhiri. I think that seven years was the time arranged between Dr. Purchas and myself, but the doctor knows ; and with reference also to the land at Bemuera he knows about that also—he has the deed in his possession. 5