A.—No. 21
18
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT
No. 50. The Hon. Mr. M'Lean to Manuwhiri. Feiend Manuwhiri, — Auckland, 21st February, 1870. Salutations to you. I sent you a message by the telegraph to inform you that Taiaroa's sou had arrived from Otago ; his name is George Grey. It was at the request of Te Buini that he had come on a visit to see Matutaera. Buini is a native of Waikato, and was formerly a schoolmaster belonging to that district, and went on a visit to the Middle Island. Tana Te Waharoa will put you in possession of our news up to the present time. With reference to the pursuit of Te Kooti, I have to inform you that it is now entirely in the hands of the natives—that is to say it is transferred to Topia and Kemp ; the European force has been withdrawn. This, I think, is right, inasmuch as he has made his appearance in their districts. His (Te Kooti's) object seems entirely to be to stir up rebellion, with a view to our destruction; but you yourself know and understand these things well. There are some of Te Kooti's people who have withdrawn themselves from him. My wish is that you give them good advice, so that they may not again return to Te Kooti's party —that they be advised to sit quietly and peaceably. lam at the same time aware that you lose no opportunity in your endeavours to control and keep within bounds the excitable spirits within your district. Your friend, Donald M'Lean.
No. 51. Manuwhiei to the Hon. Mr. M'Lean. Mr. M'Lean, Te Kuiti, 30th March, 1870. Salutations to you. I have received your letter dated the 21st February, 1870, which I have read. I have also heard from Tana Te Waharoa of what has passed between you two. In reference to the pursuit of Te Kooti, which has now been confided to the Maoris : The Europeans having been called in by you from following up Te Kooti, Te Urewera, and Tamatea, that side of the question has been made very clear, but with reference to the Native forces under Topia, I mean the Queenites, what about them ? With whom is the authority to call them in also (so that this fighting may cease) ? Now, then, what I think is this—The Europeans having ceased to fight against Te Kooti, let all pursuit be given up, whether by Europeans or Maoris; let all cease together. This has been made clear by you. It will also make clear what was said between us, " That the root of the evil should be pulled up or removed, lest it be the cause of more annoyance and trouble to us,"; better, therefore, that all should cease, even to the complete end thereof. This is another word I have to say to you. If it meets with your approval, I will send a party to conduct the prisoners to Buatahuna, so that they may return to their native country. To Mr. M'Lean, Auckland. Manuwhiri.
No. 52. The Hon. D. M'Lean to the Nephews of the late Wiremu Nero. Friends, the Nephews of the late Wiremu Neeo, — Auckland, 23rd January, 1870. Salutations to you all. The letter giving the particulars of your meeting has reached me. It is good that you have seen those friends of yours that were separated by past troubles come and make their lamentations for Te Awaitaia. You must have regard for those friends of ours, and have compassion one towards another. It rests with you to offer advice to Tiaho (Sophia)—that is to say, to them all that have come to lament for your deceased parent. I have no other word to say to you. I send you and your visitors good wishes. From your friend, To the Nephews of the late Wiremu Nero. Donald M'Lean.
No. 53. Hetaraka Nero to the Hon. Mr. M'Lean. Friend Mr. M'Lean,— Baglan, 3rd March, 1870. Salutations. Your greeting to us your children has reached us—we concur—and are cherishing Waikato for their love to your friend Te Awaitaia. Their wonder, too, will not cease—not in a day, not in two days, nor in a year—at the great love shown to Waikato by (us) the children of you and of Te Awaitaia. This is a statement which was published at this meeting: that Waikato will not assist Te Kooti. Waikato wish that we should not follow him within their boundaries, but outside their boundaries Te Kooti is ours. Another subject—lf I had not invited Waikato to the lament for Te Awaitaia, Ngatimaniapoto would have risen. Another subject—Be strong to restrain crimes. If you see a crime committed by Waikato, be firm; it is the crime only of the man who commits it. Beace would have been firmly established by Manuwhiri when you went to Tokangamutu, but Bewi took it into his hands, and Manuwhiri did not address you. The bad reports are by other men ; but Manuwhiri and Matutaera wish for you to be their friend in the years which are to come. These statements are made confidentially.