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and their companions. Had it not been for Te Kooti, Mr. M'Lean would have visited you. He remained in Auckland to look after Waikato and Tauranga. Soon, when Kemp and Topia return to Whanganui, Mr. M'Lean will go there, and then he will speak to them and to you about this matter. I will be in Wellington by the end of March ; then you can write to me, and I will write to you. That is all. Your friend, W. Fox.

No. 65. John Patterson, M.G.A., to the Hon. Mr. M'Lean. To Mr. M'Lean,— Kaiapoi, 16th March, 1870. Salutations to you. I have seen and read the letters addressed to Pita Te Hori and his friends. My friend, when that man Buini Ngaingai arrived here on the 22nd of November, 1869, at the hour of one o'clock, he began his account of his visit to see his friends, and the King also. It was agreeable to hear his statement, because it was something new. The substance of what he said was with reference to an understanding come to between Taiaroa and Potatau at the time of the meeting at Kohimarama. When Taiaroa went to Waikato and to other ] daces in the district, he spoke in the usual Maori style. You know the old Maori style of speaking in former days. I was present at that runanga, and the Chiefs gave their consent without much consideration, among whom was Pita Te Hori himself. Pita Te Hori proposed that he should be tho bearer of this talk to Otago, and to the other settlements, and he did so. I said at this meeting or runanga that if the Maori King and this runanga had spoken the words which I heard at Wellington while attending the Parliament, and what I also heard from Mr. M'Lean, that if all the chiefs from all the different tribes were to meet together in a runanga, and they were to decide that the Government was in the wrong, then perhaps Waikato might be returned to the Natives ; but as it is, the Waikatos themselves, of their own accord, commenced the mischief or fighting with the Government. Why, then, should we take any part in the matter ? As for me, I shall not myself tako any part in those proceedings of yours. Pita Te Hori replied—" You alone, Mete Kingi, and Wi Tako, have adopted that opinion." My reply was—" lam not prepared to admit the truth of that assertion." My friend, there was nothing objectionable in wdiat Buini had said. It was he, Pita Te Hori, who went out of his way to meddle with tho affairs of another people, and with him the bulk of his own tribe. And so with reference to Kerei Taiaroa. It was to him that the King's message was especially directed—that he was to go on a visit to the Maori King, to fulfil the agreement that his father made with Potatau, to the effect that he would conduct or bring to this island the people of the King. On my own part I said that I would not consent to have the name of the King mentioned in this island, neither that I wish to have the name of Hauhau mentioned. I said, let this island remain in peace. It will have enough to do to settle its own troubles when they come by-and-bye. As for what they say about making peace, this is the first I have heard of that. I wish to know what cause of dispute existed between the people of this island and the Waikato that should render a peace-making necessary ? These were the words I addressed to the runanga on this occasion, as well as to all the runangas assembled on the 17th and 18th of January, 1870. I said to them also that if they as a body were to try to put me down, I would not submit—l meant, of course, on the side of the Government. My own opinion was this—that their talk was for the sake of excitement, and amounted to a waste of time. Should they deny the truth of this statement, write and let me know, and I will bring them to an account in your presence. From your friend, ___________________ John Patterson, M.G.A.

No. 66. The Hon. Mr. M'Lean to Manuwhiri. To Manuwhiri, — Auckland, 25th March, 1870. Salutations to you and to Matutaera and Te Paea. I have received your letter of the 4th of March about the balance of the rent for Mangere and Te Pukapuka. Very well, Louis Hetit is taking it up—£4oo. Your friend, •■ "•• Donald M'Lean.

No. 67. The Hon. Mr. M'Lean to Bewi. Friend Bewi, — Auckland, 6th April, 1870. Salutations to you. I have been long waiting for a letter from you, but it has not come yet. Never mind, this is a friendly letter to you, lest you should be in doubt as to what my intentions are. This is my word : If you are still of opinion that a meeting should be held at Taupo, in the presence of Poihipi, write that I may hear. lam waiting for your word. Your friend, To Manga, Te Kuiti, via Otorohanga. Donald M'Lean. 6

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AND MAORI CHIEFS.