F.-tNo. 6b

6

FURTHER REPORTS FROM OFFICERS

No. 4. Mr. Pabbib to the Hon. D. McLean. Sib, — New Plymouth, Bth September, 1870. I have this moment received the enclosed letter from Titokowaru to Ihaia. The mail per " Storm Bird " is closed, but being anxious to forward it, I send it by the steamer without posting. You will see Titokowaru intends being at the Parihaka meeting—an unpleasant position for me, as I cannot avoid seeing him. I think it desirable there should be no movement of the forces in the Patea district, while the meeting is going on ; and if you agree with me, perhaps you will send a telegram to Major Noake to that effect. Please send mo a telegram, via Nelson or Patea, as to your opinion. I anticipate no danger, unless anything occurs in the Patea district if they hear he is likely to be there. Excuse this haste. I have, &c, E, Paebis, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 5. Mr. Coopee to Mr. Paeeis. Sib, — Native Office, Wellington, 13th September, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 7th and Bth instant, upon the subject of the coming meeting at Parihaka, and reporting that Titokowaru has expressed his intention of being present. Mr. McLean considers that this meeting promises to be important in its results, and he instructs me to say that the Government must rely much on your own judgment and discretion.as to the course you may find it expedient to pursue ; and you will no doubt be able to ascertain and represent what Titokowaru's intentions really are without committing the Government to any course in reference to him. No military movement of any kind will be made in the Patea district during the course of the meeting. I have, &c, G. S. Coopee, The Civil Commissioner, Taranaki. Under Secretary.

No. C. Mr. Pabbis to the Hon. D. McLean. Sib,— Parihaka, 22nd September, 1870. As the mailman will-be going on to-morrow, I send this out to the coast road to forward it by him, to inform you how the meeting is progressing. Titokowaru did not arrive until yesterday, having been detained on the road " tangiing" with the few people left at the different places, a custom, I suppose, he could not forego under the circumstances. On approaching the place they fired oil' their guns. There were eighty of them in the party, all armed, fine able-bodied men, well dressed. As I shall be sending a full report after returning, I need only communicate the main questions discussed. Te Whiti, in his opening address, stated that there were several high mountains in the Island which he had put under his foot; the Queen, the Maori king, prophets, and all chief's. This declaration astonished the Southern Natives with Heremia and Ngairo, and the Northern Natives from Tokangalnutu. Aporo, who is the head man of the party from Tokangnmutu, replied that llioua [Jehovah} gave the king the kingdom ; as Ihowa had taken the kingdom from him, it was well. This is the sixth day we have been discussing the questions involved in Te Whiti's proposals, and I have pointed out to the meeting that the sovereignty of the Queen, who is represented by the Government, must be supreme ; and that it is useless to think of peace on any other basis. Yesterday I had a very warm day with Titokowaru, who at first was inclined to be rather fast, until I gave him a severe dressing. To-day he lias behaved very well, and given great satisfaction to the meeting. He declared, in a very formal manner, that he should remain quiet if not interfered with ; that when he returned to Ngatimaru,he should turn his back to Taumatamahoe and Ngatimaniapoto. He also intimated a desire to return to his district, and tried to draw from me my opinion in reference thereto, which I declined to give. He opposed Te Whiti's proposal, and told him no good would come of it. Heremia, from Bangitikei, has behaved exceedingly well, and made some of the most effective speeches of any one present. Hostilities have been most emphatically condemned by all, unless forced upon them ; and upon this , hangs the question as to what they will consider a cause for hostilities. I propose to remain one more day, but do not expect anything more will be decided. I am anxious to see Titokowaru and his party leave the place to return to Ngatimaru. I have, &c, E. Paeeis, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.