IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

15

F.—No. 6b.

64,13th March, 1871.

67, 2iut March, 1871.

■and Titokowaru with about forty followers, and about twenty of the Pukerangiora Natives under ■•Hapurona. At this meeting a number of the leading men spoke, and all of them in favour of peace and quietness, and recommending that Waikato should bo left to work out their own devices. Several of -Titokowaru's men spoke, and said that they wished to live quietly, when I reminded them that they said the same thing at the Parihaka meeting last September, but that on returning from the meeting they behaved very badly at Opunake, when they killed a lot of sheep. Titokowaru got up and explained the whole thing, and how it was brought about by the poisoning of their dogs, which the Opunake Natives refused to pay for, and tho withholding of a woman belonging to them, lie reminded me of what he said to me at Parihaka about the woman. His explanation was considered satisfactory by tho Natives present, but I told him I could not take tho same view of it, and that I considered they had anted badly in killing the sheep, and that so long aw they continued to be guilty of such lawless acts they could not expect to live quiet and peaceable. During the meeting Titokowaru received a letter from a Native named Kokiri, who, for some time past has been living with some others at Omuturangi, between Oeo and Ivaupokonui, having returned from Ngatimaru, and settled there. Titokowaru stood up and read the letter twice to the meeting, and then requested me to explain what it meaut. It is stated in tho letter that a party of sixty Europeans have commenced bush expeditions in search of Titokowaru and his people, on account of a report that they were intending to return to the district. I enclose herewith a copy of tho letter. As I was returning from Whanganui after tho election, tho Natives along the coast spoke to me about an armed party of Constabulary going into the bush, and asked mo if fighting was to be commenced again, that if they fell in with any Natives they would kill them. Not knowing what else to say, I told them that I supposed they went out for marching exercise. As the Native Board meets this week to consider this and other matters, I deem it better not to make any remarks myself in this letter, as the Board will in all probability adopt a resolution which will be forwarded to you. Titokowaru and his people arc still in the district, where they have been visiting the Waiongona, Waitara, and Ngatirahiri Natives, all of whom have evidently strong sympathy in his favour. At the Mataitawa meeting, the settlers of the district mixed up with them, and the meeting passed of quietly. I have, &c, Tho Hon. the Native and Defence Minister, B. Paeeis, Auckland. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure in No. 25. [Teanslation.] To Waeu (Titokowaeu) and Heke,— Omuturangi, 11th March, 1871. This is a word of explanation to you two. We met Harawira seaward of the earth camp. The reason of his coming was on account of Europeans having gone into the bush to look for you, you having said that we were all returning here. Mr Parris reported it here. Our word, therefore, to those .who intended to come is, that they had better not come yet, as things arc very unsatisfactory. This report is true ; they have been to Turangarere, and are going to Te Ngaere soon. We therefore advise you two not to let any one come. The Europeans were sixty in number. Mr Parris said that, as they have no work, they went out to march. The information is from Takiora. Erom Kokiei. Erom Nuku.

No. 26. The Hon. D. McLean to Mr. Paeeis. Sie, — Grahamstown, Thames, 25th March, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the numbers and dates quoted No. in the margin, with reference to the Native meetings hold at Motukaramu and Mataitawa, at the latter of which you were present. As regards the letter read by Titokowaru, respecting the bush expeditions No. recently made by parties of Armed Constabulary, you were quite right in the answer you gave to the 'Natives, viz., that the men were merely exercising in marching. "While anxious, however, that the force 'should do all that is necessary to keep up their efficiency, I will issue instructions to the Officer Commanding the District to discontinue the practice referred to, as I do not wish in any way to uuliecessarily provoke a hostile feeling in the minds of the Natives. I have, Ac, E. Parris, Esq., Civil Commissioner, New Plymouth. Donald McLean.

No. 27. Mr. Paeeis to Mr. IIAtSE. Sie,— New Plymouth, 30tli March, 1871. I have the honor to forward herewith for approval an account for medicines which were required by Assistant-Surgeon O'Carroll for the treatment of sick Natives in the out-districts, under au arrangement made, with the authority of the Hon. the Native Minister in January last. The arrangement has had a good effect upon the Natives, who appear very much pleased with the AssistantSurgeon's visiting them, and readily submit to any orders he gives them for the treatment of patients.