F.—No. Gb

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

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Topine informed me that they had been directly influenced by what had transpired at Waikato, in the steps now taken by himself and people, to again open up communication with the Europeans at Wanganui, whereby friendly feelings might be restored, and rendered binding for the future. lam much encouraged by what occurred during my late visit, and trust that our friend Topine's wishes, as expressed by him to the Hon. William Fox, may be fully realized in the future, viz., that the Wanganui tribes may once more become a united people under the Queen. I have, Ac, H. Halse, Esq., Assistant Under Seretary, Bichaed Watson Woon, E.M. Wellington.

OTAKI. No. 34. Mr. Knocks to Mr. Halse. Sib,— Eesident Magistrate's Office, Otaki, 15th May, 1871. I have the honor to report that Native matters in this district are going on in a most quiet manner, and that their tone is favourable to the Government. On Monday, the 9th instant, during the night, while Wi Ilapi was at "Waikawa, about thirty Kingite Natives from Oroua, Ohau, and Waikawa came to Pukckaraka, Otaki, where they formed a ring round the Kingite flagstaff representing..Tainui, going through a certain form of incantation indicating why the Tainui portion of Kingism had failed, and returned to Waikawa the same night, in the most secret manner. It has gince-been rumoured about, and understood by the Natives here, that the failure of Taiuui, as a supporter of Kingism, is to be attributed to their not joining in the war against the I'akeha. Wi Hapi, Heremia Te Tihi, Ngawaka, and about ten Hauhau followers, arrived at Otaki on Thursday evening, after a stay at Ohau and Waikawa for a few days. They appeared to be much quieter in tone, the late surliness of- manner seems to have been cast aside, and they offer to be friendly. Shortly after their arrival, Matene Te AVhiwhi invited me to go with him to a meeting called on the occasion of the arrival of the above-named Natives, for the purpose of hearing Matene.Te Whiwhi relate his impression of Native matters during his visit to the Northern tribes with the Hon. the Native Minister. Matene stated to the meeting that the tone of the Kingite Natives in the North was quite subdued, that they were very poor, and begging of the Hon. the Native Minister to supply them with food and clothes, dwelling" particularly on what was said between himself and Eewi Maniapoto : that he, Matene, had reminded Eewi Maniapoto of having shown a desire for peace, and that he requested him to marry himself to peaceable purposes, and that Bewi Maniapoto promised that he would. Ngawaka, the only Hauhau that spoke at the meeting, said, " Tes, Matene, what you have stated is correct; Kingism is changing ; w 7e all wish for peace." ... I was present with Matene Te Whiwhi when he informed Ngawaka that he (Matene) had been requested by the Hon. Mr. McLean to write to Eawiri Te Koha to desist from opposing the survey at Eangitikei, and that he had telegraphed to Eawiri to come and meet him at Otaki, while tho Eangitikei people were here. Ngawaka said that their opposition to the survey was not intended as a real obstruction to the survey, but that they objected to the road passing through their houses. Matene Te Whiwhi appear3 to be very sanguine that the Natives will shortly give in a general submission to the Government. . I am, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. J. A. Knocks.