F.—No. 8

22

PAPERS RELATIVE TO HOROWHENUA.

Hokio, so that you can see the boundaries in dispute between us, and which will enable you to settle the dispute about Horowhenua. Come, lest trouble arise in this district. These days are yours. That is all. From your sincere friend, Meiha Keepa.

No. 82. Major Edwards to the Hon. D. McLean. (Telegram.) Otaki Station, 4th August, 1871. Hunia and Kemp have not gone down by coach. From what I hear, I think they do not intend to go to Wellington. I saw neither of them the last time I went up the coast. I will go up in the morning. J- T- Edwards, E.M.

No. 83. The Hon. D. McLean to Major Edwards. (Telegram.) Wellington, 4th August, 1871. I presume that the reason that Hunia would not come down has been that the Wanganui Natives, whom he wished to accompany him, have not agreed to do so. I should like to know Hunia's reasons for not coming. I have no fresh proposals to make at present. My desire is that they should go back to their places, and have the matter decided by arbitration, at Wellington or some other convenient place. Donald McLean.

. No. 84. Aperanika Taiawhio to the Hon. D. McLean. To Me. McLean, Native Minister. Pukenamu, Wanganui, 9th August, 1871. Friend, —Salutations to you, who are engaged in working for the prosperity of both races, the Europeans and the Maoris. The people living on this river Wanganui have nothing to say with reference to what Kemp and Kawana Hunia are doing, except that it should be decided by the law, both small things and great. The matter is now in your hands, for you are our parent and the parent of all the people of this Island. Do not say that we take any interest in what Kemp is doing. No. Tour tribe, the Wanganui, are quiet; the subject of thought is the meeting of your man Te Mamaku. Perhaps Eewi will come to that meeting, and if you like to come we shall be glad. The day is not yet fixed ; the river is bad, owing to rain and floods. Tour friend, Aperanika Taiawhio.

No. 85. The Hon. D. McLean to Matene Te Whiwhi. Wellington, 10th August, 1871. Hunia has come, and we have talked over matters; he is agreeable to have the difference settled by the Court, but you all tell Ngatihuia to return to their settlements. The investigation will take place by and by, in October or November. lam trying to make Kawana and Te Keepa return to their homes. Donald McLean.

No. 86. Na Hema Te Ao and others to the Hon. D. McLean. Feiend Me. McLean, — • Otaki, 10th August, 1871. Salutations to you. This is a word from us all to you, to the head of the Native Department. Our prayer to you is, that you be quick ; do not delay in settling tho trouble caused by the evil work of Te Keepa and Hunia in the midst ot us ; let them be sent away; let them return to Eangitikei and Wanganui, so that you can clear up the affair in relation to Horowhenua. Do not leave them there, lest evil soon commence, as these people (Ngatiraukawa) are living in idleness, owing to the works of Te Keepa and Hunia. The people have not the hand or the heart to commence useful works (i.e., to plant food) for their bodies. The heart is sad at our living in this manner. It is for you to settle this, that is, the sadness caused by the evil works of these men. Tou listen to our prayer. That is all. From your loving friends under the one Government, Na Hema Te Ao, And 81 others.

No. 87. The Hon. D. McLean to Mr. Claeke. Sib,— Native Office, Wellington, 11th August, 1871. I have the honor to direct you to proceed from Wellington to Otaki on special service. It will be your duty to take up your residence for a short space of time in the vicinity of that place, and to frequently traverse the country, visiting settlements like Horowhenua, Manawatu, &c, and make yourself acquainted with the Native inhabitants. You will lose no opportunity of arriving at the real views held by those on the questions at present affecting them, more especially the Horowhenua dispute, and the disposition they feel to refer this matter to arbitration.