S.-r-No. 3a,

8

E ÜBTHER REPORTS EROM

remarks to the Ngatiwhakaue and told them how much pleasure I had experienced in listening to their loyal speeches. I left Ohinemutu at three o'clock p.m., arriving at Tauranga at half-past ten o'clock the same evening. I have &c, H. T. Ciaeke, Civil Commissioner.

No. 6. The Eesident Magisteate, Waimate, to the Assistant Undee-Secbetaey. Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Waimate, Bay of Islands, Bth March, 1872. I have the honor to report for the information of the Honorable the Native Minister, that a Native laud quarrel, which I regret to state was the cause of open hostilities actually commencing, has been brought to a termination and peace restored between the parties. This disputed land is situated on the south-west side of the " Omapere Lake," the disputants being Wi Hongi of "Te Uriohau " tribe, aud Wi Whata of " Ngatikorohue " tribe. Several meetings had taken place about this land, at one of which, on the 11th of January last, I was present, when it was agreed by both parties that the question of ownership should be decided in the .Native Land Court. This agreement was subsequently ignored by "Te Uriohau " who proceeded to build a pa upon the ground, a step quickly followed by " Ngatikorohue " who erected a stockade within musket shot of their opponents, and for the first few days all proposals made were rejected by both parties, a desultory fire being kept up between them from earthworks hastily thrown up on different parts of the ground. The number of men did not exceed thirty in either pa, but had the quarrel continued this number would have speedily increased, involving other tribes, who would have taken up arms in support of their respective friends. On the sth instant I again visited these pas, and entered into negotiations which resulted, on the following day, in a final cessation of hostilites without any casualties having taken place ; a friendly meeting being effected between the parties, each agreeing to return to their homes, leaving the land to be passed through the Native Lands Court. I have much pleasure in testifying to the assistance rendered on this occasion by the chiefs Wiremu Katene, Hare Wirikake, Hemi Marupo, and Wi Pirihonga, who accompanied me to these pas, remaining there until all was settled. I have, &c, EDW. M. WIILIAMS, Eesident Magistrate.

No. 7. Mr. Locke to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sir.,— Napier, May 6th, 1872. In accordance with your instructions of April 16th, I have the honor to forward to you the following report of His Excellency the Governor's visit to the Taupo and other districts in the interior of the Island. His Excellency Sir G. Bowon started, as you are aware, from Napier for Taupo in one of Cobb's coaches on the morning of Thursday, April 6th, accompanied by Captain Machell, A.D.C., the Hon. Walter Stuart, and myself, and slept that night at Haroto, where we were joined by Inspector Scannell, the officer in charge of the Taupo district, who also accompanied His Excellency during the remainder of the trip. The following day we reached Opcpe, calling at Tarawera and Bunanga, and arrived at Tapuaeharuru, Taupo, on the Bth, His Excellency taking up his quarters at the hotel lately erected at Tapuaeharuru on the land purchased by the Government as a site for a township. ' Shortly after his arrival, Poihipi Tukairangi called and invited the Governor over to his pa on the opposite side of the river, where he said his own people only were at present collected, but that during the Governor's absence at the south end of Taupo to see Hare Tauteka, Matuahu, and other chiefs of Tokanu and Eotoaira he would collect the remainder of Ngafituwharetoa and portion of Ngatiraukawa tribes, some of whom, with their old chief, Hori Ngawhare, had already arrived at Orakeikorako, and others were at the Niho-o-te-Kiore, in anticipation of the Governor's visit. Accordingly, after lunch, His Excellency crossed the Waikato to Poihipi's pa, where he was greeted with every demonstration of joy. Triumphal arches of green boughs had been erected, and the gateway of the pa, which is carved in the old Maori fashion, was also decorated for the occasion. The pa itself, since peace has been established, has been allowed to go to decay. The speeches made on this and other occasions are appended to this report. After the meeting was over, His Excellency and party went down the Waikato in canoes to visit the warm waterfalls (Otumuhoke), and other wonderful natural curiosities in this neighbourhood. On the following morning (April 9th), early, the Governor started for Tokanu and Eotoaira in the Government whale-boat, but when about half way a strong contrary wind sprung up, which obliged His Excellency to land at Motu-tere, where he met some of the party who had ridden overland, and having procured a horse, proceeded with them the remainder of the way. Unfortunately, the boat, which did not arrive until three o'clock next day, had all the food, blankets, &c, on board, which was rather a source of inconvenience ; but I am glad to say this was the only mischance we had during the whole trip. The accommodation at the place was very meagre indeed. The Governor and party had to sleep in a small whare (raupo), which was built over a boiling