G.—No. 29

REMOVAL, ETC., OF REMAINS OF IMPERIAL SOLDIERS.

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between the Ngapuhi and their Pakcha neighbours, so much so that they might be truly styled one people, with interests and aims closely bound together. At this time, the rain began to descend in earnest, and we were forced to adjourn to the large runanga house. After the visitors, both European and Native, had partaken of the hospitality of Heta and his people, the korero was resumed. The principal speakers were Mohi Tawhai, Kira, Hau Wirikake, Hemi Marupo, Mitai, and others. It was a great pleasure to listen to the good advice offered by the loyal old chief Mohi Tawhai to his people. He reminded them of the misunderstanding which arose amongst them in former times, the result of bad advice and false statements put in circulation as to the ultimate intentions of the British Government towards tho Natives of these Islands —the causes which led him and his friends to take the side of the Government. He touchingly alluded to the deaths of the two principal men who assisted in putting down Hoke's rebellion (Mokoau Taonui, and the brave and loyal Tamate Waka) : he appealed to his hearers whether the opinions that they held at that time were not fully justified by subsequent events. Mohi then entered upon tho subject of the Waikato King party, and expressed his opinion strongly, that Waikato wished to humiliate His Excellency the Governor, by making it appear to the rest of tho tribes that it was the Governor who was anxious to make peace, and that was why they wished His Excellency to go to Tokangamutu. That, on a recent occasion, Tawhiao sent an embassage to invite Hau Tlongi, tho only surviving son of tho famous Hongi Hika, to visit him : that Ngapuhi, distrusting the designs of Waikato, would not let him go, but sent Mangonui in his stead: that when Mangonui arrived at Kuiti, he was grossly insulted. Kira followed in the same strain, and corroborated Mohi's statement regarding the insult offered Ngapuhi through their representative, Mangonui. He added that he had had a personal interview with Tawhiao's messengers, and, from what they said, ho came to the conclusion that the great object of Waikato was to win over the Ngapuhi to their way of thinking, and that was his reason for strongly opposing Hongi's going to Waikato. He said that Waikato need not repeat their efforts, as they would be useless. All Ngapuhi were united in the determination to adhere to the Queen's Government. The younger men followed in the same strain as their old chiefs, and desired me to express to His Excellency the Governor and the Honourable the Native Minister the sentiments they held. After discussing the subject of schools and other questions of less importance, I returned to the Waimate late in the evening. I was particularly struck with the unanimity that exists between the European settlers and the Natives of the different districts in the Bay of Islands. When meetings are convened for the discussion of any matter of interest, the principal Europeans are always invited to attend and take part in the deliberations. The opinions and advice of their Pakeha friends arc always listened to with respect, and generally followed. This may, in a great measure, arise from the fact, that most of the leading young chiefs have grown up side by side with the settlers, but I also believe it to be the result of the great interest some of the leading gentlemen of the district evince in all that concerns the welfare of the Natives. It is to be desired that the satisfactory relations existing between the Europeans and Natives of the Bay of Islands may extend to other tribes. I feel sure that the result would be that the serious misunderstandings which are, unhappily, of such frequent occurrence amongst the people of the two races, would almost entirely cease. In closing this report, I desire to express my thanks to the Honourable the Native Minister for having deputed me to represent the Government at the removal and re-interment of the remains of those brave men who fell at the storming of the Ohaeawai Pa. I received a severe wound on that day, and it was a melancholy pleasure to me to do honor to, and convey to their last resting place, the remains of my brave but less fortunate companions. I have, &c, H. T. Clarke, Civil Commissioner.