11.—29 A

6

I then questioned them as to how they had come to think that they had 800 acres at Patoka. Thoy answered that these 800 acres were given to Mata and Rio's children by the Compensation Court, and that Patoka was the proper place to locate these 800 acres. I explained to them that they were altogether in the wrong —that Patoka was part railway reserve and part land held by Major Durie from the Government; and told them that the awards they spoke of were located on the flat near Te Karamu, and had been sold to the Government, through Mr. Worgan, by Hata Rio, who had received £400 on account. They were much astonished, had never heard of this, and said that Hata Eio had no right whatever to sell these lands, and that it was not right that these awards should be located anywhere else than at Patoka. Said that they could not be blamed altogether for the mistake that had taken place, for Kipeka had written to the Government to have Patoka given to her (for Mata and Eio's children), and had received an answer to the effect that her request would not be forgotten. They hoped that the Government would not think any more of what had been done, as they would compensate Durie for the trouble and expense he had been put to through their act. I afterwards heard that they had paid Durie £12. E, T. Blake, Patea, 14th May, 1873. Capt. N.Z.M.

No. 9. Major Edwards and Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. D. McLean. (Telegram.) Wangauui, 10th July, 1873. We are informed by Captain McDonnell that, on a visit to Omuturangi a few weeks ago, he was told by Titokowaru and others that Mr. Worgan had told them if they would give him a power of attorney he would secure to them all their lands which had been confiscated by Government; that he invited two of their number to accompany him to "Wellington to institute proceedings re such confiscated property, assuring them that he would obtain its restitution. That Titokowaru and most of his tribe had agreed to sign a power of attorney in favour of "Worgan, and that since these negotiations the attitude of Ngaruahine is much more determined in opposition to Government than it was a few months ago. Mr. Worgan has boasted of being iv possession of such power of attorney, and has stated that if Government did not restore those lands he would raise the bloodiest war that has ever been seen on this coast. Moreover, the draft of such power oi attorney has been seen by Major Edwards, who warned Mr. Worgan of the danger he was exposing himself to. These reports are matter of public scandal. We trust we may not be considered as going out of our way in reporting them, leaving it to the Government to take such steps as they deem necessary in the matter, Mr. Worgan being a liceuscd interpreter. J. T. Edwards, E.M. Hon. D. McLean, Wellington. J. Booth, E.M.

No. 10. Mr. Turner to Mr. H. T. Clarke. (Telegram.) Patea, 17th July, 1873. Worgan says that Tauke and Tuhiata are the Natives he wishes to bring down. He asserts that an interview between them and the Hon. the Defence Minister, assisted by him, will bring about a definite settlement of the confiscated land question. These two Natives are the immediate adherents of Titokowaru, and members of the Ngaruahine Tribe ? "Would it not be expedient to read this telegram with the one sent by Major Edwards and Booth ? Major Edwards being here, I have availed myself of his knowledge of the subject. Possibly Parris should be consulted in this matter, as he may be in possession of information not within our knowledge. "Worgan is at Patea. Mr. H. T. Clarke, Wellington. W. T. Turner.

No. 11. Mr. 11. T. Clarke to Messrs. Edwaeds and Booth. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 19th July, 1873. lie your telegram of 10th instant, —Native Minister requests that you will send a detailed statement of the evidence which can be obtained of the use by Mr. AVorgan of the throat you report. Send by post as soon as possible. By order. H. T. Claeke, C.C.

No. 12. Major Edwaeds and Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. D. McLean. Sin,— Wangamri, 19th July, 1873. Iv reply to your telegram of to-day, .we have the honor to report that Mr. Ballance informed Major Edwards that Mr. Worgan had used in his office, in the presence of Mr. Duthic of this town, the expression as reported in our telegram of the 10th instant, viz., "That if the Government did not restore those lands, he would raise the bloodiest war that had been seen on this coast;" Mr. Ballancc