5

G.—4

Sir D. McLean (to Major Te Wheoro) : " Tawhiao's words are clear; you and I can arrange this matter." Major Te Wheoro : " I know these burial-places. At the Compensation Court, held at Ngaruawahia in January, 1867, I claimed these portions of land; but Mr. Marshall said that the rightful owners were among the Kingites—meaning, probably, that Tawhiao was the owner. He will tell you now whether or not I have any interest in those places." Tawhiao : " Yes, you have." Major Te Wheoro : " Takerei understood from Mr. Mackay that Tangirau was to be given to him. I do not think there will be any difficulty in arranging about Pukerimu and Te Mata-o-tu-tonga ; and Tangirau is, I think, quite clear." Sir D. McLean: "Tawhaio, this matter about the burial-places can, I think, be easily settled. The railway at Taupiri is the only difficulty that I can foresee; but perhaps this can be got over. I have already told you that the Government are prepared to recognize your authority over your own land; they would also support you in promoting peace and suppressing evil. To enable you to do this properly, the Government would sanction your having certain chiefs to assist you in preserving good order. They would also consult you before purchasing or leasing lands within your own boundaries, and be prepared to assist you in promoting the welfare of your people. We will also give you a piece of land at Ngaruawahia, in order that you may have a place of your own near Potatau's grave. Ido not wish to press you ; you have now something to think over. We shall have another opportunity of seeing each other, to converse further on these subjects." Sattjeday, 27th Mat, 1876. Present: —Hon. Sir D. McLean, Major Mair, Mr. Bush, Major Te Wheoro, Tawhiao, Takerei te Eau, and Te Tuhi. Sir D. McLean : " I suppose that you have something to say this morning, Tawhiao ? " Tawhiao: "My word lo you is this: It rests with me to consider your proposals. This is my word: It rests with me to consider, and I will do so." Sir D. McLean : " Yes, it rests with you to consider." Tawhiao: " Another word of mine to which I wish to call your attention is this: Let the question of Waikato be settled [Let Waikato be mine]. That is all I have to say." Major Te Wheoro : " How about your remark yesterday: ' The land and the people are mine' ?" Tawhiao : " That rests with me." Sir D. McLean.: " The question of" Waikato was decided long since, and these decisions have been arrived at by Parliament as well as by successive Governments. I have no power to alter the decisions deliberately arrived at, and I should be sorry to lead you to hope for the restoration of Waikato, as it cannot be done; and I must not mislead you by holding out any hope that you can obtain what is possessed by Europeans, as that is quite impossible. I may be able to give you some small portions out of lands not purchased by the settlers which are still the property of the Government. In reference to our previous conversations as to your own position, the Government is willing to recognize you as the head chief of your own district and people, not of other tribes beyond it, and you will be assisted in maintaining order ; but you will have to afford your influence and aid in repressing crime and preserving friendly relations between the two races, that they may grow up together, and that peace may always prevail. " In all matters affecting the welfare of your people, the Government will confer with you direct. As regards the leasing of land, you will use your own discretion ; if you object, the Government will not urge it upon you. The same will apply to the sale of land within your boundaries." Tawhiao : " I agree to that; it quite accords with my own thoughts." Sir D. McLean : " 1 have come here to see you, but do not suppose I desire to press you hastily to a conclusion ; you can take time to consider what we have said to each other. What I have proposed will have to be submitted to Parliament, where such matters are settled. Afterwards the Governor's sanction will be required, and it is for you to consider and decide whether you accept my proposals." Tawhiao : " Yes" (Ac). (Then, after a pause,) "Itis my wish to return to my home now." Sir D. McLean : " Well, I was thinking of returning to Alexandra to-day." Tawhiao (laughing) : "Why, you would be like a meteor (twmatakohiri). Eemain till to-morrow, that we may enjoy each other's company, and then, if the weather should be fair, in the morning we can take leave of each other, and go, yon to Alexandra, and Ito my own place. There need be no hurry; I will consider what has passed, and we will soon meet again." W. G. Maie.

No. 9. Mr. BrsH to the Undee Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Auckland, June Ist, 1876. I have the honor to report, for your information, that, in accordance with instructions received, I left Auckland with Major Mair on the morning of the 19th ultimo, for Alexandra. Upon arrival there, on the following day, I learnt from Whitiora (formerly known as Wiremu Kuineti) that Tawhiao and his chiefs were in readiness, at Waitomo, to move down to Kaipiha as soon as they heard of the arrival of the Hon. the Native Minister at Alexandra. They came down to Kopua the next morning, and on Monday to Kaipiha, to await the arrival of the Hon. the Native Minister at Alexandra, which he reached on Monday evening. Tuesday being excessively wet, the Native Minister was unable to