G.—4

6

proceed to the place of meeting. He was, however, interviewed by Tapihana and Pikia, till lately notorious rebel chiefs of Kawhia, who expressed themselves as being most friendly disposed towards the Europeans, and hoped Tawhiao would be wise enough to come to a satisfactory settlement. Subsequently other Native chiefs had interviews with the Hon. the Native Minister, amongst whom were Rev. William Patene, Rev. Heta Tarawhiti, Tana and Hote, sons of the late chief William Thompson, Hone te One, and Mold te Rongomau. All these chiefs expressed themselves as being delighted with this visit to Waikato, and trusted it would turn out most successful. On Wednesday morning the Hon. the Native Minister, accompanied by Mr. Commissioner Kemp, Major Mair, Resident Magistrate, Messrs. Marshall, Davies, Bush, and Major Te Wheoro, proceeded to Kaipiha in two large canoes, which had been sent down to fetch the Hon. the Native Minister and party. There were about two hundred Natives present. The reception, though quiet, was most friendly, there being no noisy demonstration, as Tawhiao objects to anything of that kind. I have heard him tell his Kawhia people several times to receive/him as a European, and not in their old style. Shortly after dinner, on the 24th ultimo (Her Majesty's birthday), Tawhiao, Takerei te Rau, Te Tuhi, Honana Maioha, and Te Ngakau came to see the Native Minister. The first visit on these occasions is generally a very ceremonial affair, little being said by either party. During the evening they again came to sit awhile with him ; on this occasion a good deal of the reserve so perceptible on the first visit was relaxed, and the chiefs conversed freely on ordinary topics. In consequence of the limited sleeping accommodation at Kaipiha, only the Native Minister, Major Mair, and myself remained there, while the rest of the party proceeded to Alexandra every evening, returning from there in the mornings. I could not help remarking the demeanour of the assembled Natives, from Tawhiao downwards : there was none of that sullen reserve or suspicion that was so perceptible a few years ago. Even those who had been our captives during the late Waikato rebellion endeavoured to outvie their more fortunate companions in displaying their good feelings. It appeared to be a pre-arranged affair that no one should interfere on this occasion, the whole matter being left to Tawhiao to settle. None of the chiefs attempted to utter a word, unless first requested by Tawhiao to explain something he said. The notes of the two days' interviews at which I was present are attached hereto. Tawhiao appeared most anxious to promote friendly relations, and come to an amicable arrangement. In this he appears to be backed up by a large majority of his principal chiefs, notwithstanding the many assertions to the contrary. Throughout all his interviews with the Native Minister he behaved in a most respectful and friendly manner ; the most staunch Queenite chief could not have excelled him in this. At the conclusion of Saturday's interview, the Native Minister visited Tawhiao at his house. On Sunday afternoon Tawhiao came to the Native Minister to tell him that he was going to a settlement a short distance up the river ; that he must excuse his absence ; that he must not think of leaving until next morning, as he would return early, and not run the risk of missing shaking hands and speaking to him before parting. He returned early the next morning, dressed in European costume, and breakfasted with the Native Minister. About an hour afterwards a start was made for Alexandra, previous to which Tawhiao shook hands with the Native Minister and party, telling the Native Minister they would shortly meet again. He stood on the bank of the river singing out " Farewell, farewell, we shall soon meet again." I have, &c, R. S. Bush, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Interpreter.

Notes of Meeting between Hon. Sir D. McLean and Tawiiiao at Kaipiha. Peidat, the 26th Mat, 1876. Present: —Hon. Sir D. McLean, Mr. Commissioner Kemp, Major Mair, Mr. Bush, Major Te Wheoro, Tawhiao, Takerei te Rau, and Te Tuhi. Tawhiao and his chiefs dined with Sir D. McLean ; after which the conversation was commenced. Hon. Sir D. McLean : " Have you anything you desire to speak to me about to-day, Tawhiao ?" Tawhiao: "Yes; I am going to return to our talk about the land (Koromatua), and end with my burial-places (Ko aku tio)." (The expression aku tio being explained by Takerei at Tawliiao's request.) Sir D. McLean : " What burial-places do you mean?" Tawhiao : " Te Mata-o-tu-tonga at Taupiri, Pukerimu at Church Hill, and Tangirau, above Ngaruawahia. Potatau pointed out these places formerly; hence the name of Te Eauangaanga for the first place." Sir D. McLean (addressing Major Te Wheoro) : " You and I will arrange about these." Major Te Wheoro : " These burial-places were claimed by me at the Compensation Court (in 1867). Mr. Marshall said there were other persons interested, who were then with the Hau-Haus, meaning Tawhiao, who will tell you whether I have a claim or not." Tawhiao: "Yes." Major Te Wheoro: " I think there will be no difficulty arranging this." Sir D. McLean : " Tawhiao, the burial-places, I think, can be easily arranged. The railway line passes over the Taupiri one, this is the only difficulty that I foresee at present. The Government are prepared to recognize your authority (mana) over your own land (to whenua tuturu) ; they would also support you in promoting peace and suppressing evil. To assist you in preserving good order, chiefs would be appointed. They would also consult you before purchasing or leasing land within your own boundary. We will give you a piece of land at Ngaruawahia, in order that you may have a place of