G.—s

8

of land leased by Government at Eangitaiki]. The person who introduced this subject was Eanagi Tukehu, whose thoughts were directed towards advances made to some tribes on the Pokohu and other places. The object of this elderly man in bringing forward this subject was to express his disapprobation with respect to money paid to certain tribes. The' Taweras called a meeting at To Umuhika for the purpose of subscribing moneys for a flourmill, and there, on the 17th of May, 1876. an inquiry commenced [on land matters]. A proposal was made to Tukehu, relative to the selection of a committee to sit during the investigation [of the Pokohu land], to which ho agreed. The following are the names of the persons chosen: — Ko Pererika Ngahuruhuru, Ko te Warihi "VVhakaahua, Ko Niheta Mokonuiarangi, Ko te Mapu Takaanewa, Ko Eota Kangihoro, Ko Hori Karaka, Ko Paora Patu, Ko Hona te Hauiti, x Ko te Meihana, Ko Eawiri, together with the Land Agents of the Government. The inquiry lasted two days and two nights, aud then the committee withdrew to consider its decision in relation to the money advances on which were based the grounds of Tukehu's complaint. The judgment of the committee was, that the moneys had been advanced to the right parties on the lands owned by them [i.e. within the Pokohu Block]. Tukehu waa found to be wrong, but right with respect to certain localities which were his own. " Now, O friends ! the advances made by Government on those lands as to right have been fully established." There were 300 persons present. Na PeEEEIKA NGAHrEUHTrBU. "While at Te Awa-o-te-Atua, a deputation from Hawke's Bay arrived, and a paper was read to the assembled Natives at Te Umuhika, and invitations sent requesting the Bay of Plenty Natives to attend a meeting, to be held at Napier, on certain land and political questions. The following is the paper : — [Tbanslation.] To AVieemu Eangikaheke and Oxhees. O Chiefs and Tribes, salutations— Pakowhai, 4th May, 1876. This is a notice to you, that your men may come hither who can clearly express your thoughts or wishes. The gathering will be at Pakowhai on the 27th of May, and on the 29th of May, the speechifying will commence with respect to the grounds on which account you arc called hither. Ist Basis. —The establishment of a Parliament for the Maoris to conduct the affairs of their island. 2nd Basis.—The tribes of this island to be united under one system. 3rd Basis. —The years for Maori members to be in Parliament has ceased; there are to be none after this. What shall we do ? 4th Basis.—The word of the island has long gone forth that the Court, [i.e. Native Lands Court,] be terminated ; it is not terminated. AVhat shall be done to end it ? sth Basis.—The word of the island has long gone forth that land selling cease; it has not ceased. AVhat shall we do to end it ? 6th Basis. —Have we advanced or retrograded by the doings of Parliament during past years ? 7th Basis.—Would it not be well for us to request the Queen to inquire into the grievances which are pressing us down. Bth Basis.—What are the thoughts [of the Maoris] with respect to elections ? These are the grounds on account of which you have been invited. You have certain grounds [for complaint] yourselves which tho men you send will make known. Sufficient these words. By the Committee of Kahungunu. Na Henare Tomoana. Na Henare Matua. Na Noa te Hianga. Na Eenata Kawepo. Na Paora Kaiwhata. Na Karaitiana Takamoana. Subsequently to the meetings held at the Umuhika, we visited the Tawhitinui, Whakarewa, and AVaitahanui Natives in relation to the marking out of certain reserves previously agreed to. On the occasion of our arrival at Maketu, the acknowledged owners of the lands there lately purchased by us earnestly urged tho necessity of paying to them the balances due; but having no special instructions to that effect, we recommended them to exercise patience, the Government being engaged in matters of far more importance just now. In order to elucidate somewhat the extent of our land transactions within the Bay of Plenty and Lake Districts, we may enumerate the lands to which titles have been settled, and the final deeds transmitted to yourself. They comprise the following:— No. 1. Tauhara purchase. No. 2. Tauhara lease.