H.—2B

1876. NEW ZEALAND.

ALLEGED MALPRACTICES AT THE WAIMATE POLLING-PLACE, (CORRESPONDENCE AND PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE).

Settirn to an Order of the House of Representatives, No. 1, dated 22nd June, 1876. " That all papers connected with alleged malpractices at the Waitnate polling place, at the Bay of Islands election, on 17th January, 1876, be laid on the table of this House." — (Mr. Williams.)

No. 1. His Honor the Stjpebintendent, Auckland, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetabt. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 18th March, 1876. I have the honor to transmit, for the consideration of the Government, a copy of the interpretation of a letter addressed to me by Heta te Haara, of Ohaeawai, complaining of the manner in which the recent election of a member for the General Assembly was conducted in that district. 9 I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. G. Gbet.

Enclosure in No. 1. Heta te Haaba to Sir G-eobge Grey. To Sib George Gbet, — Ohaeawai, 28th January, 1876. O Friend, greeting to you. I desire to make known to you my opinions with regard to the election held at the Waimate. I have every reason to believe the voting at the Waimate was not conducted properly. When I introduced a man to give his vote, the Europeans asked him whom he intended to vote for. My man answered them, 1 am here to give my vote for Lundon. The Europeans then ordered my man out of doors, afterwards called him to come back and give his vote to Mr. Williams. This man was induced by them then to record his vote for Mr. Williams. With regard to this sort of interference, I think the European missionaries are much to blame in this matter. Another thing I have to complain of in this case is that men were forcibly dragged away by the hands of these men and pressed to vote for Williams. All my own men were deceived, and induced to desert me. Then I was very ill during the time the election took place, and was not able to prevent my men from leaving me. A considerable amount of confusion took place at the polling places, because we were forced to travel about forty miles to reach the appointed voting places. There was no polling place at Kaihu. I ask who is to blame for this neglect, the Magistrate of the district, or the Returning Officer in charge of the voting stations. Heta te Haaba.

No. 2. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetary to His Honor the Supebintendent, Auckland. Sic, — "Wellington, 30th March, 1876. In reply to your Honor's letter of the 18th instant, transmitting copy of the interpretation of a letter from Heta te Haara, I have the honor to request that a copy of the original Maori letter may be forwarded also. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. C. C. Bowen.