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had spoken and written to the effect that the whole thing would be a decided failure admit that the reception was the grandest affair of tho kind they had ever Avitnessed during a long residence in the North Island. This testimony is rendered more valuable from the fact that they had witnessed many gatherings of Natives on important occasions. Tawhiao Avas attired in European clothes, the only article of adornment worn by him being a blue silk kerchief rolled round his hat. He accompanied Sir George Grey to the place Avhere the tents were to be pitched in front of the house above referred to. They sat together for a considerable time conversing upon various subjects. He was asked by Sir George Grey as to the state of his health, and he replied that he was much better, but did not feel as well as he was at last meeting. Sir George Grey remarked that he himself Avas not very well, to which Tawhiao jocosely replied that the Premier's illness was perhaps through old age. Sir Georgo humorously said, " Surely, lam not an old man yet. lam growing younger ;it is you who is groAving old." Tawhiao seemed to enjoy a little pleasantry. Sir George and party afterwards went to their respective tents, which had in the meantime been pitched for them. An abundant supply of food for the visitors and the friendly Waikatos was brought with usual Maori ceremony, which consists of chanting, accompanied by Avell-timed movements of the hands and feet, and simultaneous gyrations of the body. When the food was spread on the ground in a long line in front of the tent, a leading chief came forward and said, " This food is for the visitors." After which Mr. Grace, Private Secretary to the Native Minister, on behalf of Sir George Grey and the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, distributed the food to the whole of the visitors, including tho Maori escort. I need hardly say that ample justice was done to the repast, which Avas admirably cooked, and was relished with gustatory enjoyment, the long ride in tho clear crisp atmosphere having produced an appetizing effect. TaAvhiao had tea Avith Sir George Grey in his tent. The terrace on which our tents Avere pitched commanded a fine view of the whole settlement, which presented quite an animated appearance, dotted over as it was Avith tents in all directions. Indeed, a more delightful spot for holding a great meeting could not Avell have been selected. Looking outward could be seen in the distance Maungatautari and Te Aroha, and to the south could be observed Tongariro and Euapchu. From the rising ground every settlement in the Waikato delta could be plainly seen. The young men spent the afternoon indulgiug in athletic sports and other amusements, while those of maturer age crowded round our tents in large numbers. I may here mention that one of Te Kooti's folloAvers, Avho had been turned out of the settlement for drunkenness and misconduct, is said to have, in a moment of anger, threatened to kill some one of the visitors. The story was told Avith great circumstantiality to the Ministerial party at Alexandra this morning. They, however, disregarded the information, and determined to proceed to Hikurangi. On arrival at the landingplace from the canoo the Natives there had heard the rumour, and laughed at it as an absurdity. At dusk Tawhiao in person stationed a guard of eighty men to patrol the encampment of the visitors during the night, Avith strict injunctions not to allow any person except those belonging to the Ministerial party to approach the tents. At a later hour he came to see that his instructions were being carried out, and that the men were at their posts. A light fencing had been erected round the enclosure, and lamps Avere placed at regular intervals. When the shades of evening began to close around, religious services were conducted by the Eev. Heta Tarawhiti. Two other Native clergymen were present. The services Avere attended by all the visitors, and by a few of the resident Natives. A short time afterwards the different services now used by them were gone through by the Hauhaus. I should here remark that, although the meeting is mainly composed of the AVaikato people proper, there are present a considerable number of the Ngatimaniapotos, under some of their leading chiefs. Eewi Avas not present. He sent an intimation that he would come if Sir George Grey sent for him. But he expressed his preference for a separate meeting with the Premier, after the close of the AVaikato meeting. Eewi's conduct throughout has been of the most frank and straightforward character, and evinces a sincere desire on his part to come to an amicable settlement of any outstanding grievance. There can be no doubt whatever that the line of action now taken by him Avill lead to the settlement of a number of questions of the greatest importance to the interests of both races. The Natives retired to rest at a very early hour, Avhen the utmost quiet prevailed. No real Avork could be done this evening, but the actual work will be commenced to-morrow morning after breakfast. The duration of the meeting is uncertain, but it will probably finish in two days' time. Wednesday. Tho weather is bright and genial. To-day at daybreak the friendly Natives and Hauhaus held separate religious services, after which breakfast Avas prepared. There will be no meeting to-day. It will be devoted to exchange of visits. At 10 o'clock the Hauhaus served out food, such as Avas used before European food was known amongst them. They conveyed tho food with the usual dances as appropriate to each of the different articles of food. The food consisted of the manuka, para, pohue, roi (fern-root), and tawa. The last-mentioned article is first cooked with the other food in a Maori oven or hangi, after which it is boiled in a cooking utensil to make it soft. After the dances were performed, the food Avas given to Sir George Grey, the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, aud the other visitors. This is considered a most important ceremony. No doubt the idea of giving this food has been discussed among the Natives for a long time—since they first conceived the desire of receiving and interviewing Sir George Grey. Some of your readers may remember that, when this intention on the part of the Hauhaus was first mentioned, the Opposition papers made a great point of it, and gave out that the intended ceremony was got up by Europeans adverse to the late Government. This ceremony of producing ancient food is one but seldom performed in our days, and it is looked upon as one of the most peaceful omens. The Hauhaits indicated that it was the only food the}' had to eat during the A\ raikato campaign when taking refuge in the ranges, aud subsequently before they were able to grow sufficient European food. The food was subsequently given to the friendly Natives, who made a scramble for it in the utmost good humour. The remainder of the day was spent by the young people in various amusements. The Natives dispersed themselves in groups over the settlement, and no doubt they discussed the situation, and speculated on the proceedings of the following day. I should add that the reason no meeting was held to-day was, because people's minds are excited when they meet after a long interval of time, and therefore a full day is allowed to elapse so that the excitement may subside, and that business may be carefully and seriously transacted. 3—G. 3.