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would be resisted if Te Whiti so ordered it. Saw Paiaka in town, and we both treated it as an idle rumour, as previous one about Titokowaru and rebuilding of Ngutu-o-te-manu Pa. I shall at once institute inquiries amongst the Natives, and procure all the information I can on the subject, and inform you forthwith. R. AV. Woon, R.M.
Hon. J. Sheehan, Wellington. Whanganui, 22nd September, 1878. Heard nothing whatever of murder of John McLean, near AVaverley, except from Herald newspaper report of last evening. Scene of murder is not in my district, hence local police have not reported to me: that district is in charge of officer at New Plymouth. Officer at AVaihi is nearer than New Plymouth. Offender is unknown to me. Have received no information of the route he has taken. Am unable to give any further information on the points named in your telegram. S. Goodall, Sub-Inspector.
Captain Weay, R.M., Patea. Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. Please telegraph through at once the evidence taken at the inquest on the body of John McLean, together with all other particulars that may have transpired since your telegram of last evening. Please ascertain and report how it has happened that this office has been left for so long a period uninformed of so serious a matter; also give me your own opinion as to whether or not the offence was an ordinary .murder, or committed with the intention of obstructing the survey; also, whether it was the uninspired act of an individual or done with the knowledge or tacit approval of the tribe. Let me have the matters required above at once, and, in case anything further should transpire, the wire may be used without delay. The following telegraph offices will be open all day: Wellington, Whanganui, Waitotara, Patea, Hawera, Opunake—so that you can communicate with any of those places if circumstances render it necessary. Please wire fully, as, although I attach no political significance to the offence, the public will be anxious to have the most reliable information. John Sheehan.
Hon. J. SnEEnAN, Wellington. Patea, 22nd September, 1878. Constable Hynes, Waitotara, telegraphs that he has interviewed the Papatupu Natives, who say that they have not seen Hiroki since day of murder, and that he has fled to Waikato, where he originally belouged. There is a report that tliroki is in bush behind Papatupu Pa, or has gone to a village about twenty miles up Waitotara River. It might have a good effect to send Captain Wilson with some Native police and Constable Hynes, with warrant to search localities indicated. If you approve, please give instructions accordingly. I shall be at Hawera to-morrow, but will accompany police if expedient. C. A. Weat, E.M.
C. A. Weat, Esq., Patea, "Wellington, 23rd September, 1878. Thanks for your telegrams re murder. I approve your suggestion that Captain Wilson and Native police should go at once to Waitotara. I have good reason to believe that the murderer is lurking somewhere in the district, and may yet be captured. No effort should be spared to accomplish this. I will do all in my power to aid any efforts which you may be able to make in the district. Johjt Sheehajt.
Hon. Native Ministee, Wellington. Hawera, 22nd September, 1878. Heard rumour last evening of man being murdered. Telegraphed to Captain Wray this morning to ascertain if true. Eeceived reply —" J. McLean murdered. Hiroki suspected, and warrant out for him. Supposed to have fled King country." I telegraphed Sub-Inspector Kenny to say that supposed murderer would probably go by one of the bush tracks between this and Patea. If so, he would have to pass AVhite Cliffs Police Station. I would have gone to AVaitotara myself, but do not feel justified in leaving AVaimate Plains surveys, in case of any excitement on receipt of news ; therefore sent for Sergeant Blake, of Native police, to go to AVaitotara and get ali the information he can for the Government. Have heard of no opposition to lead me to suppose murder was in consequence of surveys : if so, those actually surveying would have been victims. Believe it resulted from private quarrel. My work lies chiefly between this and Stoney River. Know little of AVaitotara Natives. Do not know the supposed murderer, or his position ; and believe that he will go by one of bush tracks between this and Patea, if escaping to King country. For that reason telegraphed to Sub-Inspector Kenny re White Cliffs Station. No alarm among settlers, as murder considered result of some private quarrel. P. G. Wilson, Captain, N.Z. Militia.
Hon. J. Sheehan, AVellington. Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878. Re murder of cook of survey party. The Natives tell me that the Native Hiroki has, they believe, fled to AVaikato, as his mother lives there; that there is no political significance to be attached to it. He had no reason for doing it that they are aware of. He is a man of a very bad character ; is of a thievish nature. The whole of Natives came in from Papatupu this morning and told me they were very much cut up about it, asking me what they were to do, as they were afraid to live up the river, for fear the pakeha would shoot them down if they caught them prowling about. I told them to go home and have no fear, as Hiroki was pretty well known to Europeans about. They have gone home, and promised to give him up if he attempts to come back ; also to let me know if he is in the neighbourhood. The here deny all knowledge, act, or part in the murder. Jos. R. Hynes, District Constable.
Hon. J. Sheehak, "Wellington. Whanganui, 22nd September, 1878. Arrived here 5 p.m. AVill leave for Waitotara at 7 p.m. Hone Pihajia.