G.—B

Sess. 11.—1879. NEW ZEALAND.

PAORA TUHAERE'S PARLIAMENT AT ORAKEI (REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS AT, AND EXPENDITURE IN CONNECTION WITH).

Meturn to an Order of the Bouse of Representatives, dated the 17th July, 1879. " That a copy of all vouchers for moneys expended in connection with Paora Tuhaore's Parliament at Orakei be laid before this House, and printed, together with the papers on the same matter that are already on the table."— (Mr. Sutton.)

No. 1. Mr. H. T. Kemp to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Auckland, 29th March, 1879. I have the honor to forward herewith, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, a summary of the proceedings—also a copy of the notes in detail, taken by Mr. C. 0. Montrose —at the late Native meeting at Orakei. I have, &c, H. T. Kemp, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure in No. 1. SUMMARY OP THE PROCEEDINGS OE THE MAORI MEETING AT ORAKEI. First Day.—2sth February, 1879. The Maori Parliament was opened iv the hall at Orakei named Kohimarama, in commemoration of the Conference at Kohimarama in 1860. Paul Tuhaere presided. Eepresentatives of the following tribes and hapus were present:—Ngatiwhatua, Te Mangamotu, Ngatirango, Ngatihi, Te Taou, Ngaoho, Ngatipo, Uriohau, Ngapuhi, Te Earawa, Ngatipaoa, and Ngatiteata. Eepresentatives of the Waikato (Kingitcs) were also present from Hikurangi. Mr. Commissioner Kemp, many influential Europeans, G. Yon der Heyde, Esq., Consul for the North German Confederation, and the officers of H.I.M. ship " Ariadne " were present at the opening ceremony. Mr. Brown, of the Native Department, officiated as interpreter, and Mr. C. O. Montrose as shorthand-writer for the Government. The visitors were received with the usual ceremonies. There were about 300 Natives present, and the proceedings were opened with prayer. The Chairman then read an opening speech, directing attention to tho Treaty of Waitangi and the proceedings of the Conference of Kohimarama in 1860, and to the advisability of Maori members of tho Legislature being in future elected at similar conferences of the tribes to that now assembled. He also invited the attention of the Conference to the meeting about to bo held at Te Kopua. He then read the address delivered by Governor Browne at the Kohimarama Conference, and the Treaty of Waitangi. Mr. Commissioner Kemp then read an address from Sir George Grey and the Hon. John Sheehan, which was received with cheers. Three cheers were given for the officers of H.I.M. ship "Ariadne," Sir George Grey, the Hon. John Sheehan, Paul, and Commissioner Kemp. Captain Yon Werner, of H.I.M. ship "Ariadne," thanked the Natives, through Mr. Kemp, and called for three cheers for Paul and the chiefs and people, and a hearty response was given. The Conference was adjourned at 4 p.m. until 10 a.m. next day. The Europeans were hospitably entertained by Paul Tuhaere at his own residence. Second Day.—26th February, 1879. The proceedings were opened at noon with prayer, Paul Tuhaere presiding. The Chairman opened the proceedings by impressing upon the Natives the necessity of orderly and temperate discussion, and inviting all to express their opinions freely. I—G. 8.