7

G.-8

The Chairman then directed the discussion to the subject of the meeting at Te Kopua. Te Hemara said he would attend if the Government would provide conveyance. Te Keene could not go because he would be engaged in building a Parliament-house. Te Hemara condemned Te Keene's statement as an excuse for returning home. Wiremu Paitaki supported going to To Kopua. They should strengthen the work of Sir George Grey and Mr. Sheehan. Eruena Pairama coincided with Te Keene. Te Hemara: If the rest of the tribe stayed away he would go and represent it. Te Keene deprecated Te Hemara's anger. Te Hemara : Sir George Grey is your parent. Te Keepa supported Te Hemara. Maihi te Kapua, Te Tatana, and Eramiha Paikea supported Te Hemara. The Chairman put the question, haying assembled all the Natives by causing the bell to be rung. The meeting voted unanimously in favour of going to Te Kopua if the Government provide conveyance and pledged themselves to do their utmost to support Sir George Grey and Air. Sheehan. The Chairman read letters from Maihi P. Kawiti, Hori Kukutai, Wiremu Pikahu, approving of the Conference; from Tukaroto Tawhiao, excusing his absence; from Mitai Ngapuhi, stating that Heta te Haara and Mangonui would represent Ngapuhi ; and from Karini (Waka Maori), begging the Natives to collect money for his paper. Pairama advocated that the Conference should meet annually at Orakei. The remainder of the afternoon was occupied with a discussion on the letter with reference to raising money for the Waka Maori. Ninth Day.—7th March, 1879. The Conference met at 11.30. The Chairman read letters from Waata Tipa, from the runanga of Taou, and others. He then put the following resolution, which was carried unamimously : —" That this Parliament is not in favour of collecting any money for tho Waka Maori." Paul then addressed the meeting at considerable length with reference to the site for the Conference. After considerable discussion, a resolution was carried by 30 to 14 that the Maori Parliament should remain at Orakei. The Conference then discussed the subject ofthe taking-away of a Maori woman, named Paea, by Haki Whangawhanga, and the detention of her daughter by Ngapuhi. A letter was read, stating the circumstances. It was alleged that Haki Whangawhanga had paid £10 to the person in charge of the school at Whangarei, to induce him to surrender the girl. At the suggestion of Paul, it was agreed that Tukua should lay matters before the Hon. J. Sheehan. The proceedings of the Conference closed with three cheers for Sir George Grey, the Hon. J. Sheehan, Mr. Kemp (Civil Commissioner), and Paul Tuhaere. On the Bth of March the Natives were photographed in two groups —one as they sat in Conference, and another of the whole of the people assembled beneath the flagstaff, with the British Union Jack flying over them. In the afternoon the Natives gave a dance and a haka, in honor of the European visitors, to the number of about five hundred, from Auckland and adjacent districts. The Europeans were throughout most hospitably and courteously entertained by Paul. In conclusion, the shorthand-writer for the Government desires to express his thanks for the uniform courtesy and kind assistance which he experienced throughout the performance of his duty, from Mr. Kemp (Civil Commissioner), Paul Tuhaere, and Mr. Brown (interpreter). The proceedings throughout were conducted with remarkable order and decorum.

PROCEEDINGS OP THE MAORI MEETING AT ORAKEI. First Day.—2sth February, 1879. The Conference of chiefs and Natives at Orakei was opened at 3 p.m. this day in the new wooden hall named Kohimarama, in memory of the great Native meeting held at Kohimarama in 1860. The chiefs who were present at the opening of the Conference were the following :—Paul Tuhaere (Ngatiwhatua), Te Keene Tangaroa (Te Mangamotu, Ngatiwhatua), Te Hemara Tauhia (Ngatirango, Ngatiwhatua), Te Otene Kikokiko (Ngatihi, Ngatiwhatua), Nopera te Waitaheke (Te Taou, Ngatiwhatua), Te Hira Kawau (Ngaoho, Ngatiwhatua), Tautari (Te Taou, Ngatiwhatua), Eruena Pairimu (Ngaoho), Te Eakato (Ngatiwhatua), Te Eetima Waiho (Ngatipo), Eramiha Paikea (Uriohau), Toko Parawau (Ngapuhi), Te Ngawe (Earawa), Heta te Haara (Ngapuhi), Paratamate te Uringahu (Ngapuhi), Te Hemara Karawai (Ngapuhi), Te Paki (Ngapuhi), Henare Eawhiti (Ngatirango, Ngatiwhatua), Ngakuru (Ngapuhi), Eehuri (Ngapuhi), Maihi te Hinaki (Ngatipaoa), Waata Tipa (Ngatipaoa), Tamihana Tukeri (Ngatipaoa), Hori Tauroa (Ngatiteata, Waikato). The Europeans present were : Mr. Commissioner Kemp ; Mr. J. Brvce, M.H.E., Whan<_inui ■ Mr. E. Hobbs, M.H.E., Franklin ; Mr. E. Graham ; Eev.—Gittos ; Mr. Kohi-i; Mr. G. Yon Der Heyde', Consul at Auckland for the North German Confederation ; Mr. D. B. Cruickshank, of Auckland • Mr. Armstrong, solicitor, of Auckland; Mr. Howard, Inspector of Cattle; Mr. Hardington, of Onehunga; Mr. Cheeseman, of Auckland. Hon. William Swainson was also present durin" the latter part of the proceedings. The following officers of H.I.M. war-ship " Ariadne," who came down in the ship's steam-launch and a gig, were present: Captain Yon Werner, Captain-Lieutenant Geisler, Captain-Lieutenant Horung, Captain-Lieutenant Cossman, Captain-Lieutenant Yon Tynlon, Captain-Lieutenant Kriee Dr. Bendd. S' The following ladies were present: Mrs. Yon Der Heyde, Miss Yon Der Heyde, Mrs. Chamberlin Miss Chamberlin, Mrs. Lawford, Miss Lawford, Miss Shayle George, Airs. Collins. The visitors were received with the usual welcome.