5

G.—B.

In conclusion, I have no hesitation in stating my belief that Native affairs in this part of the colony continue to improve, that the policy of leaving the Maoris more to themselves has had a good effect upon them, and that I anticipate a more marked improvement still during the next twelve months. I hare, &c, W G. Mate, Native Agent, Auckland-Waikato District. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No.. 6. Major Maie, E.M., Native Agent, Auckland, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Native Office, Auckland, 28th May, 1881. I have the honor to forward notes of the speeches made at Tawhiao's late meeting at Hikurang:. The original was furnished to me by Major Jackson, who also supplied the New Zealand Herald newspaper with a copy I have, &c, W G Maie. The Under-Secretary, Native Office, "Wellington.

PaocEEDiiras at the Meeting at Hikurangi. Mrst Day. TamJdao : Listen, ye tribes ! Listen This is the day Bo attentive, and remember what is said. Retain it in your memories. Retain it. Wahanui : The first post [or district] is Karioi, in connection with which there are matters for discussion. Second, there is Taranaki, in connection with which there are matters for consideration. Third, there is Tongariro, connected with which there are subjects for discussion, Fourth, there is AVhanganui, in connection with which there are matters for consideration. Fifth, there is Titiokura [between Napier and Taupo] concerning which there are matters for discussion. Then at the east there is Te Aroha, which is the last post [or district], making, in all, eight posts or districts. O people ! Oye tribes ! bear (these subjects) in mind, and look clearly into them. Hurua is the place where tears were shed, and Parininihi [the White Cliffs, Taranaki] is the place where blood was shed. The heaven above and the earth beneath, hold fast to it [i.e., the land.] Tumanako : I have the first post or district. It has been in my possession ever since [the control of] it was given over to Potatau, who is lying here. Manga : As to Taranaki, Tongariro, Whanganui, and all the posts [or lands] in the east which were placed under Potatau's authority lam the person who had the management of them. They are lying undisturbed, and have been so since they were given over to Potatau. lam not aware that any one has interfered with any of them [withdrawn any of these lands from the King's control], for I am the person to whom those lands were handed over in good faith. Even if the lands are owned by other persons, I wish you, O people, [or 0 ye tribes,] to understand that my hand is still upon those lands. Tawhiao is the man who has these things [the control of these lands], for they are the treasures which, were left to him by his father that is, by the nation. Even if some of the districts referred to are not represented here by any persons, it is because they know that the control of their lands is in my hands, and that I will deal with them, as lam the pou [authority] in all matters. Te Aroha was given over to Tainihaua [William Thompson], who handed it over to me, and I gave it over to Potatau. llahirewera (Ngakapa Whauaunga) :I am the prodigal son who went to a distant land. I have returned to my father, and I say, " Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son." My lands which were handed over, commencing at Te Kerepehi (Piako) and extending as far as Moehau [Cape Coiville], remain undisturbed. I was one of the owners of Te Aroha, and the reason it was alienated was because we had a quarrel with the Hauraki people, and, as some of us were nearly being killed, I decided to throw away [sell] that block, lest it should remain as a cause for further trouble. Te Wheoro: lam one of the owners of the Karioi Block. It is in the same state as it was when it was left to us by the old people ; I have not attempted to disturb it [or alienate it] Hone te One :I am between Karioi and Taranaki. lam at Kawhia. Pirongia is the mountain which bounds my district on the east side, and the boundary on the west side commences at the Kawhia entrance, and goes as far as the mouth of the Aotea Harbour. Ever since the day it was handed over to Potatau, when he said that Kawhia was a man, that Aotea was land, and that Whaingaroa was a sea —up to the present time no land within the district has been interfered with in any way by me or any other person. Manga: What Mahirewera, Tumanako, and Te Wheoro have stated is true. My hand is still upon [the lands mentioned by] them. Hone te One's statement is also true. Kawhia was the cause of the King being set up [or is the place where the King movement originated] If any person attempts to secede from me he will not succeed, because I have him and the land in my power —that is, Tawhiao has. Wiremu Kumete: I will cause us to talk. Karioi is the first post [or subject for discussion]. Hearken to my opinion. Lot the surveying, leasing, and selling of lands cease. Let the Native Land Court be abolished [or let Natives cease to pass their lands through] Let Natives cease to hold office as Assessors. Let [the election of] Maori members cease. Let all these things .cease within these eight posts or boundaries. Let them ceaso ; let them cease. This is my plan, so that it may be seen who are Hauhaus and who are Queenites. Te Wheoro : I agree with what you say lam a Queenite, as both great and small know However, I now take up the paddle. In one year from this my term of membership will expire. You say in regard to this [that the election of members] should cease. Tes. Do you twist it off at the root—• i.e., appeal to the proper authority, and, if it is granted, it will be right: if your appeal is not acceded