G,—l.

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so long as you do not interfere with them. "When I said that the Government would protect you in the exercise of your religion I meant what I said. So far as the arm of the Government will stretch they will try to protect you, and they will advise all others not to interfere ; but if they see that danger is threatening any of you the Government is bound to tell you. I was glad to hear the sentiments that were expressed by Tv Takangah.au that the object of your people in going to the East Coast was affection, and the making of the people of one, and religion. Those objects are lawful. I am sure when the people of the East Coast know your intentions that they will allow you to come in peace and to return in peace. I hope therefore that' you will not misunderstand me—the Government did not interfere with your liberty, but only offered you advice when they thought that danger was threatening you. I think now that I have dealt with all the subjects that you have introduced, and I hope that I have dealt with them fully. What you have said is very good, and I have been very much pleased to hear it. Te Kooti: The reason of my expression of good feeling to you is that lam a person who has been brought out of trouble. The Queen is the ruler over all the Islands, the Governor is the ruler over this Island. Mr. Bryce took my hat off my head. Mr. Bryce and Mr. Wilkinson were delighted at what had been done in order that I might not return to my old ways. This is you during the present time telling me to remain. I agree to it. I told you that I was going to Te Wairoa. Your advice to me to remain was good. You have been privileged by the Almighty that your action be good to the children, and also to the land. They are still asking me to go over there (to the East Coast) during next year. The road by which lam supposed to go is the road that has been laid down by Mr. Bryce, and your word to me, and affection, and the making of one, and Christianity. This is an expression of good will towards you. Go away, but do not forget me. Mr. Ballance: Now I have heard what you have all said, and I think you have no more grievances to bring before me. I receive Te Kooti's expressions of good will, and Ido not doubt their sincerity. I will not forget Te Kooti, and if I see evil impending I will let him know. What will be said to him will be in the way of advice, if any advice is needed. While Te Kooti keeps the contract that was made between him and Mr. Bryce the Government will be his friend, and they will allow him the right to exercise his freedom in his own way. I think that I have said all that I intend to say with regard to it, and I think you understand my views. I am sure you will not expect me to say any more on the present occasion.

Notes of a Meeting between the Hon. Mr. Ballance and the Natives at the Public Hall at Kihikihi, on the 4th February, 1885. Wahanui, who spoke first, said : This is the time for the welcome to the Native Minister, who has arrived amongst us, and to talk to him about matters concerning our lands. Taonui : Welcome, greeting to you; you who have come to see us. It is well that you should come to see us that we may hear from you the policy that you intend to carry out during the present time, and also hear what you have to say regarding the land and the people. Welcome to this place. Welcome to you, the person who has been appointed as Minister for the Native race.. This is the way in which we intend to welcome you. Greeting. Salutation. Greeting to you, who are now seen by us for the first time. This is all I have to say to you in the way of welcome. Hopa te Bangianini: Welcome to you, my younger brother. The reason I address you is because I am the karaka tree that first grew in this Island —that is, I was here before the Europeans came. Come and see us, and tell us what your policy is, whether for good or bad. I have no other person to go to except the Queen in England, who is represented by yourself, as you sit there. You are the person who points out the Queen's policy. I salute you. Welcome. You are known as the Native Minister, therefore I welcome you as such. Hitiri te Pairata: Salutations to you, the Minister. You are known as the Minister for the Natives. Welcome. Although one person of note may fall down, another rises in his place. That is why we welcome you now. Come, that you may see the Native people. I have a great deal to say, but it is all embodied in the one word " love." Aforo te Taratutu : You have been baptized in two waters, as you come to tell us the truth. Welcome, so that we can see each other. We have an old proverb that says, " When one person of rank passes away another one is there to take his place." Now, you stand in the position of a person of rank. You have taken the place of one who has passed away (Mr. Bryce). All I have to say to you is " Welcome." Te Hoti Tamehana : I shall not address you in the way the others have addressed you. All I shall say is, "Welcome here to see us." Welcome to the place where other Ministers have been before you. Although a great deal may be said, we are all assembled here for the purpose really of seeing you. Ido not welcome you as the Native Minister, or as anything else in connection with the Natives. I merely welcome you as you have come here to see us. There is the boundary of the confiscated land. I have nothing to say outside of that. It is well for you to come and see us, but you cannot unloose the trouble that is fast on my back. All I have to say is, " Welcome to you, my European." Manga (Bewi): There are two kinds of ministers that have been here. The first kind of minister preached to us about God. Time went on and we were told that there was another sort of Minister —that is, this kind of Minister (a Minister of the Crown). My first acquaintance with the last kind of Minister was in Sir Donald McLean's time. We considered the policy of that Minister ;he passed away, and another Minister came to the front having a different policy. We have a lot of things to bear in mind. We must bear in mind your policy, and compare the policy of future Ministers with it. You must consider, now that you have come to see us, that we bear in mind the policy of previous Ministers. Welcome. Welcome to consider all these different policies that have been laid before us, to consider all the matters that refer to the Maoris and to the Europeans that are in the presence of the Minister. It is well that you should come here and look