g.—i

50

that a hospital shall be placed at the disposal of the Maoris free of charge. Since my arrival amongst you I have given orders that that hospital shall be furnished and prepared for the reception of patients, so that in future when any of you are ailing you will be sent over to the hospital and receive medical advice gratis. Ido not know that the Government can do any more for you in that respect. And now I have answered all the subjects referred to in your speeches, and I hope you are satisfied with the answers that are given. If any further explanation should be required, lam prepared to give it. Patera Pokeno asked whether it would not be more convenient for Mr. Johnson to receive their applications for arms and ammunition. Mr. Ballance. said that Mr. Johnson could receive the applications and forward them to the Eesident Magistrate. Petera Pokeno asked that some blasting powder might be given to help them to split the posts for the fence. Mr. Ballance: The suggestion that Mr. Johnson should issue licenses, or refer them to the Government, is a very good one, and, I think, will save you trouble in future. I therefore consent to that proposal. With regard to blasting powder, the blasting powder has always been given to the Natives of Tauranga, and it shall be given to you. Wi Keepa Ngaivhau said that he did not object to anything that had been said about Matua-a-tonga; it was he who handed over that stone to the European. The whole tribe were very angry with him for his action in that matter. The case was taken before the Eesident Magistrate, but it was not decided who was in the wrong. The result was that their ancestor was put in gaol. Some time afterwards Mr. Bryce came to Eotorua. William Marsh told Mr. Bryce that it was time their ancestor was sent back, seeing that it had been degraded. He (Wi Keepa) approved of that request, and it was stated that they should apply to Mr. Brabant to have the stone sent back. They applied to him and also to the policeman, and asked that the stone should be returned, but he did not know at present how the matter stood. With regard to the Native Minister's promise to assist them in repairing the hot springs, he (Keepa) did not think himself that Mr. Ballance should have been asked to help them. Te Kiri Karamu said that he would always ask the Government to assist him when he required help. He considered that the hot springs were of great benefit to every one. He would be very glad if the Native Minister would assist them not only to put this spring in repair, but other springs also. He hoped that the Minister did not consider that the Natives have been exorbitant in the charges made to the tourists at Tikitere. The charge was fixed at ss. a week some years ago, and the same payment is still in force. Mr. Ballance: As to what Te Kiri has said about the charges at Tikitere, I did not refer to Tikitere when I talked of exorbitant charges. What I said was this : that exorbitant charges were made in some places to tourists for viewing the springs, and then I expressed the hope that the people of Tikitere would not follow so bad an example —that they would not do a thing so injurious to themselves. I am very glad to hear from Te Kiri that the charges there are moderate, and I think that the people have shown great intelligence in fixing the charges so low. With respect to the repair of the hot spring here, I do not see why any one should object to the Government giving you assistance; but the Government, in repairing the hot spring, do not wish to obtain any rights over the spring which they do not possess at present. The spring will remain open for the use of the Maoris, and I suppose that you do not object to Europeans using it also. Now, I would like to say one word with regard to the hospital. Ido not mean that slight cases of sickness should be sent to the hospital; 1 only referred to dangerous and serious cases, where the person was likely to die; but of course the hospital will not be open for slight or trivial cases. And now with regard to your ancestor. Where is Wi Keepa ? I think that he should take the lead in getting back your ancestor, and that he should bring it back himself for the tribe, and not allow a policeman, by returning the image to the island, still further to degrade it. It is a very degrading thing for your ancestor to be in gaol, and I hope you will take immediate steps to have him released; but I am told that when a proposal was once before made to have him returned to the Island of Mokoia, you could not agree among yourselves. Why was this ? Why should there be any dispute about it ? If you agree about his return, and the European who paid the money does not object, I will have him brought back to-morrow. So you must arrange that matter among yourselves and let me know. Te Kiri Karamu said that that was the only ancestor who was not eaten by Ngapuhi.

Notes of a Meeting between the Hon. Mr. Ballance and the Tuhoubangi Natives at Whakarewarewa, on the 19th February, 1885. Address of welcome. This is a welcome from us, the Tuhourangi Tribe, to you the Native Minister. Friend, salutations to you. Our joy at your coming to see us is very great, because we know that you are coming to hear the subjects that we will bring before you. Now for the first time prosperity will come upon us through the action of your Government, and perhaps your Government will be able to take away the troubles which rest upon us. Here are we, the Tuhourangi Tribe, assembled to greet you and to welcome you to our place. "We ask you to come, and to hear and consider the subjects we shall bring before you. We wish you all prosperity. Mr. Ballance : My friends of the Tuhourangi Tribe, 1 beg to return you my sincere thanks for the very cordial welcome you have given me—a welcome which you have given me in the name of the Queen and the Government. I have never met with a more hearty reception than from the Tuhourangi section. lam glad to come amongst you, principally because I bring you a message from the Government of friendship. You have referred to the policy of the Government as one bringing peace and prosperity. In reply to that I say that it is the earnest desire of the Government to promote the prosperity of the Maori people. Our policy is not one of force and repression to be applied to the loyal Natives of New Zealand, but of friendly discussion and