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We note with regret the complaint which Tawhiao makes at the close of his letter, that the force stationed at Kawhia is acting harshly to his people. I have, &c, P. W. Chesson, The Eight Honourable Edward Stanhope, M.P., &c. Secretary.

Sub-Enclosure. [Teanslation.] To Sir John Gorst. Whatiwhatihoe, sth August, 1886. Feiend, for the love that you bear the Maori tribes of the Islands of New Zealand accept our affectionate greeting. Your kind letter to me arrived in charge of our friend Mr. Pisher. In it you remark that, if I have anything to say to the Government of Her Majesty, I am to apply through the colonial authorities, who make the laws for my people. Friend, this is a word of mine, listen therefore attentively. I have arranged a definite course of action for the future guidance of the Maoris of the Island. I have drawn out my petition and sent it to the New Zealand Government, so that they may place it before their Parliament. The request in my petition is—(1.) For a Maori Council; (2) to suspend the Courts and surveys that induce my people to sell their land; (3) on account of the laws of 1852-1871 having been made to govern the land and my people, I ask that authority be given me to govern the Maoris under them as the Queen promised my ancestors at the Treaty of Waitangi. This is all that I ask. The Colonial Government replies that they cannot entertain my petition. My word to you is this : If you can see a way to bring my Bill (i.e., petition) before the English Parliament that will sit next session, lend me your assistance; but, if you have not the power to help me, then, sufficient; I will go on with my own affairs. My resolve is to persist, and when my Bill becomes law, not before, I shall know that this Island is happy. I will send the copy of my Bill to you through our friend Mr. Fisher, who will forward it. From your true and loving friend, Tawhiao, King. P.S.—Another word concerning the work of the Government of this Island. Their behaviour to us is most oppressive, and both Maoris and Europeans complain bitterly of their sufferings. This is a request to you to ask Her Majesty's Ministers to send a member of their Government to see whether I and the Maori people or the Europeans are doing the wrong, and also to observe how my tribe is treated by the soldiers who are stationed at Kawhia. If, therefore, you agree, come and see for yourself. In replying to this send the letter to Mr. Fisher, who will forward it to me. This is all I have to say to you.

No. 10. (New Zealand, No. 95.) Sib, —■ Downing Street, 27th December, 1886. With reference to my Despatch No. 58, of the 7th August last, relating to the recognition in the United Eingdom of certificates for passengersteamers issued by the Marine Department of New Zealand, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of a letter from the Board of Trade, with copy of an Order in Council dealing with this subject, dated the 26th November last. I have, &c, EDWAED STANHOPE. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

A.-2, 1887, Sess. 1., No. 76.

Enclosure. The Boaed of Teade to the Colonial Office. Sic,— Board of Trade (Marine Department), London, S.W., 15th December, 1886. Steamships. —With reference to their letter of the 11th July last (M. 13341) relative to the recognition in the United Kingdom of certificates for passenger-steamers issued by the Marine Department of New Zealand, I am directed by the Board of Trade to forward herewith, for the information of Mr. Secretary Stanhope, the accompanying copy of an Order in Council, declaring that, subject to certain restrictions therein specified, certificates granted by the Legislature of New Zealand for passenger-steamships shall be of the same force as if they had. been granted under the Merchant Shipping Acts in the United Kingdom. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Thomas Geay.

Sub-Enclosure. At the Court, at Windsor, the 26th day of November, 1886. Present: The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty; Lord President, Viscount Cross, Earl of Eosslyn, Lord Stanley of Preston. Wheeeas by "The Merchant Shipping Act, 1876," it is enacted that, when the Legislature of any British possession provides for the survey of and grant of certificates for passenger-steamers, and

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