G.—l

Otorohanga, 15th April, 1891. The Commission sat in the Native Land Courthouse at 10.30 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. There was a large assemblage of chiefs and people of the Ngatimaniapoto Tribe. Messrs. Rees and Carroll (the latter in Maori) fully explained the objects of the Commission, and invited an expression of opinion from the Natives thereon. Taonui, having spoken briefly, the Commission, at the request of Wahanui, agreed to adjourn in order to afford the Natives opportunity to confer together before making a formal statement of their views. On resuming at 2.30 p.m., Henry Edwards (half-caste) stated the conclusions at which the Natives had arrived. He was then examined by Messrs. Carroll and Rees, after which Taonui and Whitinui Avere also heard and examined. Finally Te Kooti spoke a few words. The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m.

Auckland, 17th April, 1891. The Commission sat in the Customhouse building at 11 a.m. Present: Messrs. W- L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay. Theophilus Cooper, barrister and solicitor, was examined on oath. The Commission adjourned at 12.30 p.m.

Auckland, 18th April, 1891. The Commission sat in the Customhouse building at 11 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay. John Lundon, sometime member of the House of RepresentatiA'es for the Bay of Islands District, was examined on oath. The Commission adjourned at 12 noon.

New Plymouth, 21st April, 1891. The Commission sat in the Native Reserves Office at 11 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. E. M. Smith, M.H.R., introduced a deputation of lessees of Native land situated near New Plymouth, and set forth their grievance. E. M. Smith, Wilfred Rennell (Native Reserves Trustee), and George Bates Haigh (one of the lessees) were then examined in respect of the subject of complaint. Oliver Samuel, barrister and solicitor, was then examined generally in relation to the questions submitted to the Commission for investigation. The Commission adjourned at 1 p.m. The Commission sat again in the Criterion Hotel at 7.45 p.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. Wilfred Rennell, Native Reserves Trustee; Major Charles Brown, formerly Civil Commissioner ; and Te Kahui, Native Assessor, were examined. The Commission adjourned at 10 p.m.

Parihaka, 22nd April, 1891. Fin route to Opunake from New Plymouth, the Commissioners, escorted by Mounted-Constable Hickman, A'isited this Maori settlement in order to see Te Whiti. Te Whiti was at a distance from the village when the Commission and party arrived, but on being apprised of the visit he soon came in and extended a cordial welcome. No formal meeting was held, but a desultory conversation took place between the Commissioners and Te Whiti and some of the other chiefs who were present. The Chairman of the Commission explained to Te Whiti and the other Natives seated round the marae the objects of the Commission, and pointed out that its appointment was the outcome of the desire of the Parliament and Government to ascertain and remedy any real grievances of which the Maoris complained. This, then, was a favourable opportunity for the Maoris to make their voices heard, and Te Whiti, as well as the other leaders of the Native race, should not neglect to take adA'antage of it. In reply, Te Whiti said that the Maori chiefs had year after year petitioned Parliament, but nothing seemed to be done. The Chairman rejoined that Parliament, convinced at last by these petitions that something ought to be done, had appointed the Commission to make due inquiry and report the result. After some further discussion, Te Whiti entertained the Commissioners and staff at tea. The Commissioners, before leaving Parihaka, handed Te Whiti (for distribution among his people) a parcel of printed copies of the Maori translation of the reference to the Commission, and also copies of a summary (in Maori) of the Native evidence and meetings taken and held by the Commission in the Auckland Provincial District.

Opunake, 23rd April, 1891. The Commission sat in the Telegraph Hotel at 9 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. Messrs. A. H. Moore and Newman interviewed the Commission on the subject of Native-land leases on the reserves surrounding Opunake, pointing out that there was great difficulty in getting an alteration of terms. The Commission adjourned at 10 a.m.

XXXVI