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this word to you is because we have been misled by Harries. He told us that he had a vessel then laying at Earotonga, and that is how we have been misled and taken in. He took with him men, and also the money which he obtained by false representations. Now, take pity and help us in this our trouble. My word to you is that we place this work in your hands. We ask you to obtain the money for us as the power is with you over the people in the land of Earotonga. We look to you as our guardian and chief. Have compassion, and get our money for us. These are our words to you. Enough. From the Government and Governor of Tongarewa. Tautaitini, at Omoka.

Enclosure No. 9. Statements by Me. Haekies, Master op the Schoonee " Noeval," of the Seizure and Foecible Detention by the Native Government op Himself and his Vessel at Penrhyn Island, otherwisk. known as Mang-oeongaeo, and also as Tongarewa. (No. 1.) In April, 1892, I, Thomas Harries, was master of the schooner " Torea," of Auckland, owned by Messrs. Donald and Edenborough, of Auckland and Barotonga, and I was on a trading trip to Penrhyn Island. I arrived at Penrhyn Island on the 28th April, 1892. On the Ist June the natives of the Western Settlement heid a meeting at the Courthouse, which they asked me to attend. I therefore attended the meeting. They said that the meeting was called together as they wanted to know if I knew of any vessels for sale, as they wanted to buy one. I answered that the only vessel I knew of for sale at present was that of Captain John Alliquot, who was at Borabora. The price he wanted for her was $4,500. They said that was too much. Then they asked me if I could not get them one from $3,500 to $4,000. I said, " I don't know, but I can see when Igo to New Zealand this trip." " Well," they said, "if you can get one buy her for us, but the outside price we are willing to pay is $4,000." I said, " All right." This was all for this day. Next morning I sailed for the North-eastern Settlement, and left again on the 4th June. Coming out through the western passage took two passengers on board for Manihiki from the Western Settlement, one of them being the manager of the store for the Government. He told me they had another meeting after I went to the North-eastern Settlement, and that he was instructed by them to tell me not to forget to get them a vessel as quick as possible. I told them that I would be back in about three months, and that I would either bring them a vessel or else I would be able to let them know about one. I arrived at Manihiki on the 7th June, 1892, and sailed again the same day for Auckland, vid Earotonga. On arrival in Auckland I told Mr. Donald, the head of the firm, about this vessel that the Penrhyn natives wanted. He said that the only vessel he knew of that was suitable and for sale was not in Auckland at present; but I can find out when she will be here. He afterwards bought the vessel for them when she was on a voyage from Westport to Gisborne, and thence to Auckland. I afterwards, finding that I would be behind the time I mentioned to them before I got back, made arrangements to send the vessel to Earotonga, whilst I came to Earotonga by steamer, and thence to Penrhyn by the schooner " Goldfinch." I arrived at Penrhyn on the sth September, and told them of the vessel which I had bought for them, at which they were all glad. This is what I told them on my arrival here in the schooner " Goldfinch " : that the vessel which was bought for them was at Gisborne when I left New Zealand, and was coming from there to Auckland. On arrival at Auckland she was to be put into thorough good order before sailing for Earotonga and Penrhyn, and that the price they would have to pay for her would be $4,000; that she was 56 tons register, and built in 1877; and that the balance which I owed them from the previous trip ($801) is iv the hands of Mr. Donald, which leaves a balance for you to pay $3,199. They said everything was all right. They then asked me to weigh all the shell they had, and they gave it to me as payment for the vessel. They said, "We have called you here to give you what money we have for the vessel," which was $2,056 in Chili coin, and the shell amounted to $77T75, which left a balance due on the vessel of $371-25. I took the cash on board, and was ready to go to the Northern Settlement. I told the master of the " Goldfinch " to get the pilot when they called me ashore again to the Courthouse. They said, "We have given you all the shell and money we have. Are you willing to give us some provision and goods on credit, as we have nothing to go on with?" I said I was willing "if you pay for them when I come back." They said they would. So they came on board and took provisions and dry goods to the amount of $1,567 - 90. The next day we sailed for the Northern Settlement, and on the 10th September sailed down the lagoon again, and took on board seven men which were going to Earotonga to bring back their vessel. Sailed on the evening of the 10th September for Manihiki and Earotonga. At Manihiki we took two more Penrhyn natives on board for Earotonga, and arrived at Earotonga on the 23rd September. On arrival I gave the money to Messrs. Donald and Edenborough's agent there. On my arrival at Earotonga I learnt that, previous to my arrival at Penrhyn on the sth September, the Penrhyn natives had sent two men to Earotonga by the American schooner "Te Uira," with the intention of buying her. These two men had chartered her to take them back to Penrhyn, and also had bought her. I heard of these two men going to Earotonga when I received the money from the Penrhyn people, and I asked them if they had gone to buy that vessel. They told me, "No; they cannot buy her, and you are the first we asked to get us a vessel." Later, on the 23rd September, the schooner "Te Uira " arrived from Penrhyn having the natives on board who had bought her. They and the