32

A.—3

There are now a few Europeans on each of the islands, and, in the event of disputes, they require some properly constituted authority to whom they may apply in the event ot trouble. The Natives have, moreover, reached that stage of enlightenment that they will no longer put up with the eccentricities of their chiefs. Under these circumstances it is not advisable that we should allow the jealously of a few useless and obstructive chiefs to exclude the more enlightened of the Maori people from all part in the government of their own islands. It is time that such men were taught that their old system, whereby each tribe held aloof from all others, must give way before the exigencies of our civilisation. If this be done the system to which reference is made in Tararo's letter (copy attached), and in my reply thereto, will soon die out. I would also suggest for your consideration that you should authorise me to deprive any chief—whether Ariki or Mataiapo—of his rank or authority in the event of his opposing any Government measure. 1 have, &c-> W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. C. H. Mills, Minister administering the Islands, Wellington.

Enclosures. To Colonel Gudgeon. 25th September 1904. I write to inform you what has happened since you left us. The land of Torea which is out of the settlement, and which he has placed in the hands of the Court for survey-Tamuera has placed a raui over it. This was done on the 24th September in defiance of your instructions. Tamuera haS SrJiTanufter matter. Tamuera and Te Au intend to leave this settlement and form a settlement of their own. When I heard this I caused Te Au and Tamuera to meet me with all their people, on the 26th, and I asked them the truth of what I had heard They said they were going to find a settlement for themselves on their own land. I then said Did you not hear what Colonel Gudgeon said, that we were all to live together in the settlement, and work in peace?" They replied, "We will not stay here," and are now seeking some way in which to blame you, as they say you were wrong in your investigation. That is their overbearing and conceited manner. They"are clearing a settlement now at Taunganui near fte sea and have disregarded my advice to tie up the pigs, make the roads, and plant the lands. I am told that they have threatened the people that if they do not do as they des,re they will take away their land Mana and Hoeina are going with Te Au and Tamuera. They have left, the place where they were living, and have got land from Te Au and Tamuera. My idea is to let them from those people if they so desire.

To Te Au and Tamuera. Rarotonga 10th October 1904. My friends: I warned you just before I left Mauke that I would not allow any interference with hose who had given evidence in the Makatea case, and I hear that the warning had so little effect on Tamuera that directly I left he set up a raui on the land of Torea who had given evidence against him. Listen to me, both of you: that raui is without mana, it has been set up against the Court, and it can have no effect. . , I hear also that you have both resolved to leave the village in which you live and build a new one anart from Tararo. Ido not dispute your right to do this, though I know that you have no good reason for doing it; but, remember that the authority in the hands of Tararo is from those who represent our King and Parliament, and, go where you may Tararo remains the Magistrate of the island, and I hold him responsible for the peace and good order of that island, and tell you that you cannot escape from the mana of the law. All that you are likely to do by your foolish behaviour is to show the Government of New Zealand that the sooner the Arikis ° f M tS the Sect of "you is to try and escape the jurisdiction of Tararo is quite clear to me It is proved by Te Au joining you in this new village scheme. His and has not been touched • no one has interfered with either his house or the houses of his people and, therefore, Se leaves the village he does so from an insane jealousy of Tararo, an absurd attempt to escape Briti Now Ul l'wish you both to understand that I have reported these matters to the Minister in Charge of these Islands, who will inform the Governor, and I have asked for power to deprive vobothi of'your rank hould you continue this opposition to the good government of the island. It will be or L Minister to say whether he will appoint Tararo as our Government Agent, or will authorTse me to send a European to Mauke, but if a European is sent it will be for you, Tamuera and Te Au, to pay his salary of £100 per annum. ~ . Remember this, it is you two who are trying to deprive the Maoris of all. mana in their own • i.riH ifvoii have to pay for that action you have no right to complain. Regard this letter as 1 /emember that the Government of New Zealand will carry out their policy and not yours. From friend) That is all. W. E. Gudgeon.