BEFORE THE WAIKATO COMMITTEE.

F—No. 3

heard of Potatau's discontent. I should state also that that was the only complaint I heard Nera make on the subject. 1524. Did Wiremu Nera express himself as otherwise satisfied with Mr. Fenton's proceedings ? —He did not express a general opinion. Me told me we must be cautious in future, and that it was fortunate the man who had been apprehended was one of his tribe. It was a general caution not to take similar steps in future, without some consultation with the Chiefs. 15"J5. Do you remember the first occasion on which you conversed with Potatau on the subject I —l had heard from several other quarters of signs of discontent, and I rode to Mangere to see Potatau. I was not aware till thtn that Potatau had not been referred to on the matter of the appointment of the Magistrate. 1526". Will you state as nearly as you can recollect the substance of your conversation with Fotatau ?—Potatau commenced the conversation himself, and said he was going up the Waikato to live. I said I was sorry for that, as the Government up to the present time had always relied upon him as a Chief in whom confidence could be placed; that land had been set apart for him by Goven.ment on the understanding that he was to occupy it, and that I hoped he would reconsider the matter and not go up ihe Waikato. I said it was very desirable that he should remain in the position in which he had always been, that of a medium of communication between the Europeans and the Waikato Natives. Fie stated that he had p eviously, on frequent occasions, been invited to go up the Waikato, but that he had always declined to do so, and had preferred living quietly at Mangere among the Europeans. He then asked me some questions about the proceedings of the younger men at Waikato, stating that he was not consulted now as he had formerly been; that recently bis advice had not been sought with reference to the affairs of his district. He went on to state, that the Government were acting in the present instance with the younger members of the tribes, and carrying out certain changes in the district without his concurrence. He was a man particularly sensitive on the point of his dignity and position, and I perceived by his manner that there was a coolness springing up which I could not then account for. I asked him if anything had been clone really to annoy him, as there was no intention on the part of Government to over* look or annoy him ; and he said, " What are these communications with respect to the subdivision of territory ?" He alluded also to the distribution of grass seed and the importation of sheep into Waikato. I forget exactly his expression, but he intimated that it- was an interference with his rights and prerogative, to sow grass seed on a piece of land which he was attached to and regarded as his property. The piece of land in question was a wahi tapu. He complained that inferior Natives were asserting rights which be conceived belonged to persons of his class. I remarked that this had been done (the grass seed and sheep) for the good of his people, and that the Government had no ultimate object in view with respect to the land, which he appeared to suspect; but that I would represent to the Governor that in anything that might be done he should be consulted, and that if an error had been committed in not consulting him, I was sure the Governor Would always consult with him ii. future in whatever related to his district. 152". Did Potatau express himself satisfied with these assurances? — Even after these assurances he expressed a more decided determination to go up the Waikato. He had repeatedly declined to accept the office of King before this. 1528. By going up the Waikato, did you understand a disposition on his part to secede to a certain extent from his close relations with the Government ? —Yes ; that was the indication afforded by his removing from the place appointed for him by the Government. He did not express this in tetms. Either at that time or at another visit I said I hoped he only intended a visit to Waikato, and not permanently to reside there; he shook his head as much as to signify that he had formed some resolution to reside there. 1529. Did you consider the prospect of such a change of residence on his part undesirable ?— Most undesirable. I eonskieied that while he remained at Mangere, Auckland was perfectly safe from invasion from any part of Waikato ; and that while his name was associated with that of the Government, few tribes would have attempted to interfere with the settlement. This was evident during the war with Hone Heke in the North, when he assured Sir George Grey that he would undertake the defence of the place if any attempt were made to cut down the flagstaff here. 1530. Was any reference made in this conversation specifically to the question of Mr. Fenton continuing as Magistrate in Waikato, either by you or by Potatau I—There was a reference made, but I can't say at what particular interview, for I was frequently in the habit of going over to Mangere to see the old Chief. 1531. What was the nature of the reference?—To the best of my recollection it was to this effect, that the Government were foolish in carrying on operations that had not the general concurrence of the people. He put it on the people, but I considered he had principally reference to himself. His remark was, " You are listening too much to young people, who are trying to impose upon you.'' I gathered from the tenor of his conversations, that he believed that the proceedings in Waikato (not so much of Mr. Fenton personally as of the Queen's party) had the sanction of Government; indeed, he asked distinctly whether they had. He said they were creating an unnecessary excitement uniting the Natives. I asked him what he was particularly annoyed at; and he stated that the Government had sent a Magistrate to the district and were taking measures that interfered with the rights of his people, without his consent. 1532. But did he express a desire that Mr. Fenton should be removed, or did you suggest his being removed?—l asked him what he was so dark (pouri) about; he said that he was dissatisfied with what was going on. He suggested that all those proceedings should be stopped; which involved the withdrawal of Mr. Fenton.

D. McLean, Esq". 22 Oct. 1860.

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