F-—No 4

This being their first visit to the Puketapu district since the late feuds, their ceremonies at each Native village occasioned a further delay in Teira's matter, for I considered it would be impolitic to commence whilst they were in the district. I was with William King and his people on Monday last, and went fully into the question with them, informing them of the determination of the Government in the matter. I endeavoured to work upon them, by explaining to them how very much the Government had been troubled with the Waitara question. That sixteen years there were Europeans on the land who weie removed by the Government. That sooji afterwards Ihaia and Matiu (William King's brother) offered to sell Waitara to the Government. That in consequence of the Government declining to purchase of them, Ihaia sold some of the land to an European, which the Government also disallowed. That a bad feeling arose with them and Ihaia's people in consequence of their continued opposition. That both parties had been diawn into the quarrels 6t the Puketapu's, which tad recoiled upon themselves at Waitara. That this state of things had induced Teira and party to sell their land, in older to be under the Government. That it was now their duty to endeavour to meet the Government in this matter and settle the question without any unpleasantness. In reply to this a young man called Hemi Te Koro, spoke favourably, but before he had finished William King perceiving the tendency of his views, got up and said " I will not consent to divide the land, because my father's dying words and instructions were, to hold it. I have appointed Monday next, the 20th instant, for the first attempt at the survey, I shall accompany the surveying staff myself. William King has been duly informed. On the 14th instant, I heard of orders having been issued to the Volunteer Cotps, to hold themselves ready to match to Waitara with the Troops, when I addressed a letter to Col. Murray, copy of which I herewith enclose. I have,--&C-, The Hon. C. W. Richmond, ~ Robert Paeeis, Native Minister, District Commissioner, Auckland. (s

. ' No. s,'" : ' - , .[ME. W. C. RICHMOMD .TO ME; PAEEIS.] ■ Auckland, August 27th, 1859. ■. My dear Me. Paeeis, — I have received yours of the 20th, and am, very sorry to hear, what you tell me about the Waiwakaiho Bridge Road. I have heard nothing of the matter, except from yourself. Of course I cannot pretend to form any judgment upon it. In reply to your question respecting the probability of the transfer of the Mail to the Inland line, I consider there is a good chance of such a transfer. Schultz, the Port Master at Kawhia, was asked a few weeks ago to endeavour to arrange a partition of the Coast Service between the Kawhia and Mokau people, so as to get over the difficulty with the latter. But, in my opinion, the Inland line, if practicable, would be far preferable to the Coastline: and this prospect of a change should be borne in mind in any" conversations you may have with the Natives. I ought to have acknowledged your letter about the reserves in the Waiwakaiho block. I am strongly of opinion that the question-with Henry Te Puni ought not to be mixed up with the settlement of the reserves and purchases of other Natives unconnected with him. The Whole transaction has been a discredit to the Department; but faith should be kept, and Heniy Te Puni's conduct ought not to be imitated by the British Government. I concur with you- in thinking that there is no occasion, under the Native Reserves Act, to obtain the consent of every Native who signs a deed whereby a reserve is made. It appears to me sufficient, if those who are recognised by the Natives themselves as having an interest in a reserve, concur in its cession to the Queen, for the purposes of the Act.' The other course is likely rather to raise than to settle questions. It may be desirable to refer the question for the opinion of the Attorney-General. The Governor is very anxious about the completion of the. purchase from Teira. lam sure you will press the matter as fast as appears prudent. It would satisfy His Excellency if, without writing officially, you would let me hear privately how things stand. I have been in hopes that Mr. McLean's visit would effect something—but he delays so long. The Governor feels he is pledged to effect the purchase. I am, &c, R. Parris, Esq. C. W. Richmond.

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AGAINST MR. C. W. RICHMOND.