E— No. 9 See. II.

[Note.—I gathered from this debate, that their intentions were not to make a town in our sense of the word, i.e. for commercial purposes, but for the transaction of all public business connected with the Tribe or its interests.] 2nd. Allotments of land in the proposed Township, for each individual, person, or family: — Kapene, and Nooa, both agreed to this. Hori agreed also, and asked what size the allotments were to be. Honi: Let there be a large piece to each. I have four children to find food for, and want plenty of space. Kapene also said he wanted a large piece of land. Ruihana: I understand what you two mean. You want your piece of land to extend up to the mountains, but don't be covetous. Ruka: (President.) All agree to this. [Note. —The principle of division of lands is here partially recognized. In a subsequent communication I have had with Ruka, he has stated to me that the cause of his objection to Waata's scheme, (see my letter herewith) was simply as to the time when it was brought forward, not to the principle involved, which he approved of. That he thought the Runanga ought first to be established, and general laws for their guidance made. In this view I concur, hence my suggestions to Waata to postpone the matter; but the notes I m:»de of Ruka's speech do not confirm this statement of his, for he then opposed the plan altogether, only agreeing to define the boundaries outside of their lands.! 3rd. Grass farm at Maati:— Henare: What are we to work the land with? with wood paddles, or what? Hohapata: Let us have ploughs and bullocks; let the Governor give them. Pomipi: I agree to the making of this farm, but how are we to do it, and what with? Waata Kukutai: I agree to your making this farm, but I do not agree to your asking for ploughs, as we have got plenty; but I consent that you should ask for bullocks, as 1 have only four, and they are not enough. [Note. —This is considered by them as a general application to His Excellency for eight bullocks.] 4th. Farm for growing produce at Matekuahi:— Very strong objections to this proposal were raised by several, as they stated that one half the land belonged to Archdeacon Maunsel), and they objected to improve his land. I suggested to Waata, that Mr. Maunsell's portion might be fenced off and their operations confined to their own land only, and after a long debate this suggestion was adopted. [Note. —This debate impressed upon mo the necessity of the Commissioner making some Rules (Standing Orders) for conducting iheir proceedings. One person addressed the Ruuanua no less than six times on this subject, and others were nearly as loquacious.] 5th. Application to His Excellency for grass seed: — All were agreed upon this; but the estimate of the quantity of seeil required varied from twenty to one hundred bags. I therefore suggested to Waata, that no specified quantity should be applied for, but a general application only made; that if the application was granted the acreage of the proposed farm might be ascertained, and the quantity then fixed with certainty. Application for this has been forwarded by letter from Waata to His Excellency. Loud complaints were made about the sorrel and other noxious weeds in the seed generally sold. 6th. As to " Punitanita" (Scotch thistles)-. — A long discussion ensued. One party alluded to the spread of this thistle at Taranaki; others spoke of it as being at the Onewhero, (six miles from here,) and also on Mr. Maunsell's station, and expressed their fears lest the land should be covered with it. Kapene said, I have never seen this man " Punitanita," but have heard he is a very bad man, and so think he ought to be driven out of the laud lest his evil deeds (" hara") should spread. Another party also complained of the spread of the dock. [Note. —I suggested this subject to Waata for discussion, and told him that, as their lands were held iu common, I thought it would be more advisable to appoint and pay one person to attend to this duty solely, rather than to attempt by penalties to compel Natives to destoy them; for if the latter plan were adopted they would only attend to their cultivations and neglect their waste lands, on the principle that every body's business is no one's.] 7th. Produce destroyed by stock, whether large or small; compensation for same:— The general argument upon this subject was, that the compensation to be made by the owner of the stock, should be iu accordance with the amount of produce destroyed or damaged. The following head was also submitted for discussion:— Whether compensation should be given for produce destroyed or damaged in unfenced cultivations. There was a strong difference of opinion upon this subject ; one party alleging that they hnd made enclosures for their stock, and that if the stock strayed from or broke out of these enclosures on to unfenced cultivations, committing damage, that the owners of such stock should be liable for such

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REPORTS OF OFFICERS: