E—No: 9 Sec. V.

That they offered to give from 12 to 20 acres for this purpose. A letter, signed by thirty-two of the principal Chiefs residing between Eangitukia and Whangara offering this land, was enclosed. The land offered is situated near the pa of Rangitukia, on the banks of the Marahea, a stream of considerable volume which bounds it on the north ; on the east, or front, lies the trunk road intended to lead up the valley; the southern boundary is a line running from the fence of Hohepa te Rore's wheat-field (and at a right angle to the main road) towards Te Mapara; the back boundary, a small stream. The soil is of excellent quality, and perfectly level. There is not a tree upon it, except a few young manuka. I append hereto the original, with translation of the Maori letter referred. I feel it to be my duty again to state that the Ngatiporou are extremely jealous of any attempt to acquire (by purchase or deed of gift) any portion of their land. Even though they had themselves opened the question, I found it necessary to be extremely cautious; the very word "whenua" used by an agent of the Government, seemed sufficient to arouse suspicion and distrust. Other sites were named, but objected to by me on account of their distance from the pa at Rangitukia. In a letter, dated as far back as the latter end of 1860, the Ngatiporou offered a site at Te Kawakawa (Karakatuwhero). As my instructions directed me to locate myself at Waiapu, I made no enquiries about this land ; but I was informed that it is very well situated, fertile, and possesses the advantage of being near Hick's Bay, from which place there are more frequent opportunities of communicating with Auckland than from any other on the coast. I respectfully request to be informed, in order that I may give a definite answer to the Natives, — Whether the offer of the land at Rangitukia is accepted : or, Whether an extension of the boundaries of that piece will be necessary: or, Whether negotiations should be opened with them for a fresh site of greater extent, near Rangitukia : or Whether, in the event of failure at Waiapu, a site is to be acquired elsewhere: or, Whether the offer of Karakatuwhero will be accepted, and the Magistrate's location be removed to Te Kawakawa. May I also be informed whether a site is to be obtained at Tokomaru. William B. Baker.

Rangitukia, Waiapu, December 20th, 1861. 0 Sire, our loving Parent, we greet you. The Magistrate has come hither to our village. We have saluted (lit., sighed towards) the law, that it may be a loving parent to benefit the children, the old women, the old men, the orphans, and the poor. A certain portion of our land has been ceded to us for him, that is, upon your name. We rejoice over this great boon which has come amongst us, namely, the Law of the Queen, which is to arrange the portions of our laud that they may be right; for our roads, that they may be made straight; and for all good works, also, that they may be performed (introduced) among us, lest the root of bitterness spring up, and the many be confused. From me, Rawiri Rangikatia, His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B., (and 31 others.) &c, &c, &c.

No. 4. REFORT OF LANDING OF GUNPOWDER AT THE EAST CAPE. District of Waiapu. Resident Magistrate's Office, Rangitukia, 17th February, 1862. Sir,— I have the honor to report that upon my arrival at Waiapu, I received information that a whaler (supposed to be American) touched at the East Cape for supplies, and amongst other articles landed six casks of gunpowder, which were distributed as follows:— At Pouretua Two. " Howora Three. " Omaruhou One. Other vessels are expected to call off the coast during the next two or three months, the masters of which are very likely to offer gunpowder and spirits in barter for the Native produce required by them. * I think it extremely desirable that means should be adopted to prevent the recurrence of such an offence, particularly in a district where the effective working of British law would be seriously impeded by an open defiance of its authority, by persons over whom it is supposed by the Natives to have an irresistible influence.

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