E—No. 9 Sec. VIII.

January 28th, Tuesday.—Left Tapuwaiharuru, and proceeding along the east aide of Tatfpa. calling at the different Tillages, and, when I found people, explained the object of my journey. 1 was sorry to find that the majority of the Natives of this portion of the Lake were at Ahnriri, engaged ir> making roads for the Provincial Government of Hawke's Bay; but from my personal knowledge of these Natives, (with all of whom I am on Serms of intimacy, and judging from the success obtained in other quarters) I have very little doubt as to the result of a conference with them. Those with whom I had an opportunity of speaking were quite favourable to the introduction of law and order. Arrived at Korohe January 29th (Wednesday). Passed through the villages of Tongariro and Toka, making an appointment to meet the Natives on Friday and Saturday. Arrived at Pukawa January 30th (Thursday). Talking with Te Heu Beu the greater part of the day. I found that he had been informed that I was appointed as a Magistrate for Te Poihipi. This information produced a very bad effect upon his mind, as there is an old feud and existing jealousy between tire rival chiefs, and nothing could have been more calculated to arouse his jealousy and consequent opposition. I told him that a magistrate would not be for him, or for Te Poihipi, but for the whole body of the people, and that I did uot intend to take up my residence at Tapuwaiharuru. After a lengthened conversation, he admitted that what His Excellency proposed was for the good of the Maori people; but Btill his mind is so filled with distrust, that it has assumed the aspect of a positive disease, and, shrewd and sensible as he is upon all other points, whenever he talhs about the Government he works himself into such a state of frenzy that he can scarcely be held accountable for what he says. The great difficulty with which I had to contend was this feeling of distrust ; and I must confess that, as far as Te Heu lieu is concerned, I was not successful. However, I do not expect any active opposition from him, and hope he may very soon change his opinion. Personally, he was exceedingly kind: said he should be glad to see His Excellency, but would not invite him to Taupo;: and we parted excellent friends. January 31st, Friday.—Proceeded to Toaanu and had a m ist satisfactory conversation with the principal Natives. Both Roman Catholics and Protestants unite in approving of the introduction of law and order, and putting an end to the present confusion arising from each little village having different laws from those of its neighbour. Here also I was offered a place of residence. This is the most populous village on Taupo ; it is situated at the extreme south eudof the lake. The inhabitants are principally Roman Catholics, and all King's Native*. February 1st, Saturday. —Proceeded to Tongariro. February 2nd, Sunday.—At Tongariro, February 3rd, Monday.—Had a satisfactory meeting with the Tongariro Natives this morning; I think I was successful in dispelling the doubt expressed by some of the old men here. I was asked by an old man why His Excellency did not give them these good things when he was there before, and he ended his speech with the following expression :—'' If these things had been granted before, " there would not have been a King Native in Taupo." However, he continued, " we believe that the " Governor means well, and we accept it as such, and if we could hear him tell us all these things we "would be quite light." One other point was, that Native Magistrates had been appointed, but that the salaries had not been paid, a circumstance which I assured them would not happen again. Same day came on to Tapuw aiharuru to meet the mail on its way to Auckland, and found that it had passed on Saturday, two days before its time, and was thus prevented writing to Auckland. February 4th, Tuesday.—Arrived at Opepe on my way to T.irawera. February 5th, Wednesday.—When within a short distance of Tarawora, I learned that the Natives had gone to Ahuriri to purchase flour, &c. Tarawera seems to me to belong to the Ahuriri district. It is more than forty miles distant from Taupo, the intervening country between Opepe and Tarawera is uninhabited. Same night returned to Opepe. February 6ih, Thursday.—From Opepe to Oruanui. Native3 very anxious to re-commence the the road. February 7th, Friday.—To Tahataharoa, arranged to go to the Papa tomorrow, accompanied by one of the principal men. February 8th, Saturday. —Arrived at the Papa; this is the Kai::ja of Hone Tcri te P.-icrata, the most influential native of this part of New Zealand. Ho has bean cho3eu b/ Ngnti.Mukj.wa and Ngatituwharetoa as their representative in all communication! between them and Europeans. I considered it better to postpone my visit to tliis Native uiitil 1 saw how die popular i'ociiuw was inclined. I informed him that Taupo had consented to receive me, explained the withes of his Excellency's Government, and used every argura.nt which I thought would hive a favourable effect upon his mind, without seeming too anxious to obtain h's assistanc \ lie said that although not strictly belonging to Taupo, he yet represented the Natives of Taupo as well as his own people. He ha 1 no objection to my coming amongst them, but I must not begin active operations amongst his people until he had seen the Governor and heard Horn his lips the truth of what I had stated. He seemed veiy much pleased when I informed him that the Honourable the Colonial Secretary would probably pr>y him a visit. February itli, Sunday,—At the Papa. February I Oth, Monday.—Returned with Te Matewaia for the purpose of selecting a kainga ; made choice of a place called Po Tango Tango, belonging to Te Matewaia. Arranged for a house to be built immediately, and promised to return if possible in a month ; came on to Taha Taha Roa, and Waimahaua. There is a land dispute here involving an extensive range of country. The Natives have referred the case to me for adjudication. The other side are Queen's Natives, belonging to Waire'warewa near Taupo; this proves in a substantial manner the reality of their sentiments. Came on toWhakamaru. >• February 11th.—To Aiatitaha.

4

REPORTS OF OFFICERS;