E—No. 9 Sec. VLU.
Auckland, or is there any probability of an interior circuit being made by a superior Judge? The distance from here to Auckland is at least 200 miles, and the expenses of witnesses, &c., would be very great. I have fixed the loth of May for the trial. I have, &c, The Hon. the Attorney-General, George Law, R.M. Auckland. •
No. 5. REPORT FROM GEORGE LAW, ESQ. Auckland, 25th May, 1862. Sir,— In continuation of my last report, I have the honor to inform the Government, that our meeting for the selection of Native Assessors took place at Oruanui upon Thursday the 1st instant, and was one of the most satisfactory description. The hapus present were Ngatiruangarangi (Te Poihipi), Ngatitepake (Petaera), Ngatirawhito (Ihakara), Ngatitahu The unanimity of feeling displayed was most gratifying; I made a short address to each Assessor as he was brought forward to me, and required of each tribe a formal and public proof of their assent to, and willingness to abide by, the decision of their respective Magistrates. The answer in each instance was given by a heart stirring " Ae," which I will not readily forget. Te Poihipi then commenced a song, and being joined in by the whole assemblage it produced a most stirring effect. The meeting then broke up, and the people returned to their several villages. When Ngatitahu was asked whether they had selected an Assessor, they requested a little more time to think the matter over, as several of tlieir most influential men were absent. This was cheerfully conceded, with the remark that we did not wish to push matters, and that their assent would be considered of more value if given after mature reflection rather than upon a sudden impulse to be afterwards regretted. I may as well mention in this place, to avoid repetition, that upon visiting these Natives on my way to Auckland, I found that they had consulted together, and had agreed to accept our institutions in their entirety. They are at present selecting an Assessor, whose name I shall submit to His Excellency for approval. I have thus completed the organisation of this portion of my extensive district, extending from Rotomabanga to Taupo, and Westward to the borders of Ngatiraukawa. But this is not all; an impression has been made upon tiiis tribe, which is the stronghold of the King party in Taupo; I sent Hohepa and Ngapari to explain the vexed question about the land, which they did in such a masterly manmr as not only created confidence, but paved the way for the concession which followed. I think I have stated in a previous report that Hona Tera Te Paerati is the represeniaiive of the King party in Taupo, and we have concluded a treaty by which lie has consented that I shall have jurisdiction over any of his people who may commit themselves with our Natives, and that we should jointly try any of our people who should injure the King party ; at the same time deprecating the idea of any division of parties, as all should soon be one under the law. By keeping this idea in their minds, it will make that unanimity of action which we so much desire more attainable. This understanding is to be in operation until His Excellency shall find it convenient to visit Taupo, when a general explanation is to take place. " We are waiting for the day of the Governor; if our words are good to him and his words are acceptable to us, then, 'kei kona tatou katoa, puta noa, puta noa' " (we shall all join). I have since received a letter from the very party who spread the false reports, requesting permission to join the Waha Taonga (carrying my goods), and urging me to make haste and bring Mrs Law and my family. They are also finishing the house for me at Potangotango which had been stopped. Such is the present feeling, and I am of opinion that with, prudence and perseverance, the establishment of confidence with the Natives of this district will be an accomplished tact. This will no doubt take time, but the worst is now over, and I do not fear for the result. Of course this is very much dependent upon the state of matters outside, as any degree of excitement or dissatisfaction there has a corresponding effect with us. I tried a case on my w ay through, and although the defendant was not satisfied, and offered me part of the penalty, he ultimately paid up. It will take some time before the old men understand our forms. It is so hard for them to sit silent like so many common fellows, they used to take such a prominent part. I have not organised my Runanga, as I could not trust them in my absence. They are agitating for payment, and from what I have seen of the working of other Runangas, and the encroaching spirit of the Natives, where they are not watched and directed by a European head, I Game to the above resolution, which I do not now regret. I have, &c, The Hon. the Attorney-General, George Law. Auckland.
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REPORTS OF OFFICERS: TAUPO.
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