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E.—No. 3. SECTION 1.

to protect myself. Do you apply to Mr. Wood or to tlie General. When this disturbance is over, I will return what is given to me. Apply quickly, and write to me. Enough. From your friend, Wi Te Wheoeo. To Mr. Halse, Auckland.

Enclosure 8 to No. 11. Te Kohekohe, March 21st, 1863. Sib,— Upon my arrival here this evening, I found a large party of Natives from up the river assembled here, for the purpose of taking the timber back to Te la, with the carpenters. The " ope," composed of the following chiefs and their followers, viz.: —Te Kihirini, Pakeahau, Te Huirama Tuno, Karaka To Taniwha, Tarahawaike, Takerei Te Eau, Te Katea Taharape, Taneti Paeturi, Hone Kingi Te Paki, and Wiremu Hoete Te Kumcte, of Kawhia—in all about one hundred, all armed. Takerei arrived here on Thursday, the 19th, and stopped the carpenters from working; and on the following day (yesterday) the remainder arrived. Soon after they landed they commenced taking the timber down to the river, and built a raft. They worked until late last night, and commenced again this morning. They have now nearly the whole of the timber rafted, except a small quantity which they have used to build a " break" for shelter. They are to take the rafts down on Monday morning, after they have a " Tatu Ngarahu." Te Wheoro arrived hero from town late last night. He protested against their taking the timber away, and warned them of the danger they were incurring. They answered, " It is well, if the Governor takes this matter up after our talk respecting it." Shortly after my arrival, a report got about that trading had been stopped, to commence on Monday; that soldiers were to be stationed at Te la, and along the South road to Auckland, to prevent all natives from going into Town. Wi To Kumetc declared that as the pakeha had commenced with the "puru"; he would also "puru" Waikato, declaring that mailmen and travellers shall not be allowed to pass up and down. All the Pakehas in Waikato, and the Queen's Natives, shall not be allowed to come down the river. Two or three others followed in the same strain, when Te Kumete said that enough had been said, for all that had been said was the thought of every man. Te Wheoro then explained to them that the report had originated from his having advised the storekeeper not to trade with the " taua" on Monday, as it was a " huinga a ope." It was evidently unsatisfactory, for they made no reply. I am also informed that they will not allow me to proceed on my journey; at any rate I shall attempt it to-morrow forenoon. I hear that the " taua" has declared that as soon as they have landed the timber at Te la, they are going to Otawhao to bring Mr. Gorst and the buildings down the river. The " taua" manifest a very hostile state of feeling, and consequently talk in the war strain, and use very defiant language. I am taking the liberty of sending this to the officer commanding the Queen's Redoubt, to have it sent by express. Te Wheoro will be in town on Monday; he is anxious that Mr. Bell should return to Auckland, as he says this affair has passed out of his hands. I have, &c, James Fulloon, Clerk, Native Office. P.S. —I hear that the "ope" will be under the safeguard of the Eev. Heta Tarawhiti, when they raft the timber down to-morrow, under a flag of truce. They requested, through Mr. Ashwell, that there should be no soldiers about the landing place. I do not know whether they are going to take their arms, or not. J. F. H. Halse, Esq., J.P., Auckland. March 22nd, 1863.

Enclosure 9 to No. 11. Native Office, Auckland, March 23rd, 1863. Fbiend, Waata Kitkutai, — Salutations. The Governor has heard of the good conduct about the trouble that has just happened at Kohekohe. The Governor's attention having been drawn to your frequent faithful services, and to your constant efforts to preserve the peace of the country, has directed that you shall receive an increase of one hundred a-year to your salary ; the increase to date from the first of January last. The Governor thanks you for your good behaviour on this occasion, and you will see by this increase to your salary that he will reward those Chiefs who support him. F. D. Bell. Letter of same tenor and date to Wi Te Wheoro.

Enclosure 10 to No. 11. ACCOUNT OF MY JOI7ENET TO NGABUAWAHIA. I left Auckland on the 17th March, 1863, at six o'clock, and arrived at Drury. On the morning of the 18th, I went on as far as Mr. Selby's, where I found Mr. Halse, Mr. Gorst, and Wiremu Te Wheoro.

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DESPATCHES FROM GOVERNOR SIR G. GREY

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