A.—No. 14a,

district much disturbed. As it is, a few days will suffice to wear off the excitement which has been occasioned, when, I trust, all will continue as usual. I have, &c, Edwaed M. Williams, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington, Eesident Magistrate.

No. 3. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Eolleston to Mr. Williams. (No. 280-2.) Native Secretary's Office, Sib,— Wellington, 9th July, 1867. I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Eichmond, to acknowledge the receipt of your further report of the 17th of June, on the subject of the quarrel between the Uritaniwha and Ngarehauata tribes, reported in your previous letter of 6th June. The Government has heard with great satisfaction of the success which has attended your exertions to bring this dispute to a peaceful issue, and directs me to convey its thanks to you for the courage and activity displayed by you. I have, &c, W. Eqlleston, Edward Williams, Esq., E.M., Waimate. Under Secretary.

No. 4. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Williams to the Hon. J. C. Eiciimojtd. (No. 50.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sin, — Waimate, 15th July, 1867. It is with much regret I have to inform you that, notwithstanding the arrangements entered into with the Uritaniwha and Ngarehauata tribes, and the promises made by them, as reported in my letter No. 38, 17th June, 1867, they again met on the disputed ground during the afternoon of the 10th instant, on which occasion they opened a heavy fire upon each other, keeping it up until nightfall, their casualties being five killed and two wounded. Had the day been moderate on the 9th, in all probability I should not have been present on this occasion, for, believing the Natives to be sincere in their promise that no further hostilities should take place, I had started for Waima to fulfil my engagements there and at Herd's Point, but the severity of the weather induced me to take shelter at Waimate. Starting again the following morning, I was met on the road by a Native who informed me that the two opposing parties had met with the determination of fighting on that day, and in consequence of this information I at once decided to postpone my journey to Hokianga and return to these Natives. On visiting the two parties, the Ngarehauata being on the disputed ground, I soon found that reasoning would no longer be of any avail, a marked determination depicted on their countenances, and in their general demeanour convincing me that mischief was at hand ; and whilst standing by one of the breastworks of the Ngarehauata party engaged in conversation with them, somo four or five of their number, without giving any notice, stepped forward and fired at long range into the Uritaniwha party. I have since learned that this plan was decided upon when I was seen approaching, to prevent my checking their movements by again placing myself between the two parties. This I believe ; and, moreover, that the Ngarehauata, thinking I should be at Hokianga, to which place they knew I was going, took the opportunity of returning, and when they saw me again amongst them had recourse to the above mode of terminating all negotiations. Their fire was immediately returned by the others, and the engagement at once became general. Finding I could no longer restrain them, I proposed to Mr. Hopkins Clarke, who was with me, that we should retire out of the range of their shot, where we remained in readiness to attend the wounded. On the following morning I again visited both parties. They appeared more moderate in their remarks, but still averse to peace. Since then they have been engaged in removing and burying their dead. Annexed is a list of the killed and wounded. On the Uritaniwha side: killed, Tamauru, Te Tainui, and Piri te Maioha (3) ; wounded, none. On the Ngarehauata side: killed, llenata Kawana (a young chief of the Ngatekawa tribe), and Hone Patau, also of the Ngatikawa (2) ; wounded, Henara Wahu, through the right thigh, and Pene Whareoneone, slightly on the right shoulder (2). It is impossible as yet to say how this affair may terminate, but the Government may rely upon my exertions in endeavouring to prevent other tribes from joining in the quarrel, and, if possible, in bringing about a speedy restoration of peace between those already engaged. I trust the course which I adopted in postponing my visit to Hokianga may meet your approbation, inasmuch as the present case is one involving the peace of this district. I have &c. Edtvaed M. Williams, The Hon. the Nativ* Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 5. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Williams to the Hon. J. C. Eiciimottd. (No. 52.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sib,— Waimate, 26th July, 1867. I have the honor to inform you that since the date of my letter, 15th July, 1867, in which I

4

PAPERS CONCERNING THE LATE