AFFAIRS AT TAURANGA.

39

A.—No. 20.

retire from Orope to Te Papa, it being distinctly stated that rebel Hauhaus were on their way to seize both surveyors and camp. The Natives at Orope were very anxious for the party to move at once, stating that the Hauhaus were within a mile or so of the spot. Being at the camp myself I can vouch for the truth of the matter. I retired to Te Papa communicating with Te llanapia and Hairini on my way. I have, &c, H. L. Skeet, Staff Surveyor, H. T. Clarke, Esq., Civil Commissioner. Tauranga.

Enclosure 5 in No. 45. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Skeet to Mr. Claeke. (No. 128.) Sir, — Tauranga, Ist January, ISG7. I have the honor to forward a statement made by Te Banapia, who, at my request, went to Oropi to look after the stores, instruments, &c, left by Mr. Graham's party ; and, also, to bring a true account relative to the threatened attack of the Hauhaus. At the same time I would bring to your notice the promptitude with which Te lianapia attended to my wishes, and the kindness with which he has treated the three men of Mr. Graham's survey party, who, in accordance with my instructions, remained at Hairini. Of Eapata, at Orope, I would remark that he brought up my horse to the camp, and did all he could in persuading mo not to risk myself by remaining (whether right or wrong, of course, I am unable to judge) ; he also promised, as far as he could, to look after the instruments, &c. I have, &c, 11. L. Skeet, Staff Surveyor. H. T. Clarke, Esq., Civil Commissioner. Tauranga.

Enclosure 6 in No. 45. Transition of Tk Kanapias' Statement to Mr. Skeet on Monday Evening, 31st December, IS6G. Kanaka, a Native Assessor, went to Europe (Oropi) at the request of the District Surveyor, accompanied by a friend, for the purpose of obtaining information and to look after the stores, instruments, &c, left behind by Mr. Graham and party. On his arrival he found that the "Te Kaumarua " party, being a portion of the Hauhaus to the number of thirty, all armed with double guns, had been there and left. These were of different tribes, but principally of the Ngatiporou and Ngaiterangi, amongst the latter of whom were Penetaka, Wiremu Kairihi, Tupara, Hunia, and Te Poio. When these men got on the ranges they collected at a settlement called Taumata. Yesterday (Sunday) they sent a white man whom they call Peter (Peter Grant, a deserter from the AVaikato regiment) to tell the Natives at Oropi. These were his instructions: —" Tell the Natives to send back the surveyors at once, otherwise the Te Kaumarua would come and kill them, afterwards cut them to pieces, then cook them in the Maori ovens and eat them." On the Natives at Europe (Oropi) hearing this, they consented to use their influence with the surveyors to induce them to return to Te Papa. Hubert was the man whom the Natives at Oropi requested to speak to the surveyors and tell them of their danger, and the near approach of the Hauhaus. Immediately on the surveyors leaving, the thirty Hauhaus arrived as before described; the surveyors had only just decended the brow of a small hill outside Oropi (about a quarter of a mile). In the evening the party met together, including the Natives residing at Oropi. The Te Kaumarua then rose and stated they had come to seize (murua) all the effects of the surveyors. A Native belonging to Oropi, Tauaroa, got up and said, " This land, since peace was first declared, remains in the same state (undisturbed) ; let this land remain in peace. Don't touch anything belonging to the surveyors ; leave them with me that I may return them in safety." The Hauhaus replied, " "We shall not assent, but will seize everything." Tauaroa urged the necessity of leaving everything, that not being disputed ground, but go where there was a dispute. Then their God, whose name is Merekehereka, said to them, " Seize everything ; take everything away." Tauaroa replied, "As this is the voice of a God, my word will have no effect; I have done." The God then said, " Let everything bo seized to-morrow morning." This morning (Monday) before daylight Pomare said to Hariaua (a Native labourer of Mr. Graham's left behind), " Take care of the glass and chains; conceal them that they may not be seen." They concealed the glass (theodolite) and a bag of clothing; the chains they did not. The Hauhaus took every article of clothing, chains, &c, leaving behind them seven bags of flour, one bag of sugar, and four bags of biscuit. These are the only articles that remain. These are left behind through some superstitious feeling and regard to their God. They went on to Te Puke, apa at Canaan, near Maketu, their object in going being to see a chief called Hakaraia, it being for him to say whether they were to fight or not. They intimated that they would be returning from Canaan about Thursday. A. Wakbrick, Interpreter.

Enclosure 7 in No. 45. Statement made by llaeiatja, a Native employed by Mr. Ghaham, Surveyor (one of the survey party). On Sunday, 30lli December, just before dinner, I met a European named Peter, in company with another European ; they were both on horseback, who informed Uopata's wife that the " twelve " had 0