AFFAIRS AT TAURANGA.

61

A.—No. 20.

requesting them to assist in making an attack on Opotiki from the Waioeka Gorge, and that the Uriwcra had not consented; but that it would be advisable to be cautious, as their intentions with respect to this place and the beach about Ohiwa were not known. This letter may be intended as a blind. 1 would suggest that a supply of arms and ammunition be placed at my disposal here for supplying friendly Natives in the event of hostilities being renewed. The officer commanding has a very limited number, and I have promised to replace those issued to Ngatihokopu. Nothing further has been heard of the Hauhaus in the Waiaua Valley, and there is good reason to believe that they have left that neighbourhood for the present. I have, &c, W. G. Math, The Civil Commissioner, Tauranga. Resident Magistrate.

No. 63. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Clarke to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (D. 314.) Civil Commissioner's Office, Sin, — Tauranga, 27th April, 1867. In my letter of yesterday's date I acquainted you with my intention of being present at a gathering of the Ngaiterangi on the occasion of the death of Tomika Te Mutu. I have the honor to acquaint you that I have just returned from that meeting. Not a single speech was made ; all their attention seemed to be absorbed in eating. They gave out their intention of devoting Monday to discussing the matters of political interest. L have promised them to be there. An intercepted letter was placed iv my hands by the assessor Hainiora Tv, bearing the signature of "VVireinu Tamehana's son and successor (a copy and translation of which I enclose). I regret to say that this letter has been handed about secretly from one to another, and has been in the district for at least a month. It was only to-day that 1 was made acquainted with its existence. It is such conduct us this that leads me to distrust many of the Ngaiterangi. This letter is evidently the one referred to by Kahukote and Ngatupara, enclosed in my report of 12th March (D. 1526). I have this evening received letters from Rotorua. The spies referred to in my report of yesterday have returned with the information that a large body of Waikatos is on its way to Rotorua, and another body upon Tauranga. Wiremu Maihi also writes to me to say that Ereatara has returned. Ereatara confirms the statement made by the spies. He states that the Tauranga expedition is under the guidance of the old chief Hakaraia, and that William Thompson's son and successor is a most active supporter. The ltotorua expedition is said to be under the direction of the King. William Marsh in his letter states that the disaffected Natives have been holding a monster meeting at Te Waotu (Patetere), at which there were 2000 present; of course these numbers are purely imaginative. Their decision was to visit Rotorua and " drink the waters of the lake till it was dry." The Rotorua pa's are being strongly reinforced, and a fresh supply of ammunition will be sent in on Monday. It is quite evident that the enemy are again occupying this district. I have observed to-day several fires in different directions ; last night signal fires were made on Minden Peak. Jt had been reported to me that fires were to be made in that direction, and 1 requested Mr. G. Mair, who has charge of the Arawas at the Gate Pa, to keep a good look out. This matter was reported to me this morning. I have, &c, H. T. Claeke, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

• Enclosure in No. 63. [translation.] To Ngaiteranoi,— Ohineroa, 12th March, ISG7. 0 tribe, salutations ! turns the love.* This is a word of mine to you all respecting the word of "William (Thompson) to you : " Lie down ; look ; listen." His second word was " Do not listen to the voice of (any) man ; rather let it originate with myself alone." This was the last of his words to you. This is my thought respecting you. The sword is uplifted; the " Kati" has beeu established, therefore come hither. That is all my word to you. From Taua Taingakawa Te Wahaeoa.

No. 64. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Claeke to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (D. 318.) Civil Commissioner's Office, Sib, — Tauranga, 10th May, ISG7. As many statements have lately been put forth as to the precise arrangements made by His Excellency the Governor with regard to the confiscated laud in this district, some of which are most conflicting, I have deemed it advisable to furnish a condensed report of the question, drawn principally from records of this office. At the great Ng&iterangi " peace making " in August, 1864, the Ngaiterangi surrendered the whole of their lands in this district to His Excellency the Governor. His Excellency adjourned the meeting for four-and-twenty hours to give time to consider and determine the terms upon which he • Really, the greeting ends.—H. T. C. 16