A.—No. 20.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO AFFAIRS AT TAURANGA.

68

said: "If you want utu (payment) go to Opape, and take it out of Wi Teria's people." At last a party of Ngatirua and Ngatingahere started, Ngatira declining to take part. They crossed over to the Opotiki River, and then down to the valley and over to Waioeka; they have not yet returned to Maraitai, and I fully expect to hear of them in Waiaua. They sent a message to Maraitai, and the people have moved back to Rangiwaka, between Moungapahatu and the Wairoa. I have learned a good deal about the interior, and have written officially to St. John, advising him not to attempt anything for the present, and not on any account to get up a great expedition until he hears from the Government. The rivers here have been up for three weeks. I would have gone to Opouriao to-day but should have had to swim two or three rivers, and as I am still somewhat unwell, I feared to undertake the journey. I hear that all the Ureweras, excepting Ngatikuri (Maungapahatu), are peaceably disposed. Ido not put much faith in this though. * * * * * I have. &c, Mr. H. T. Clarke, Tauranga. W. G. Maie.