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Maoris with their traditional dances and songs of welcome. I was then addressed according to the usual custom in a series of speeches by the principal chiefs present. They enlarged principally on their regret at the absence of the Duke of Edinburgh, and on the causes of the existing disturbances at Hokianga. I replied to them in an address, of which I annex an accurate report, and which, as I am assured, created a favorable impression, and will, in connection with the efforts of Mr. Richmond and of the local Magistrates, probably prevent the renewal of hostilities between the Ngapuhis and the Rarawas. 7. It will be remembered that the chiefs who first addressed the meeting at Waitangi, in 1840, strongly dissuaded their countrymen from the cession of their national independence; and that the majority yielded at length to the authority and eloquence of Tamati Waka Nene. who urged that the sovereignty of the Queen would bring with it the blessings of Christianity and of civilization. It has been often stated, and it is generally believed here, that without the support of this celebrated chief, the British Government could not have been established in New Zealand in 1840, nor maintained during the war of 1845-8. It was with deep interest that I and the other Englishmen present at the recent meeting, saw this loyal subject of our Queen, this constant friend and brave ally of our race —now in extreme old age —arise, and stirking his staff on the ground, proceed to remind his Maori countrymen that, standing on that very spot, he had counselled the fathers of the present generation to place themselves " under the shadow of the Queen and the law;" that he knew he had counselled them well; and now exhorted the sons of his former hearers to dwell in peace and brotherhood with each other and with the Colonists. I have, &c, His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. G. F. BOWEN.

See Auckland Provincial G-azelte, June, 2, 1868.

No. 45. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G-., to His Grace the Duke of Buckingham. (No. 38.) Government House, Auckland, My Loud Duke,— 12th May, 1868. I lost no time in referring for the consideration of my Responsible Advisers your Grace's Despatch No. 20, of the 25th February ultimo, enclosing a draft of a Bill which it is proposed to introduce into the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of removing doubts as to the validity of the New Zealand "County of Westland Act, 1807," and of giving further powers to the Legislature of this Colony to enable it to make any alterations in the existing Provincial Institutions which circumstances may render necessary. 2. Your Grace desired to be informed whether, in the opinion of the Government of New Zealand, this Bill, if passed into law, would meet the requirements of the case; and I have now the honor to transmit copies of a Ministerial Memorandum and of the opinion of Mr. Prendergast, the Attorney-Gen era! of New Zealand, suggesting certain verbal alterations in the Bill. I entirely concur with my Responsible Advisers in the hope " that the proposed Imperial Act may be " passed without delay, as its postponement, after the opinion which has been ■" given by the Law Officers of the Crown in England, would be productive of the " most serious consequences to the public interests in this Colony." 3. In my absence from Wellington on an official visit to the Northern districts, Mr. Hall, the Postmaster-General, on behalf of the Ministers, transmitted copies of the enclosed documents to your Grace by the last mail, with the object of avoiding any delay Avhich might prevent the enactment of the proposed law during the present session of the Imperial Parliament. I have. &c, His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. G. F. BOWEN. 18

Enclosure, with Sub-Enclosure.

69

ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.