A.—No. 1

78

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW

coming to this country on the present occasion. Ho has written to me and requested me to tell Pakeha and Maori alike that ho is deeply grieved and disappointed, that his heart is very dark, because he has been unable to visit this land. I have forwarded to the Queen and to the Prince the address of my friends Wiremu te Wheoro and of the other Maori chiefs and tribes ; and I know that those addresses will be received with royal sympathy and graciousness. I was much pleased with the beautiful arches of flowers and flowering trees which have been erected here in my honor. 1 pray that, with the blessing of God, peace and brotherhood among tho Maori tribes may flourish even like the everlasting green of your native forests. And now, 0 my friends, I hope that the industry which formerly existed in this district may be renewed. Only a few years ago, much wheat and other agricultural produce were grown here by the Maoris, and flour mills and other useful buildings were erected all around. Let this profitable industry be renewed once more. The Maoris should supply the Pakehas with the fruits of the earth, and the Pakehas in return should supply the Maoris with the clothing and the other articles which they require for their health and comfort. It has been asked by one of the speakers at the present meeting if the Treaty of Waitangi is still in force. That speaker truly said that the Treaty of Waitangi was made with the consent of the Ngapuhis, and of tho Waikatos, of Tainati Waka None, of Potatau te Wherowhero, and of all the principal tribes and chiefs of the Maori nation. The sovereignty of the Queen in New Zealand was founded on the willing love and loyalty of tho Maoris. And now, 0 my friends, hearken well to my words. The faith of the Queen will be preserved inviolate. The Queen will perform her part under the treaty, and she expects tho Maoris to perform their part. The Treaty of Waitangi is still in force. The only difference of late years is, that the disposal of their lands is now placed more entirely at the discretion of the Maori owners. By the treaty, the right of purchase was reserved to the Queen alone; but now the Maoris can sell and lease their lands to whomsoever they please. The right of property will be safe under the shadow of the Queen and of the law. Hearken to this word —The Treaty of Waitangi has not been broken; it has, on the contrary, been strengthened and extended. Again, it has been stated by several speakers that the Governor should always reside in Auckland. Now hearken to my words on this point also. There arc Maoris in the North, and there are Maoris in the South. I will live part of the year at Auckland, and visit the Maoris in the North; and part of tho year at Wellington, and visit the Maoris in the South. Let this be clear to you. One word now, and I will conclude : We have met this day near the tomb of Potatau to Whorowhero. The Queen's Government will cause this tomb to be repaired and preserved in honor of a famous chief of the old time, who never made war on the Queen, and who lived for many years in peace and harmony with Ids Pakeha neighbours. 0 Waikatos, I pray to God that, if there be still any hatred or ill will between the Pakehas and the Maoris, those bad feelings may be buried for ever in the tomb of Potatau te Wherowhero. I address these words to you, O Waikatos, but they apply to all the tribes of New Zealand; and my desire is that they may go forth throughout the length and breadth of this land.

Enclosure 3 in No. 49. Akdkess to His Excellency Sir Gr. P. Bowen, G.C.M.G., presented by the Ng-atihatta Tribe, at Hamilton, Waikato, on 21st May, 1868. Salutations to you, 0 Sir George Bowen, the Governor of this island. It is good for you to come to "Waikato to see your people of the two races, the Maori and the European. You have been sent by our Queen to be a protector for this island, for New Zealand, to cause good to go forth over this island so that it may prosper, and that men may return to the good customs which formerly existed ; that the wars between the Maoris and the Europeans may cease. Salutations to you, O Governor Sir George Bowen; may you be a barrier against the evils of this island; may you be strong to uphold good within this island, and to put down the evil of both the Maoris and the Europeans. The thoughts of the people are dark on account of the misfortune which happened to the son of the Queen, which prevented our seeing him ; as we greatly desired to have seen that young chief; but it cannot be helped, when evil has befallen him. We now pray to God, to carefully protect you, your wife and children, during the days of your residence among us in New Zealand ; and we ask that you may enjoy health, that you may be able to perform all lawful acts, so that good may obtain to all persons throughout the whole of this island.— All, Te Hakikiwi. Te Eaihi. Teni Pontti. Penetito. Te Hotebejte Tamihana.

Enclosure i- in No. 49. Speech of His Excellency Sir G. F. Bow.es" to the Maoris assembled at the Meeting at Hamilton, Waikato, 21st May, 1868. O MY FRIENDS, — I am very glad to see here assembled the people of Ngatihaua, and I thank you for coming so far to welcome me, and for your loyal speeches. I have heard and read much of your late chief Wiremu Tamihana, who was long foremost among Maoris in acts of peace. I have also heard that none