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A.—No. 8.

26

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

• No. 35. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Ormond. 'Sir,— Auckland, 27th October, 1869. I have the honor to transmit for your information and guidance two Memoranda, indicating, as far as it is possible for me at present to form an opinion, the course which should be pursued with reference to the Taupo chief Tc Heuheu. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Donald McLean. General Government Agent, Napier.

Enclosure 1 in No 35. Memorandum for His Honor J. D. Ormond. Auckland, 27th October, 1869. I am unable, without further information, to express a definite opinion as to what should be done with Tc Heuhcu beyond placing him under the care of Karaitiana till a Court of Inquiry is held to decide as to his innocence or complicity with Te Kooti. I do not think that it would be judicious or politic to confiscate any of Te Heuheu's land, nor do I consider, as far as I know of the case, that such a course would be attended with good results. In the first place, Te Heuheu's personal possessions are very small, and so much mixed up with the land of friendly Natives, that the trouble of getting a clear title would be greater than the cost of acquiring such land at Taupo as may be necessary for settlement. I believe that the members of the Cabinet are agreed that the confiscation policy, as a whole, has been an expensive mistake. I am clearly of opinion that cession, in all cases whore land is required, is the most politic and satisfactory mode of acquiring territory for the purposes of Government, as it will not require a standing army to maintain possession. Te Heuheu should bind himself to co-operate in opening the Taupo country by means of roads and extension of telegraph, and perform, in conjunction with other chiefs of the district, such military duties as may be required of him. Beyond this, as at present informed, I see no end to be gained by inflicting any punishment, while a good deal may be effected through Te Heuheu, in controlling events both at Taupo and Waikato, and any attempt to degrade him in the eyes of the Natives should be avoided, as it would greatly diminish his influence for good. I believe Te Heuheu to be weak and vain, but not by any means a badly disposed chief; and he is one to whom the Government should, consistently with its duty to the friendly Natives, extend its clemency as far as possible. Te Heuhcu appears to have given information of great value to the Government. The Imperial Government, to which the Colony is applying for assistance, is decidedly averse to a confiscation policy, and I believe the sooner it is abandoned in our dealings with the Natives of this Island the better for all parties concerned, as the loss of such acquisition, even on economic grounds, is always vastly greater than the gain. Donald McLean.

Enclosure 2 in No. 36. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Ormond. The Case of Te Heuheu, — Auckland, 27th October, 1869. I propose that a Court of Inquiry, composed of Europeans and Natives, (chiefs,) should be held at Napier, to institute a careful investigation of Te Heuheu's case, and that the Court, after due inquiry and examination of Te Heuheu, and such witnesses as can be procured, should report on the following points : — Ist. If Tc Heuheu joined Te Kooti of his own accord. 2nd. If not, was he pressed by Tc Kooti to do so, and under what circumstances ? 3rd. Did he take any part in fighting against the Government ? 4th. If so, what course would the Court recommend the Government to take respecting him ? A member of the Court should be elected chairman, who should conduct the investigation, and report proceedings to the Government for final decision. Mr. Ormond will be better able to decide on the spot as to the number of European gentlemen and Native chiefs necessary to constitute a Court of Inquiry. In selecting the Native chiefs, it would be advisable to have men representing different shades of opinion on questions affecting their race. His Honor J. D. Ormond. Donald McLean.

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