F —No. 6a

FURTHER REPORTS FROM OFFICERS

4

Te Puehu, the principal chief of Maungapowhatu, together with a number of Ngatihuri, are laid up with fever. The old man is not expected to recover. A young man called Tiopira arrived at Maungapowhatu a short time since, having left Te Kooti; he was still at Motu, but intended to move, and talked of Te Papuni as being his next resting place. Upon leaving Tamaikowha's camp yesterday, I left my party to come on direct, and with two companions crossed the Otaiarahia Ranges, and came down suddenly upon Te Whenuanui and his party about Otenuku. I found some of them out pig-hunting, and the rest planting the seed which I had "iven them. Te Ahikaiatu has become much more sociable in his manner. He informed me that, upon his going with Te Whenuanui to Ruatahuna the other day, they found Hoani Kuhe, who informed them that " some one had sold Ruatahuna secretly, that he had seen the map at Matata," and in all probability I " knew all about it." He was accompanied by Toma of Ngatiwhakaue and a few Arawa, who had come to invite all the Urewera, including the old men, the old women, and the sick, out to Horomanga, where one hundred carts would pick them up, and convey them to Rotorua ! Te Whenuanui is very anxious to receive some expression of opinion on the part of the Government, touching the step which he has takeu. I need hardly say that it would be judicious to write to him on the subject. I have, <&c, W. G. Mair, H. T. Clarke, Esq., Civil Commissioner, Auckland. Resident Magistrate.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. Major Mair to Mr. Clarke. Sir,— Opotiki, 21st October, 1870. In continuation of my report of the 18th instant, I have the honor to inform you, that on the 19th I met Tamaikowha and about thirty of his people at Onekau, the pa of the Arawa at Ohiwa. He remained there till to-day, when he returned to Waimana. Their visit was for the purpose of proving to the Arawa that he was sincere iu his desire for peace, and has effectually removed all feeling of soreness or suspicion hitherto existing between himself and the Arawa. Tamaikowha informed me voluntarily that he had no objection whatever to the establishment of a post at Te Waemaua, in fact that he would like it. I consider this a sufficient guarantee that ho means well. It must be borne in mind that the Urewera generally are a jealous and suspicious tribe, and some little time may reasonably be allowed for this feeling to wear off; but lam of opinion that a good understanding has been established, and that nothing short of the sudden marching of troops into their country or some other equally imprudent act will disturb it. I attach copy of a document given to Tamaikowha. I have, &c, W. G. Mair, H. T. Clarke, Esq., Civil Commissioner, Auckland. Resident Magistrate.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 2 in No. 1. The Words of Peace-Making with Erueti Tamaikowha. On the 16th October, 1870, a meeting took place at Waimana called by the other (Tamaikowha's party). These are tho words of Erueti: Peace will be established with the Government— Europeans and Maoris—he would lay down his weapon, and that all his roads would be left open ; that Te Kooti and Kereopa may be pursued; war parties and single individuals might go anywhere about their boundaries ; there is but one thing that would cause difficulty with his peace-making, and that would be taking his lands without cause. Secondly, murdering his children and surrounding his pa in the night. I said to him, Tour words are good; your land will not be interfered with, and your people will not be murdered, because it is the law that sees the crime of man ; your pa will not be surrounded in the night; but if you kill people or assist Te Kooti that will cause evil. Tou remain quiet in Waimana; when you see a fit day, come to Ohiwa and see Te Arawa. Erueti Tamaikowha and war party agreed to this. Difficulties will be put down, and good alone will be for future days. From Major Maie, R.M.

No. a. Mr. Clarke to Mr. Halse. Sie, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Auckland, 26th January, 1871. I have tho honor to report that I left Auckland on the night of the 16th instant to accompany the Hon. the Native Minister on a visit to the Bay of Plenty settlements, arriving at Tauranga at noon of the following day. Great numbers of Natives were in the town, chiefly Arawa, attending a sitting of the Native Land Court, presided over by Mr. Judge Smith. Everything was orderly and peaceable. No sooner was the "Luna" made fast alongside the wharf than she was thronged with Natives, each one having his own story to relate or request to make, and to economize time it was arranged that separate meetings of the Arawa and Ngaiterangi should be held on Wednesday the 18th. The rest of the day was taken up in arranging the projected extension of the roads which had already been begun, and which it was intended should be vigorously prosecuted without delay.