IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

11

F.—No. 6a.

effect that he would be at Katikati on the following day. Old Hori sent word back that he did not desire to see him. On the following morning, however, just as I was about to return to Tauranga, Hunia accompanied by Hohepa Te Rauhihi, Tukukino, and Tareranui arrived, and I remained to give countenance to old Hori, and to strengthen his determination to resist any of the overtures made by Hunia. After a considerable time Hori rose to receive his guests, as is the ordinary custom, and at once asked the purpose of their visit. After some beating about the bush Hunia declared that he had been sent by Manuhiri to kati the mail and prevent its being carried across King country; that the Pakeha were a designing race, and much mischief might follow if the mail were allowed to pass. Hori Tupaea said he would pay no heed to what Manuhiri said; that he did not intend to be fooled any longer. He then went into his grievance with the Ohinemuri party, for killing, as he called it, his bloodless man (destroying his letter). Hunia replied at some length, and made a long statement of the conduct of the Pakeha from his point of view, which I need not repeat, as it has been reiterated at every meeting since the " King" movement began. Hori Tupaea again spoke in a decided manner, and desired that he might be left at peace with his Pakeha friends. After this the conference closed, and Hunia and his friends seemed crest-fallen and disappointed at the result.From what I gathered from Hunia, I quite agreed in the opinion formed by Te Kuka, that the antipathy of the extreme Waikato party is as strong as ever against the Europe<an race, and a great deal of the strong language and petulance of Tamati Ngapora may arise from the gradually waning cause of the so-called " Maori King." It is a question which has suggested itself to my mind, whether the late lamentable murder of Mr. Todd has not been perpetrated with the full knowledge and consent of Tamati Ngapora, and perhaps Tawhiao himself, with the hope of reviving hostilities, and thereby reawakening the dying sympathies of their hitherto active allies. 1 think it will be found to be the case to some extent; and lam further impressed with the belief that nothing will tend more to weaken and break up the Waikato party, than a firm, but at the same time conciliatory policy, and, while we refrain from all real causes of irritation, to be prepared for any emergency. I have been led to these conclusions from hearing the Natives discussing the question amongst themselves. They acknowledge on all hands that the murder of Mr. Todd is a good casus belli, yet express their pleasurable surprise at the forbearance (manawanui) of the Government. After calling at one or two other places, I arrived at Tauranga on the 3rd instant. I have, _c., The Hon. the Native Minister, H. T. Claeke, Auckland. Civil Commissioner.

BAT OF ISLANDS. No. 7. Mr. Williams to the Hon. D. McLean. Sir, — Waimate, Bay of Islands, 15th February, 1871. I have the honor to report, for your information, the following particulars of a large and interesting meeting of Natives, assembled at Waimate, on the 13th instant, for the purpose of voting at the election of a Member of the House of Representatives for the Northern Maori Electoral District, the polling for which took place on that day. At an early hour large parties of Natives began to assemble, and at noon it was estimated that, including women and children, not less than seven hundred were present. Food was plentifully supplied by Natives residing in the more immediate vicinity of the Waimate, and placed before those coming from a distance. The poll commenced at 9 a.m. and continued without intermission through the day. Four candidates had been nominated, but only three were supported, Wharepapa, it was stated, having withdrawn in favour of Hirini Taiwhanga. Three hundred and fifty-three votes were recorded, the highest number being in favour of Honi Peti, about forty or fifty men declining to vote at all. It is with much pleasure I bear testimony to the orderly manner in which the business was conducted, and the harmony which prevailed throughout the day ; notwithstanding the large numbers assembled, not the least disturbance or unpleasantness of any kind took place, and by dusk in the evening all had returned to their homes. It would be early as yet to hazard an opinion as to who will be the successful candidate ; the Maoris themselves say Wiremu Katene, who will be strongly supported at Hokianga, and by the Rarawa. Much interest has been manifested by the Natives in the present election, an active canvass has been maintained, and a strong muster brought to the poll. Many leading chiefs of the district were present, but my duties as Deputy Returning Officer keeping me closely engaged in the polling booth, I had no opportunity of conversing with them. I was however informed by two of the Assessors that during the day a discussion took place in reference to the late murder in the Waikato, when it was proposed that Ngapuhi should tender to the Government the services of a certain number of chiefs to negotiate the delivery of the murderers to justice. This was overruled by a decision, that as the question had already been brought forward at Russell on the Ist instant, they should wait until they heard further from the Government upon the subject. I have, &c, r The Hon. the Native Minister, Auckland. E. M. Williams.