*\—No. 6b

14

FURTHER REPORTS FROM OFFICERS

No. 23. Mr. Paeris to the Hon. D. McLean. Sib,— New Plymouth, 11th February, 1871. I have the honor to report, for the information of tho Government, that the question between the Ngatitnma versus the Ngatimaniapoto and Waikato, with reference to the district known as Poutama, from which the former were expelled by the latter many years ago, appears to have been Settled during the late visit of the Ngatitama to Tokangamutu, when the Ngatimaniapoto and AVaikato are said to have agreed to surrender the Poutama district to the Ngatitama, who are now anxious to settle at Tongaporutu. When the first overtures were made by Ngatimaniapoto to give back Poutama, the Ngatitama declared they would never settle north of the AVhite Cliffs until tho Northern tribes had made puace with the Government; but now they say that they are afraid that if they do not take possession and occupy it, the Ngatimaniapoto will consider the agreement void, and re-occupy it themselves. \ ■ Eewi is expected soon at Tokangamutu, to formally hand over the district to Ngatitama. It is very difficult to foresee what tho result of their settling north of the AVhite Cliffs will be, ■whether they will ally themselves to the King confederacy or will maintain allegiance to the Government. If the latter, it would be an advantage and security to the district south of the AVhito Cliffs. I have, &c, E. Paeris, The Hon. the Native and Defence Minister, Auckland. Civil Commissioner.

No. 24. (No. 64.) Mr. Parris to the Hon. D. McLean. Sra,— New Plymouth, 13th March, 1871. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, that on tho 9th instant aNative named Te Kawau arrived by way of Waiiti from Tokangamutu, and reports that a large meeting of Waikato Natives, including Tawhiao, Eewi, and all the leading chiefs of the district, was. being held at a place called Eipia (better known as Motiifcaramu), the chief Hikaka Karauti's place, about thirty miles from Mokau heads, up the river. Te Kawau reports that Tawhiao stated to the meeting, " Moku te ra nei kua kore rawa he ritenga mo nga porewarewa," the interpretation of which is, " The present time is mine to decide what shall be done," no tohungas (seers or prophets) shall interfere. Tawhiao's expression is considered to be a retaliation upon Te Whiti for his declaration at the Parihaka meeting last September, when he said there was no longer to be a King. The opinion amongst the Natives of my district is, that Tawhiao means hostilities if he can get support from without. I am informed that he has written to Titokowaru, who, you will see by the letter herewith enclosed, is expected with all his people at Mataitawa to-morrow, where I intend going to see them, and shall in all probability hear what they think of the state of things in AVaikato. On Friday next I purpose going to Parihaka to attend a meeting called by Te Whiti. Te Kawau' states that as he was leaving Eipia, tho question was being discussed by AVaikato and Ngaiimaniapoto as to whether I should be invited to visit them, and ho has said, from what he heard, he thinks I shall be invited to go to see them. If I receive an invitation from Ngatimaniapoto, I shall go to Mokau to visit them, and it may so happen that whilst I am with the Ngatimaniapoto I may receive an invitation to go to Tokangamufeu. I should therefore wish to know what your views are in reference to my going on to Tokangamutu, if invited to do so. I will report the result of my interview with Titokowaru and the old chief Tamati One Oraukawa, and also of the Parihaka meeting, without delay. Karepa, the writer of the enclosed letter, is one of Titokowaru'a followers. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native and Defence Minister, B. Pareis. Auckland. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure in No. 24. [Translation.] To Me. Parris,— Mataitawa, 12th March, 1871. Friend. The word to you is to come on the 15th day to see our people, Tamati One, and all the elders of the people of Titokowaru. Our messenger arrived on the 11th day, but you listen : they will arrive on tho 14th, and be here. You must decide if you will come. Karepa. Moanxti.

No. 25. (No. 67.) Mr. Parkis to tho Hon. D. McLean. Sir,— New Plymouth, 21st March, 1871. With reference to the Native meetings reported in my letter of tho 13th instant, as being about to bo held at M.itaitawa and Parihaka, 1 have now the honor to inform you that on Tuesday, the 14th instant, I went to Mataitawa, where I found about two hundred Natives assembled at Tamati Teito's place, near Kairoa, and among them were the old Ngamahine chief Tamati One Oraukawa,.