OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

9

P.—No. 3a.

spring, a thin crust of earth alone intervening between the occupants and the boiling substance beneath. This in part compensated for the want of blankets ; and potatoes cooked in this spring, in true Maori fashion, were the extent of our eatable supplies. On the Governor's arrival at Tokanu, he was warmly greeted by Hare Tauteka, Kingi Herekiekie, Topia Turoa, Kerei Tanguru, Hataraka te Whetu, and other chiefs and their people. Te Heuheu and Hohepa Tamamutu were away in the Bay of Plenty, and as it was getting late, the korero was put off until next day. On the 10th the Governor, at 9 a.m., started for Eotoraia, a lake lying between Tongariro and Pihanga, and close to Euapehu, about ten miles off, attended by several chiefs from Tokanu. The position of this lake is perhaps the most romantic for scenery of any in the interior, situated as it is in the very centre of the island, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of Euapehu, Kaimanawa and Pihanga, and just at the base of the active volcanic cone of Tongariro. It is from here all the large rivers of the North Island take their rise; and what adds to the beauty of the scene to a practical colonist is the extensive plains of excellent land, covered with grass and dotted with forest, that open to the view on arriving at the lake. After a short rest, His Excellency returned to Tokanu, and, according to arrangement, held a meeting with the Natives. The speeches delivered are annexed hereto. April 11. —His Excellency left Tokanu in the whale-boat, and went as far as Tauranga, the scene of the first fight between our forces and the enemy in Taupo district. Here he lauded, and rode the remainder of the way to Tapuaeharuru. April 12th. —According to promise, Poihipi had collected the remainder of Ngatituwharetoa residing at the north end of the lake and on the Kaimanawa plains, and a portion of Ngatiraukawa. The weather, however, looking threatening, it was decided to remain at Tapuaeharuru for that day. Next morning the Governor held a korero with the Natives in front of the Court House (a summary of these speeches is attached.), and in the afternoon went to visit the Waikato falls (te Huka), about four miles down the river; also the warm baths. April 13th. —-His Excellency and party left Tapuaeharuru on their way to Eotorua and Tauranga, and arrived at Orakeikorako at 2 p.m., where the remainder of the Ngatiraukawa had collected, with their venerable chief, Hori Ngawhare, from the Waotu Patetere. After partaking of some refreshment prepared by the Natives, a korero was held, a summary of which is herewith annexed. April 14th —-His Excellency, after visiting the alum cave, Ac, proceeded to Tarawera Lake and Eotomahana, on his way to Eotorua, and thence to Tauranga by the new road. In the above, I have only given a mere outline of the movements of His Excellency in his journey through the Island and his meetings with the Natives, and a summary of the speeches delivered on the occasions mentioned. The importance of this visit in a political point of view cannot be too highly appreciated, and there is no doubt but that the good results which will accrue from it will be of a lasting benefit. The immediate effect is plainly demonstrated by the sincere manner in vhich His Excellency was met, and the open way in which the Natives s£)oke to him of their wants, and asked him for his assistance and advice; but of all the speeches delivered by the Natives, the one sentence in Hare Tauteka's speech (a man possessing a thorough knowledge of the mind of his people), is the most important, and should not be lost sight of, for its significancy, viz. : —" Taupo is yours; Tongariro is yours ; they are in your hands. The Ngatituwharetoa living on the west shore of the lake have come in to you. They will require constant attention ;it is only thus you will keep those people right. Do not neglect them. Do not neglect Taupo ; raise us up. The country is yours, open it up." I have, &c, S. Locke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 7. The following is the substance of the Speeches delivered at the Koeebo, Tapuaehaetjetj', April Bth, 1872. Poihipi Tukairangi said : Welcome, 0 Governor, to Taupo. We have been long desiring to see you. For many years past we have been in great trouble. We were nearly destroyed, but a few have always remained firm to the Queen, and like the PLoroinatangi (sea-god), that dwelt of yore in Lake Taupo, and in former days swallowed the evil monsters of the deep, we have now destroyed our enemies ; but our joy at welcoming you to Taupo recompenses us for past troubles. Taupo is yours; the lake and all'the lands around, and all the people. Take them all. You come as the sign of peace. Welcome ! for you are our father. We desire to commemorate your arrival amongst us by naming some place after you. We should like that the town to be founded here should be called after you, We feel now as if new life were given us when we see the Governor in our midst. We know that we are not forgotten. The people now here represent the feeling of the whole tribe. Welcome ! Welcome ! —(Then followed a song of welcome, in the chorus of which the whole joined.) Peiveti Te Kume said : Welcome, O Governor, to Taupo. Come and instruct us in all the laws, thoughts, and works of the Europeans. Taupo is yours, the lake, the people, and the land—yours to carry out the works of the Europeans, to make roads and other works, and to have schools to teach our children English. There have been Hauhaus amongst us, but all are yours now. Whatever may be your plans respecting this country, we are waiting to carry them out. —(Another song of welcome followed.) Paora Pauhihi said : Welcome, O Governor, to Taupo. We have been long wishing to see you. We have often heard of you by name, but we thought we should never see your face here. Welcome to Taupo. (Another song of welcome.) I never saw a Governor before. We are but a remnant of what we once were. Welcome!