A".—No. 1

84

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF

•'numerous influential chiefs who remained firm in their allegiance to the " European cause in days gone by, when the Colony stood so much in need of " their assistance, but by many who were at one time prominent leaders among " the most determined of our enemies, the same hearty desire was expressed that ■ the past should be forgotten, and that all occasion for differences between the " races should be carefully guarded against for the future. ' We look upon this as a most encouraging feature in the prospects of the " country at the present time. It speaks volumes for the foresight and wisdom of v our Native policy, which, while it aims at bringing the Natives under the ' dominion of the law as far as practicable, leaves them, in other respects, to the " free exercise of their own free-will and judgment, The Colony is now reaping- :' the advantage of this course of treatment. On every hand the Native people " are manifesting a desire to return to habits of peace and industry. They are " beginning to appreciate the unmistakable benefit to themselves from the opening "up of the country to trade and settlement. In this respect, their general con- " currence m, and approval of, the great colonizing policy of the country is ** something remarkable. Only three years ago they would have unitedly resisted " any attempt on the part of the Government to encroach upon their territory, in " districts where last month Sir George Bowen was received most loyally' and < where the principal desire of the resident Native chiefs was to be 'instructed in " ' all the laws, thoughts, and works of the Europeans.' The general anxiety of the " Natives on the subject of education is particularly deserving of commendation. •' Tins more especially, we would fain believe, betokens a favourable turning-point ■' in the history of the Maori people. The desire evinced by them to be employed ■' upon public works is of itself also an indication of a fixed determination to '■' return to more settled habits, if only the opportunity for doing so is afforded " them. Altogether this visit of the Governor of the Colony to the Native tribes " has proved most opportune, and it cannot fail to produce a good effect on the " general prospects of the country. His Excellency and party were both surprised " and delighted with the magnificence of the scenery they witnessed throughout the " entire route, as well as with the flattering reception they everywhere met with, " and we shall not be surprised if the results of their journey should in many " respects prove even more beneficial to the Colony than was at first anticipated. 3. I enclose a brief summary of my recent tour, containing also the substance ot the speeches addressed to me by the Native chiefs, and of my replies to them. Full reliance may be placed on the accuracy of this account, for it was drawn up from notes taken at the time by one of the officers of Government who accompanied me. I should, perhaps, explain that, to produce a favourable impression on the Maoris of the present day (as on the Scotch Highlanders of a hundred and fifty years ago), a speaker must imitate to some extent their own poetical and allegorical style, and must show some acquaintance with their annals and legends. The advice and exhortations contained in my speeches were everywhere received by the assembled chiefs and clansmen with shouts of assent and applause. 4. From Auckland, I shall revisit Kaipara, the Waikato, and the other Native districts of the North, returning to Wellington before the opening of the annual Session of the Colonial Parliament, which will take place in July. Mr. McLean, the Minister for Native Affairs, and several of the most influential Maori chiefs from all parts of the country, are now with me. I have. &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. E. BOWEN.

Enclosure in No. 66. Notes of the Journey of Sir Geouge F. Boven, G.C.M.G., in April, 1872, from Wellington to Auckland, across the Centre of the North Island of New Zealand. Goteenoe Sib G-eobgjc Bowes" had for some time determined to travel overland across the central and recently hostile districts of New Zealand, for all those best qualified to judge were of opinion that a visit from the representative of the Queen to the Maori clans of the interior would be productive of great public advantage to the Colony. In the first place, it would powerfully help to confirm in their loyalty the wel -affected Natives and also to bring back to their allegiance those recently in arms against the Queen ; m the second place, the fact of the Governor having himself traversed in safety and confidence