G.-3

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Paora Tuhaere : I will reply to your question. Karamoa (Waikato) : There is a' light in the back of the house and there is a light at the front. (Meaning that both sides would need to show their hands.) Sir George Grey: I have come here with the light of the Government to light up this place, because for a long time past this place has been dark to the Government. You and the Government have been separated. lam endeavouring to discover a means of uniting us so that the barrier may be removed, and that the love may come. Let your light also be lit like the light of the Government. If you wish the house to be lighted up, tell me which parts. Patara te Tulii (who stood for some time silent) : I have spoken of one request. The second I have not expressed yet. If I explain the second, what will be the use of my explanation. A long pause succeeded. Sir George Grey: Friends, lam ill. I feel in pain. It is for you to consider what you wish to say and give it to Tawhiao, and he will tell it to me. Leave it to your elders and principal men, and they will make the results known to the people. Let Tawhiao speak clearly like one friend will talk to another. Let us talk together, and we will tell the people. I know Tawhiao, and he knows me. "We shall not conceal our thoughts from each other. At the end of our talk we will talk to you. Te Tuhi: It is well. Let this end. (To the people: "What do you say ?) Te. Aretha (AVaikato) : Come and redress my grievance and the grievances of other people. It is not a hidden thing. Make known your grievances to-day. le Tuhi: It will depend upon those present whether it will be held here. If it is to be held here it will be held. Te Hirahi: I say, no ;it is cold here. A meeting should be held between Sir George Grey and Tawhiao, and then all will be made known to-morrow. Te "Wheoro's party then got up and left, and the meeting ended. Me. Walkeb and Te Ngakau. This day, noon. Mr. Sheehan has arranged the difficulty between Mr. Walker and Te Ngakau, re the stolen cattle. The former returns Te Ngakau's dray and bullocks, which he seized in satisfaction. Eewi's Movements. This morning a mounted messenger arrived from Eewi, who is still at Puniu, stating that he has convened a meeting of his people at Te Kuiti, where all matters he intends to submit to Sir George Grey will be settled. Sir George Grey will return after the present meeting, and subsequently meet the Ngatimaniapoto at Te Kuiti. Preparations for another open meeting to-day have just commenced. The Peogeamme. Some programme has been arranged by the leading Kingite party, but its nature has not transpired. If it rains the meeting will be held in a large whare of f riendlies, capable of holding a thousand, packed close. Oub Special " sounds" a Leading Kingite. Your special had a long conversation with one of the leading chiefs in the confidence of Tawhiao last night. The chief said if Te Aroha (the love) between the two races were restored on the same footing as prior to the war roads, telegraphs, and railways would follow easily as a natural consequence. Proximity to the railway on the frontier has apparently produced an excellent effect on the Native mind. Many Natives express a strong desire for a railway through their country. In course of further conversation the same chief said Tawhiao's principal advisers would agree to any proposal whereby a sort of extradition treaty might be established on each side of the confiscated line, Tawhiao punishing all wrongs committed by the Natives residing within his boundary, and Europeans vice versa. The great difficulty in the way of any permanent understanding is that we have practically nothing to offer which the Natives value, except flour, sugar, and soft soap. They say the pakeha professions of love are very good, but it must be proved by some substantial act. The idea of restoration of Waikato is not yet eradicated from the Native mind. They cling to it with the obstinate tenacity of hope heightened by poetic sentiments and traditions which are connected with evil. It is no use telling Natives that the restoration of Waikato is impossible—that the land has been sold, and is now being held under Crown grant. They reply the Government which took away the land can restore it. You explain that the reacquirement of Waikato by the Government would cost an enormous sum. The Natives reply, " What matters money, you have plenty ; restore what belongs to us." I have had several conversations with leading Kingites, and this was the invariable tone. Kingite Confebences. During last night Tawhiao, Manuhiri, Te Ngakau, and Te Tuhi were in frequent conference. The great bulk of the Natives express a strong desire that everything should be openly arranged. Last night passed quietly. Long before midnight comparative silence reigned throughout the camp. Lights, however, were twinkling all round. The whole scene forcibly recalls Forest Creek rush. Lights marked the places where card-playing was in progress. The Natives are inveterate gamblers. In orte wliare I counted four separate games of Idpi, in each of which game twenty persons were engaged. Money passed freely, and English gambling expressions were freely used. TO-DAY'S MEETING. Shortly after 10 o'clock this morning the Kingites assembled in the same place as yesterday. Sir George Grey, the Hon. J. Sheehan, and party marched up. Tawhiao stood beside the road counting the lower Waikatos as they passed. A more sheltered position was secured. Tawhiao's Speech. Tawhiao came close up to Sir George Grey, and, speaking in a low tone, said: I wish to speak in reference to this work that was ended or left off yesterday. My word to you is: This (Grey) is the