G.—3

36

Nuku : Perhaps Waikato is glad of these proposals, because thay do not make any reply. Te Ngakau: I shall not remain here. I shall go away. I shall not be Tawhiao's adviser. Hauauru, of Ngatimaniapoto, said: It is on account of your mouth being too big that the people do not come here. His mouth is too big. It is on your account that the people do not come to the meeting. Look at Ngatimaniapoto. I know it; and there are are some here who know it. Perhaps if you go away they will come. If you remain here they will not come. If Tutua (Te Ngakau) remains they will not come. Tumuhuia said the "Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto are divided on account of Tutua (Te Ngakau). Pukeho: I shall go aside with Te Ngakau. Te Rawhakae accused Te Ngakau of suppressing the new Hauhau ceremony. He did not approve of Te Ngakau's words. Let him remain silent. Hauauru: It is in consequence of what Te Ngakau did with respect to these prayers that I asked him to stand aside. His word was wrong. Raureti: I approve of what Hauauru has said. Tangohia : It is not right that Tutua (Te Ngakau) should have the management of affairs. Te Ngakau : I want the Waikatos to give their opinion in reference to me. You say this is a chief, and that is a chief ; whence is your chieftainship ? lam here because lam bound to Tawhiao. Some people say they are chiefs. When did they become chiefs ? You all say you are this thing and that thing. I took my standing place on the land. Shall I leave your sun and go. Senate Matini : Stop, O friend ! Te Ngakau: "What are the Hauhau affairs to do with you ? Henare Matini: If these are chiefs, you behave contemptuously towards them. Te Ngakau: "What have you to do with our Hauhau affairs. You go on your own side. Henare Matini: I thought you were a clever fellow, but I don't think so now. You have a broken head. Te Ngakau: You go away with a string in your ear. Tell me what my offence is. Where have I done wrong ? If you have anything to say against me, come out and say it like a man. Te Sewete supported Te Ngakau. Taini: I. was asked my opinion in reference to this matter, and I said, ask the man of knowledge (pointing to Te Ngakau). I have asked him to cease these dissensions. Te Ngakau replied : Let the talk of this foolish man cease. Let him not come here interfering. Tutumohia : It is on account of the Karakia and the card-playing that I find fault, and on account of his management of affairs. Kerei Taikau (addressing the meeting with umbrella in hand) opposed Te Ngakau. Te Ngakau: Why don't you say the place belongs to you, and that I must go ? Kaikau : I belong to Te Kuiti. If you wish to go, why don't you go ? The discussion lasted until dinner-time. Tawhiao Plating the Concebtina. Tawhiao has been attempting to play the concertina in our tent, and, as I write this, is now dining with us. The Dinnee. —Tawhiao Intimates Acceptance. Tawhiao intimated to Mr. Sheehan at dinner that he accepted the whole of Sir George Grey's programme. The party leave to-morrow for Auckland. Afteb-Dinnee Festivities. —Distribution of Lollies, and Dancing. After dinner thousands of Natives assembled between the whare of Te Wheoro's people and the tents of the Europeans, ranged in circles. The ranks in front were sitting, the next kneeling, and the others stooping. It was a most exciting scene. Tawhiao was accommodated with a seat on a candle-box. Sir George Grey distributed a sack of lollies. The concertina was played in a masterly manner by a half-caste, and [the Maoris danced the lancers, polkas, and waltzes very creditably. The highest good humour and best order exists, the Maori police keeping the centre clear. The scene was utterly unlike anything ever witnessed here. Another Maori improvised a drum accompaniment to the concertina with a tin dish. He played well. Every one was in the highest spirits. Te Ngakau first visited the European's tents, and held in his hand Sir George Grey's letter. He expressed the highest satisfaction with the Government proposals. Tawhiao also appeared in better spirits than we ever saw him. The isolation appears to have completely broken down. Old tattooed Maoris, who never witnessed a round dance in their lives, are applauding and clapping vociferously. It should be stated that the allotments which McLean repurchased from Europeans for Natives will not be alienated. The lands to be given for settlement are part of the confiscated lauds which have never been sold. To-Day's (Satubday) Pboceedings. This morning chiefs from Tawhiao waited on Sir George Grey, and informed him that Ihe Kingites were anxious to finally settle matters to-day, but thought it only right to consult sections of tribes at a distance who had acted with them. Therefore another meeting would be necessary. It is thought here that this meeting cannot be held before the next session of Parliament. Subsequently another deputation waited on Sir George Grey to ask him to repurchase Awiwairoi Block, on the Waipa, now occupied by five Europeans, and include it in the block offered yesterday. This proves how seriously the Natives entertain Sir George Grey's proposal. Sir George Grey and party return to Alexandra early to-day. The camp is breaking up. Return to Alexandra. Sir George Grey, the Hon. J. Sheehan, and party left Hikurangi at 10 o'clock to-day, and