3

G.—9a

in the manner described by Constable Tapp. And we would further venture to recommend that constables speaking the Native language and acquainted with Native habits (and there are many such men in the police force) should, as far as possible, be located in out-districts like Waitara, where the police are liable to be brought much in contact with persons of the Native race. 3. We may add, before concluding, that we took the precaution of ordering the witnesses on both sides out of Court, so as to insure their independent testimony, and that we conducted the inquiry as a priva te investigation with closed doors, the only spectators permitted to be present being the Sub-Inspector of Police'and Te Wetere, and three chiefs from Mokau. The Native Department was represented (in the absence of Major Brown) by Mr. Parris, late Civil Commissioner, whilst Mr. Hughes, solicitor, watched the case on behalf of Constable Tapp. We have, &c., H. Eyre Kenny, R.M. The Hon. the Native Minister. Hone Piiiama. The above report was signed by Hone Pihama in my presence after the same had been interpreted to him by me. He seemed fully to understand it and to concur in it. E. W. Stockman, Licensed Interpreter.

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