G.—ll.

1878. NEW ZEALAND.

MURDER OF JOHN McLEAN (TELEGRAMS RELATIVE TO, AT SURVEY CAMP, MOMOHAKI, ON 19TH SEPTEMBER, 1878).

Laid upon the Table by the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, ivith the leave of the House.

No. 1. Captain Wrat to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Waverley, 21st September, 1878, 3.40 p.m. Inquest held to-day at Waverley on body of John McLean, cook to survey party, Momohaki, who was shot on 19th September, at Survey Camp. Verdict: " Wilful murder against persons unknown." Suspicion points to Native Hiroki, of Papatupu, Waitotara, who is said to have fled. Information against Hiroki now being laid by police, and warrant issued for his apprehension. C. A. Wrat, E.M., The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Coroner.

No. 2. Mr. E. Tregear to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Patea, 21st September, 1878, 4.33 p.m. Man of Praser's survey party found shot dead, supposed by Natives, as powder and bullets taken from camp. Praser (my partner) was surveying Momohaki Block, near Wairoa, for Government. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Edw. Tregeab.

No. 3. The Hon. the Native Minister to Captain Wrat. (Telegram.) Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. PiEASE telegraph through at once the evidence taken at the inquest on the body of John McLean, together with all other particulars that may have transpired since your telegram of last evening. Please ascertain and report how it has happened that this office has been left for so long a period uninformed of so serious a matter; also, give me your own opinion as to whether or not the offence was an ordinary murder, or committed with the intention of obstructing the survey ; also, whether it was the uninspired act of an individual, or done with the knowledge or tacit approval of the tribe. Let me have the matters required above at once, and, in case anything further should transpire, the wire may be used without delay. The following Telegraph Offices will be open all day: Wellington, Wanganui, Waitotara, Patea, Hawera, Opunake; so that you can communicate with any of these places, if circumstances render it necessary. Please wire fully, for, although I attach no political significance to the offence, the public will be anxious to have the most reliable information. Captain Wray, E.M., Patea. John Sheehan.

No. 4 The Hon. the Native Minister to Mr. Woon, E.M. (Telegram.) ■Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. The following telegrams were received by me last evening : — " Waverley, 21st September, 1878, 3.40 p.m. " Inquest held to-day at Waverley on body of John McLean, cook to survey party, Momohaki, who ■was shot on 19th September, at Survey Camp. Verdict : ' Wilful murder against person unknown.' Suspicion points to Native Hiroki, of Papatupu, Waitotara, who is said to have fled. Information against Hiroki now being laid by police, and warrant issued for his apprehension. —C. A. Wrat, R.M., Coroner, Patea."