G.—ll.

5

No. 16. Manga Maniapoto to the Hon. the Native Minister. [Translation.] (Telegram.) Waitara, 23rd September, 1878, 9 a.m. Erlend, —I have received your telegram apprising me of the killing of a European by a Maori. Eriend, lam very dark about this news. Let me know all the particulars about this trouble. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Manga Maniapoto.

No. 17. Huri Tau and Another to the Hon. the Native Minister. [Translation.] (Telegram.) Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878, 9.6 a.m. It was Hiroki who committed the murder. That man has not been seen by us since the murder. That man is not to be found. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Huei Tau and Another.

No. 18. Mr. H. P. Mason to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Waverley, 23rd September, 1878, 9.30 a.m. Public meeting re murder of McLean, Resolved, " That, whilst indorsing verdict of jury, have reason, from concurrent circumstances, to believe that the murder was committed by a Maori or Maoris from political motives or for private revenge, and that Government be earnestly urged to take immediate steps for the discovery of the perpetrator ; also, that Government be petitioned to offer a reward for the apprehension and conviction of the murderer, which the meeting will take steps to suppl«ment." H. E. Mason, The Hon. the Native Minister, Government Buildings. Chairman of Meeting.

No. 19. Te TTranga Kaiwhaee to the Hon. the Native Minister. [Translation.] (Telegram.) Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878, 12.3 p.m. A European has been killed at Momohaki. He was shot by Hiroki. I want to go in search of that murderer. Do you reply. My policeman is Tio Punohi. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Te TJranga Kaiwhaee.

No. 20. Sub-Inspector Harrison to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Opunake, 23rd September, 1878, 12.9 p.m. Hiroki well known to Oeo Natives ; belongs to Ngatipoua, hapu of Ngaraura. Not of any note. Has claims to land, and has always been obstinate about it. Eepeatedly urged by his tribe to leave the land to Government, and go to Parihaka, where they are now living. His wife is living with halfcaste named Bishop, at Harnett Bush. It is thought he will not make this way, but by Upper Wanganui to Waikato. No alarm here, as murder not sanctioned by tribe. Description of him given bj Natives agrees with your telegram. H. K. Harrison, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Sub-Inspector, Armed Constabulary.

No. 21. Mr. Woon to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 23rd September, 1878, 12.45 p.m. Wieemu Hiroki well known to Wanganui Natives. Wife's name Herera; her mother, Tarare, belongs to Nguratu; her father, Katene, belonged to Pipiriki, killed at Moutoua. Hiroki's father, Hohepa, of Ngaraura, formerly enslaved by the Waikatos; Hiroki's mother, Amiria, a Waikato womau; Hohepa bought her for a guv at Waikato, she being a slave, and brought her to Waitotara, where Hiroki was bom, who is a young man about twenty-three. Shall I send messenger to Pipiriki by canoe to inform assessors and police, and offer a reward for capture of Hiroki, who might make for up-river district, although he could get to Taupo or Waikato by way of Waitotara, Paranga, Eakau, and Tuhua. If you authorize expenses I [will] despatch a canoe with three men to-morrow to Pepiraka [Pipiriki?]. I am still of opinion that it is a murder [pure] and simple, although there is cause for apprehension that it may be otherwise, judging from the past. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. E. W. Woon, E.M.