G.—2. (Appendix C.)

10. —Minutes by the Under-Secretary after tlie passing of " The Confiscated Lands Act, 1867." The Attorney-General should be requested to revise this Order under the Act of 1867. W. Eolleston. Eeferred to the Assistant Law Officer. By command. 30th October, 1867. W. Eolleston.

11. —Peecis from Notes of the Meeting of Native Absentee Claimants, 6th July, 1867. At a meeting of the absentee claimants held outside the Native Office, at Wellington, 6th July, 1867 : Mr. Eichmond explained that, although the Compensation Court declined to recognize the claims of those long absent from the country, Parliament was petitioned to reconsider those claims. A Committee was accordingly appointed to inquire into the case of petitioners. The Committee, not wishing to reverse the decision of the Court, asked the Governor to extend his kindness to the people interested, he having discretionary power to give more compensation than was allowed by law, if he saw fit. Mr. Eichmond said that, as another Court had allowed land to some Ngatiruanui absentees, the Government would do as much for the Taranaki absentees; and therefore pains had been taken to ascertain the number of claimants, and the hapus to which they belonged. The amount of land to be given to the five principal hapus —Ngatitama, Ngatimutunga, Ngatiawa, Puketapu, and Taranaki —was read, and a promise given that it would be laid off in blocks to suit their convenience. Bush-land was to be given to all except the Taranaki, who were to get land partly bush and partly open. The parties interested were to be allowed to subdivide their land as they pleased without Government interference. Por special services and other reasons, grants were promised to the following chiefs : Te Puni, Wi Tako, Mohi Ngaponga, and Hemi Parai; and Mr. Eichmond concluded by saying that the statement and promises made then by him would be printed and distributed, so that the Natives might remember them. Hemi Parai said he would not allow the Court to meddle with any land south of Hangatahua, and said they proposed that all foreigners should be turned off. Mr. Eichmond said the Government could not go beyond what he had just said. The land had gone, and the Governor had not the power to give it back. The meeting was not one to upset the decision of the Court, but merely that he might say how far the Governor would extend his kindness. A discussion then arose as to the cause of the war, the Natives saying it was partly the fault of the Europeans, who would not leave Wi Kingi alone. They also said 100 acres each was not enough. Mr. Eichmond said he had watched the progress of events, and considered it idle to discuss the origin of the war ; but pointed out that, as the Queen's officers had a right to go everywhere, Wi Kingi had no right to use force to them when they were sent up to ascertain the facts of a matter in dispute. Mohi Ngaponga declined the 100 acres, " so that the Government might be ashamed of their kindness."

No. 2. Notes of a Meeting (26th September, 1867) between Hon. Mr. Eichmond, Native Minister, and the Chief Taurua and other Natives as to the land between Patea and Whenuakura Eivers (64/474, 27th September, 1867—-Extract).

Minuted: Por His Excellency.—J. C. Eichmond, sth Oct., 1867. Initialled: G.G., 7th Oct., 1867.

Mr. Richmond .- The survey of the land between Whenuakura and Patea, if it has been done, was against my instructions. I told you before that, if you remained quiet and trusted the Government, more land would be given on this side Patea. It is the intention of the Government to keep back the whole of the land between Patea and Whenuakura, excepting a small piece along the coast for a town and suburbs, for the Natives of that part of the country who have been in rebellion, and who have come back to loyalty. . . . [After further discussion, Mr. Eichmond continued] : Tou had better go back to your place. I make you a distinct promise of this land between Patea and Whenuakura, excepting the portion of it I have told you of. Taurua : I will not go back till I get a distinct reply. When I was leaving my place I said farewell to my people, and told them I did not intend returning again unless I got a distinct word. Mr. Richmond : This about the land between Whenuakura and Patea is a distinct promise. With respect to the land between Waitotara and Whenuakura, that will all be taken up by military settlers, and by those to whom awards have been made by the Court: and some of it will be given to those to whom the Government has promised land. Taurua replied : I shall not return. I will stay here with you.

No. 3. Papers relating to Eeserves proposed by former Governments for the Ngatiruanui Natives north of Waingongoro Eiver.

I.—Minute by Hon. J. C. Richmond, 4th July, 1867 (67/I,o37— Extract). It is very unfortunate and mischievous that Mr. Booth and Colonel McDonnell, in their recent meetings with the Ngatiruanui at Patea and Putahi, should have allowed a misconception to subsist in the mind of Titokowaru ... to the effect that some special favour had been shown to [other hapus]. No reserves have yet been gazetted for the Ngaruahine [Ngatiruanui]. A liberal definite offer was, however, made to them when I visited the Kauae Pa. That proposal was, to reserve all the land between the Waingongoro and Kapuni rivers, and other small lots, one to include the Kauae cultivations, another the site of the old settlements at Kaupukunui, &c. They were not agreed to accept this proposal, and time was left them to consider of such a request as the Government could accede to.

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