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to take every trouble to familiarise myself with the condition, thought, and circumstances of the Maori people, and that is the reason why, with the Hon. J Carroll, my colleague, I am visiting the various Native districts and meeting the people face to face. The Hon. J. Carroll addressed the Natives in their own language, laying stress on the inevitable changes that were coming about, and the absolute necessity there was for the Maoris to grow with the times like their European brethren. He said they would have to divorce themselves from the past, and enter into this matter-of-fact age unimpeded by the traditions and prejudices of old times. He could assure them, from what he knew, that his colleague, who was both Premier and Native Minister, was only too willing to render them every assistance in his power, in the endeavour to raise the whole Native question from out the unhappy state it had lain in so long, to a clearer and healthier atmosphere, conferring great and lasting benefits upon all. The party took horses from Kawakawa next morning, and arrived about 5 p.m. at Taheke, six miles from the place of meeting. Stayed the night, and on the following morning proceeded to "Waima. On arrival within two miles of the settlement the sound of the Native powhiri of welcome was heard, and about thirty women, attired in all the colours of the rainbow, met the Premier, and by a sort of Sir-Roger-de-Coverley movement ranged themselves fifteen on each side of him. The party was then reinforced by about thirty men, who in their turn divided and took up a position on either side of the luahines. Thus escorted the party was led to the place of meeting. Here about two hundred men had formed a square the Premier, Hon. Mr. Carroll, and party had to shake hands with each individual. This in itself was tiring work, independent of the time taken up by some of the party rubbing noses. They have a large and substantial meeting-house here, and thither the party was conducted. It was a sight never to be forgotten to see the old greyheaded warriors who had fought at Ohaeawai, Buapekapeka, and Korarareka. The Premier stated that he wished to see the men, women, and children, and all that were there. The platform was occupied by Hon. Mr Seddon, Hon. Mr Carroll Mr Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Mr Clendon, E.M., Mr Hone Heke, M.H.E. for the district, Mr Goffe, the Interpreter, Mr Gray, representative of the Auckland Star, and the official shorthand-writer, Mr Andrews. Hone Mohi Tawhai said, —Salutations to you! Allow me to express the pleasure we feel in having a visit from the Prime Minister of the colony I assure you your presence here to-day is welcome. I have nothing more to say, as I think you are bound to time. I will therefore make room for other speakers. Ec te Tai said, —Salutations to you, the Premier, Mr Carroll, and all the guests here present! Welcome to this place ! This is Waima. It is one of the renowned places on the Hokianga Eiver. This is one of the places where the gospel was first preached to our old people. Come and see us, the remnant of a people. All the old chiefs have gone. The only ones to welcome you now are the hills. The large hill of Puketeri is all that is left. It listens to what you have to say (Song of welcome.) All the seas welcome you , the mountains welcome you. Enough—that is all I have to say Kahawai Welcome, welcome, welcome ! (Here there was an incantation having reference to the hill, or mountain, of Puketeri.) Hapakuku Moetara said, —Salutations to the Premier, Mr Carroll, and all the guests here present 1 My heart is glad to see you here to-day You .are one of the first Premiers who has ever dared the dangers of Hokianga to come and speak here. We welcome you. Bring the ideas you have in your heart and explain them to us to-day Come and listen to what we have to say We wish you long life and happiness. Hori Haehae Salutations to you, the Premier, and your colleague Mr Carroll! Come and see the chiefs of Hokianga and the chiefs of Taiamai. These are the representatives of the chiefs that are now dead. All the words of our ancestors which were left behind are now in our possession. We give you welcome. Salutations ! Hori Eiiwhi Welcome here to Hokianga, so that you might see the remainder of the great tribe or nation that is still under the guidance and reign of the Queen. In days gone by we always had a visit from the Governor, but this time he has not come. Welcome here, so that you can explain to us that which you have in your bosom. We bid you welcome. Iraia te Toi (chief of Waimamaku): Salutations to the Premier !We have had notice of your coming here, and that is the reason we have met to welcome you. (Incantation.) " The moon and the stars both shoot and glimmer," &c. This incantation means that it is no matter with what idea the Government may come here, we are all determined to go together—that is, pull together It is an incantation we used to sing when going forth on the warpath. (Wiremu indorsed the sentiments expressed in the incantation by repeating it.) Eaniera Wharerau Salutations to you, the Premier, and your colleague the Hon. Mr. Carroll! These people that are met here welcome you from their hearts. But, of course, you have some reason for coming here, and we will, perhaps, be able to listen to and appreciate that reason. This welcome that we offer you is our hospitality to you as the chief representative of New Zealand, and is according to Maori custom, and has nothing to do with what we might say afterwards. Welcome to yourself, your colleague, and all the guests present. Wiremu Teira Welcome ! You are the people, the representatives of New Zealand there-, fore we give you the greatest welcome we can possibly afford. Welcome to all these parts ! I am glad to see you travelling over the country to see the wants of your nation. This is simply a welcome ; we have business to attend to and cannot lose time, as your time will probably be short. This is a welcome of love from our ancestors and a greeting to you. Wiremu Katene said, —I think, now there has been sufficient welcome. Hone Heke, M.H.E., said, addressing the Premier, —You see before you all the old people and the young. These are all the representatives of the great tribes, so you will be perfectly justified in ■saying you have met the representatives of these two tribes —the tribes of Ngapuhi and Te Earawa