20th. May 1874. The Governor informs the Honourable Native Minister that he arrived at Mongonui from the Bay of Islands, on Saturday the 23rd. inst. in his yacht, accompanied by H.M.S. "Blanche". A considerable number of Natives had assembled some days previously to meet him, but had returned home on the 22nd. with the exception chiefly of Chiefs; in consequence, as it was variously stated to him, of the want of food for their horses, or of the exhaustion of the local supply of strong liquor. Those present received him very cordially, along with the European residents. The chief wants complained of were of roads, which might encourage European settlement; and of schools, which, here, as everywhere else, seem to be greatly desired by the Native population. The Governor, accompanied as above mentioned, proceeded on the following day to Whangaroa; where, contrary to his expectation, no notice had been given of his coming. Messages were sent to the Native settlements in the neighbourhood, that he would meet the inhabitants on the following day; and in spite of the inclemency of the weather, a considerable number, including the principal Chiefs, but excepting "Paul", who was sick, came to the Mill; where a joint meeting was held with the Europeans; between whom and the Natives, a very friendly feeling appeared to prevail. The only sppeches made were by Hongi, and the brother of the man accused of the murder of another native in the neighbourhood, about which a great excitement prevails throughout the Ngapuhi tribe. The latter man made a sppech respectful in tone, but evidently under strong feelings with reference to the occurrence, expressing his recognition that his brother was in the hands of the Law, but that he would only give him up when the perpetrators of other murders committed in the tribe, but hitherto unpunished, should be also arrested. The Governor was however informed that he expressed himself as willing that his brother should be arrested, while he was not willing to be the instrument. Fearing that a discussion might ensue, which would be unsuitable to the occasion, the Governor then replied, pointing out that respect for the law which he knew was shown by the natives of the district, required that its action should not be interfered with, when the greatest crime had been committed; and that it was not for private individuals to judge of a case, or to avenge it as of old, when mutual revenge led to more blood being shed; whereas in these better days, its settlement depends upon the justice of the law, tempered by the mercy of the Crown; that he sympathised deeply with those who were nearly related to one who had brought himself within the hands of justice; but that their conduct was most noble and praiseworthy, if they stood aside and abstained from interference; and that, while he looked for no promises of obedience to the law, he would leave them with confidence that they, who belonged to a tribe never conquered, but always the firm friends of the English, and now indistinguishable from them in their good behaviour, would acquiesce in the course which the Government would take, and in the fair trial of the offender. The remarks, of which this is the substance, were received with signs of approval; and the European residents expressed themselves as confident that no opposition would be offered to the arrest of the guilty person. There is, however, a general anxiety throughout the Northern District, that there may be no abstinence on the part of the Government from putting the law in force; and the Governor would express his earnest hope that this may be done without delay. The leaving it to the natives themselves to deliberate as upon an open question whether a murderer shall be surrendered, appears to him to be injurious to their good Government, anf to throw contempt upon the administration of justice. If, in this case, the law be not carried out, the Governor feels that it would be impossible for him to show his face in the District again; so prominently has the matter been forced upon him. He would not think such observations necessary had not he been informed by the Magistrate who conducted an enquiry into the circumstances, that the man in question had been allowed at large on informal pledges of surrender, while this continues to be debated as an open question. He was actually said to be in the immediate neighbourhood of the meeting at Whangaroa, as e Waki was in that of the meeting at Hokianga, appearing indeed in one of the canoes, which appeared in honour of the Governor's visit. The Governor desires to add that he derived great pleasure from his visits, and from the evidence of general friendship between the European population and the fine tribe with which they are mingled, and in many instances, connected. Auckland. 26th. May 1874. P.S. The Governor has omitted to state that at Mongonui, anxiety was expressed that a competent successor to Mr. White, R.M., may be appointed. Although it may be necessary to reduce the number of Resident Magistrates, it does seem important to the well-being of the natives, that some one well acquainted with them should be responsible for their being looked after. Perhaps someone might be placed at Mongonui, subordinate to a neighbouring R.M. Mr. Kemp was most attentive and efficient in his assistance during the tour.