R.M. Office Marton February 19th. 1870 Dear Mr. Fox, I have just attended a great Meeting of the natives of this Coast, held at Kakariki, yesterday, the 18th. inst., This meeting was convened by Wi Hapi and Heremia te Tihi, -- Rawiri being considered as the host. I noticed portions of the Ngatiapa, Rangitane, Ngatikahungunu, Ngatiteapokoiri and Ngatiraukawa tribes; the latter including those from Oroua, Manawatu, and Otaki. There were also some of the Wanganui river natives present. The approximate number being from 250 to 300 persons. It was intended that the meeting should commence that morning, but owing to Kawana Hunia not having put in his appearance, it did not begin until the evening. About 5 p'clock a preliminary meeting of welcome was held, when Rawiri, Nawaka and Pengauru welcomed their guests very heartily, telling them this was a new year; a day when they could all meet and greet each other; as one when the Kawanatanga and the Hau Haus could all meet and shake hands. Several songs of welcome being sung by these gentlemen, when Hunia arose, and returned the welcome, and said that the Ngatiapa had come in answer to the invitation they had received; that this was a new month; the month of February would be remembered as the