was left for you to settle at Alexandra. The Chiefs at once remarked to His Excellency that this was the hitch which spoiled the whole affair, by answering Rewi's letter, and not Manuhiri's. His Excellency appeared much interested on this point; and repeatedly asked them whether they were sure that this was Manuhiri's motive in not taking part in the Meeting called by Rewi. Rihia said it was not only known by them, but it was commonly considered by the Hau Haus that the course His Excellency adopted enhanced the failure of the meeting. His Excellency asked Rice if he was of that opinion. The answer was in the affirmative. I forgot to mention that Te Hakiriwhi was not present at the latter part of the conversation. Consequently His Excellency was not satisfied till he had Te Hakiriwhi's opinion on the subject. In the course of the day, however, Te Hakiriwhi called upon His Excellency, and stated exactly what Rihia had said, and gave his opinion in favour of it. Moreover Te Hakiriwhi informed His Excellency that Tawhiao and Manu- hiri's great desire is to meet him (the Governor) face to face. But Rewi's presumption put them against it. His Excellency then explained to them, (Te Hakiriwhi and Rihia) that Manuhiri never mentioned anything about a Meeting in his letter to him. If Manuhiri had done so, he (the Governor) would have answered, as he did Rewi's. His Excellency impressed upon their minds that it was not any discourtesy towards Manuhiri that he did not answer his letter; but as