THE VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE TO THE BAY OF ISLANDS AND THE NORTH.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume V, Issue 4, 1 February 1858, Page 1

THE VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE TO THE BAY OF ISLANDS AND THE NORTH.

On the 6th inst., at 2 p.m., His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Mrs. Gore Browne and suite, embarked on board H.M.S. Iris, 26 guns, Captain Loring, C.B. The Frigate immediately afterwards got under weigh; and, after a pleasant passage ■of about four and twenty hours, arrived at fororareka on the following day. Kororarekais the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, and was a populons and prosperous town until,in consequence of the ill-advised conduct of Hone Heke and his adherents, it was abandoned by its European inhabitants 13 years ago ;—since which \i has remained comparatively deserted-. On ( he present occasion it was alive, with Na-

uives and Europeans, drawn from all parts of tbe surrounding country, to welcome His 'Excellency, woo debarked under a salute from tbe frigate, and with all the honours due on such an occasion. On landing, His Excellency was received ty "the gentlemen composing the public of the settlement, including tbe Chief Tama ti Waka, the staunch friend of tbe Europeans; aud. proceeded to tbe bouse of tbe Resident Magistrate, where a levee was held, which was numerously attended by both Europeans and Natives; and the following, among other Native' Chiefs, presented to His Excellency : Te WarihrKokowai* Native Assessor, MitaiPene Taui, Native Assessor, ~WiremuTeTete, -Rewa, Te Hoterene Tawafawa, Native Assessor, Mangonui Kerei, Native Assessor, Te Hira Pure, Native Assessor, Hlrini Nene, Sarata Puariri, Native Assessor. After ibis presentation the Chiefs bad an audience with the Governor in front of Waka's house, at which many complimentary speeches were made. Several Chiefs spoke, and one and ail welcomed His Excellency, and expressed the pleasure it afforded tbem to have an opportunity of communicating personally with the representative of Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain; and or making a public avowal in his presence of their resolution to acknowledge Her SDvereignty and to obey Her laws in future. In token of this they bad determined to reerect the flag-staff wbich bad been cut down In the days of their ignorance ;-and hoped to carry out their intention during His Excellency's stay. 6 ** a ttht P h.m 7o K e 5 t K Ongand 2 feetin dimeter fo JS^J* 11 b f en % P r e?ared, which was J? be earned up the Maiki hill by 300 men

so soon as all Ihose who were expected to take part in the ceremony should arrive. Regret was expressed for the foHy which had deprived the Ngapuhi of the advantage of having a flourishing town in their midst; and His Exceltency was urged to promise that a new township should be formed in some eligible situation.- Allusion was made to the foolish project of setting up a Maori Xing,—which- none of the Ngapuhi Chiefs were disposed lo favour; but whieh, they slated, had caused them to resolve on setting op the flagstaff, to shew ait the tribes that the only sovereign the Ngapuhi are wifling to acknowledge is the Queen of England; His Excellency replied to the speeches of the Chiefs at some length. His words were j interpreted by Mr. A. N. S. Smith and werej io effect as follows:—the Chiefs of Ngapuhi and thank them for the reception given me on this my first visit to-the Buy of Islands. I have been told that the Ngapuhi are now loyal subjects of the Queen; and firm friends of the Pakeba, and what I have seen and heard to day convince me that this is true, I hope and believe that this good feeling and harmony will not be again interrupted. I believe that the-Ngapuhi having tried both the wrong and the right path, have now chosen the right one and will in future keep to it. The woids 1 have beard to day from j the Chiefs assure me of ibis. On my part I shall always be ready to assist tbem in their efforts to promote the welfare of their people. I do not forget that the Ngapuhi first drew the canoe of the Pakeba to shore and made him his guest: that it Was here the light was first kindled which afterwards spread over the island dispelling the darkness which covered all men; that it was here the treaty ! was made which gave the island the protec-1 lion of the Sovereign of the greatest nation in the world. From that day England's shadow has rested on this land; though j foolish words have been spoken and foolish j acts done since then, both.are now forgotten or remembered only with regret, and a wish I to repair past errors. My reply to the professions of loyalty to the Queen which I have beat d to day will express the same as you have been told by all previous Governors. I have to assure

Jou that. Her Majesty is anxious that her laori subjects in New 'Zealand should share equally with their pakeha brethren in the blessings of peace and prosperity. Her instructions to me are to do all in my power to promote the welfare and happiness of both races alike*. years have passed since the Queen sent out her first Governor to protect , her subjects in this country, to suppress evil and to administer the just laws of England. This is the work, which the Queen has committed to the bands of all her Governors.. It is a good work and one which aH good men are willing to help the Governor Hi doing. It is for this reason that I now call on all the Ngapuhi Chiefs with the Chiefs of all the tribes in-New Zealand to help me in this. work. If they will do so, peace and order will prevail and men will be free to give their strength and energies to those pursuits which with the divine blessing will promote civilization and prosperity. I trust that in future the Ngapuhi will be united among themselves and united with the Pakeha also.. IT both races unite to fight against evil and to promote good, no evil will prove too Strong to overcome, no good too difficult to attain, A word about the flagstaff. If the bands which cut it down wish to replace it, it is well. As an acknowledgement, to the world of a past error, it is well. Whether it be replaced or not, the sovereignty of the Queen over this island remains the-same ;the Queen is Queen of New Zealand whether all her subjects know her as such or not.. Those who are ignorant will grow wiser in time. The flag is but a symbol. The Ngapuhi once mistook it for the symbol of a. power to be used to iujure tbem and cut it down. Strife ensued and blood was spilt. The Queen was grieved that men's lives should be sacrificed through a misunderstanding. She directed that forbearance should be shewn and that the Ngapuhi should be lea tO: find out their error. The flagstaff was not again set up. Those who cut it down have now seen their error. The Ngapuhi now know trat the flag was a symbol of a power which has ever been used for their protection and benefit. They have gained wisdom by experience.. Tfcejr now wish to say to all the tribes in

New Zealand, we committed an error and wish to repair it. It te well. At the conclusion of Hi* Excellency's address, all assembled united in three hearty cheers and the meeting separated. The Chief Maihi Paraone Kawiti; son of the old Chief Kawiti, once the determined enemy of the Government, did not arrive at Kororareka in time to take part hi the proceedings. He however waited upon the Governor on board H.M.S. Iris the following morning;, and, with Wiremu Pohe and Henare leTilaba, had a long interview with him, at which: bo explained that, as the leader and representative of the party who were once opposed to the Government, he wished on their behalf to convey to His Excellency the expression of their desire to make amends for past errors, by replacing the flag-stair on the spot where it bad Mood when cut down by Heke: and also to offer a piece of land at Te Kawakawa, as a pieceoffering, to be given and received in token of complete reconciliation and perfect amity between themselves and the Government. With respect to the township, he did not presume to dictate to His Excellency, who would be the best judge as to the most eligible position; —but he hoped that the offer of the Kawakawa would not be rejected, though found unsuitable for a town site, as be was more anxious about receiving the assurance of reconciliation with the Government than about a township. He was anxious that His Excellency should land again in Kororareka on his return from visiting the other settlements. His Excellency, as Her Majesty's representative* accepted the assurances of loyalty and attachment to the Government which Maihi had been deputed to convey to him; and expressed his approval of the determination of himself and his people to replace the flag-stalT; especially as it had originated entirely with themselves and was to be car* rieJ into effect by themselves. He was bap-, py to assure Maihi and bis tribe that the past was forgotten; and that the Ngapuhi n >w I possessed the confidence of the Government and were looked upon as friends. At the conclusion of the interview a Native spear was presented by Maibi, and accepted bv His Excellency, in tokeu of friendship and alliance; —and the former proceeded to Waitangi, to await the arrival of the Governor at that place.

On Saturday the 9th His Excellency accompanied by Mrs. Gore Browne and suite crossed to Waitangi, where several parlies of natives bad assembled- to met* him.- On landings the parly proceeded to the residence of J. Busby Esquire, for some British Resident in New Zealand. The fawn in front of the. house was occupied by groups of Natives who greeted Ids Excellency with shouts of welcome, and the song usually chanted on the arrival- of visitors.i Welcome ! stranger from beyond the sky. lily last born son did seek thee On the serge of ihe horizon And drew thee hither—WehcomeiThe many bright coloured garments, the shrill voices of the women mingling with those of the men, the brightness of the day, aU combined to present a most animated scene*. Several war-dances were performed in honor-of His Excellency's visit to the place where the Wakangi treaty was signed seventeen years ago. Wc cannot say we greatly admire such- exhibitions* we believe our Maori friends are themselves a little ashamed of these relics of days gonp by* We think they seldom appear to less advantage than when so engaged. Curiosity leads the Pakeba to gaze, but a war dance does not serve to narrow the space which has hitherto separated two races, who are henceforth to be united as one people. A lent having been erected on the lawn for the use of His Excellency, more than 50 Chiefs .were presented, after which ceremony the Chief Kemara commenced a series of speeches, similar in character to those of the Chiefs of Kororareka,# This old Chief also called attention to the fact that the first Representative of the Queen in New Zealand bad resided at Waitangi, which mast be regarded as the place where the Government first acquired a footing. He alluded to the removal of the flagstaff to a distance, and, afterwards, of the seat of Government to another part of the country, among other tribes. He urged upon His Excellency bis claim to have a town at Waitangi as being the spot where British authority was first recognised. The young chief and Assessor Miilai Pene Taui followed, welcoming His Excellency in the name pf bis tribe, alluding to past troubles and the fact that those who had been most active in opposition to the Government had passed away. He hoped a town would be established on the inland side

of the Bay as be and his people were now subjected to nwch - inconvenience -and expense in consequeuce of having to cross the water whenever they wished to communicate with the authorities, or bad business to transact at Kororareka. Miiai here pre* sented a petition to His Excellency embodying the wishes of bis tribe respecting the establishment o r a town. Manu Kawwru followed. He wished the meeting to confine itself to one topic, an expression of loyalty to the Queen, and the re-erection of the flagstaff as a token of alliance with the Government. Kou expressed iiis pleasm eat meeting the Governor and his opinion thai the town should be -half way between the Kawa kawa and the Keri keri. Haupokia followed -with a song in which portions of Scripture history were curiously mixed xip. His welcome was more to ihe purpose. Welcome O Governor, come and see mv work, alluding to the road between Waitangi, and Hokianga which his people had improved with the assistance of the Government What is the use of talking about it, the living bus been settled long ago. I have taken the Government money, a d by so doing have acknowledged -my subjection. Welcome O Governor. Kahi followed *n the same strain and was succeeded by Wi Piri Hongi who allu ed to the re-erection of the flagstaff as the only proof his people could give of their respect for his Excellency. Manihera said, Welcome OGovernor, yon have come from the head of the fish to the tail. The flagstaff matter is settled, the town must follow. Haki Te Rawhena then spoke his welcome and was followed by Koniria, Welcome, O Governor, to the "Bay of Islands, to see your people the Ngapuhi. At the close of ih» war this was Kawiti's word. «• Henceforth, my people, let us be content to be taught by the Pakeha, let us be his pupils, lest we go wrong and end by becoming his drudges/' This advice of Kawiti's has been followed, the proof of which is the spar which lies there. The heart of the Maori is now united in loyalty to the Queen. Mangonui said, welcome O Governor, it is useless to Ihink of restoring the old, there are two things which should be new, the flagstaff and the town, let both be new. SeveraL other. Chiefs fallowed in the same strain, expressing anxiety for the establishment or a town and a hope that His Excellency would look upon the re-erection of

the flagstaff as a proof that the Ngnpohi were now desirous lo live peaceably and to submit to the Queen's laws. Among the speakers were Wi Kbrekore, Paratene Te Mahu, ftaralua, Hira Te Pure, Mobi Te Peke, Hirini, Flimi Marupo, Tautoro, Hone Te Puhi Kura and Hare Kuri, a letter was also read by one of the Ngalawaki Tribe which bad been addressed to the princi- j pal Ngtvpuhi Chiefs, inviting inert lo unite j iu replacing the flagstaff. | ■>>* X-■.'••■" - I tils. Excellency's Ycply to the speeches of the Chiefs was similar^to that at Kororareka, thanking them for the reception they had given him, and for their assurances of attachment to the Government. He also Informed them that one principal object of bis visit lo the North, was the selection ol a proper site for a township, thai he hoped to look at every place which might be thought eligible, and that with the assistance of Colonel Mould, wbi understood these matters and bad accompanied him for the express purpose, he hoped he should be able to fix upon some suitable position where a settlement might be formed and a town laid out which should afford the opportunities of shewing to all the world the reality of the union of the two races which had been spoken of, and where the Maori and the Pakehfa should cultivate their fields and build their houses side by sideThe proceedings were terminated by Maori war dances and three hearty English cheers for the Governor, and a salute of musketry. Several of the wives of the chiefs were afterwards introduced to Mrs. Gore Browne, andMaihi Kawiii's wife presented a greenstone ornament. A quantity of food including 180 baskets or potatoes snd 3 pigs was provided for the guests. On Monday the 41th His Excellency set out Tor Te Waiuate accompanied by Mrs. Gore Browne and suite. More than fifty horsemen joined the puny as an escort. On reaching, the rising ground aiTaumatawiwi, another party of horsemen numbering about *OO werejseen drawn up in two lines on each side of the road headed by t\yd native assessors bearing flags. As His Excellency passed] through, be was greeted wittf/ inre£ hearty cheers, and the whole body falling in formed.9 cavalcade, numbering; horsemen. The flag

"bearers taking the lead and keeping a little In advance, the whole party pressed on at a brisk pace to the Waimate which was 'reached about noon. On arriving His Excellency was welcomed in the usual manner, with shouts, war dances, cheering and firing of guns. About 409 persons had assembled to do honor to their distinguished visitor* His Excellency proceeded to the house of Mr. Commissioner Kemp, and. after a short interval, held a levee at which a number of gentlemen both English and Maori were presented; among the Taiter were Rube, of Te AbUahu, Wi Hau of Waimate native assessor, Tamati Ngere of Okaihau, Timobuke of Ahuahu, Arama Karaka of Waima native assessor, Komene of Kaikohe, Te Hira Mura Of Kaikohe, Te Rata Hongi of Waimate, Hohaia Waikato of Tepuna, Te Hikuwai of Reri Keri, Te Pakira of Tareha's River. Kingi Wireraii of Tareha's River, Hongi Te Ripi of Ahuahu, Anaru Te Ati of Ahuahu, Te Hira Tauahika of Waimate, Wiremu Kaitara of Ahuahu, Poli of Kaikohe, Hare Matenga of Kaikehe, Te Mangaraangu of Hokianga, Wi Tahua of Hokianga, Te Wera or Ahuahu. An address was then presented to His Excellency by Mr. Clarke, on behalf of the European resident'. After the levee, the Governor went out to see the assembled natives and hear the speeches of the chiefs. Tamati commenced by welcoming His Excellency as the parent and friend of the Maori people and said that whatever good was to be found in the country had been brought by the Europeans. Hakiro next spoke, welcoming His Excellency in few words and professing attachment to the Queen's Government. Tango following iu similar words; After which Waikato spoke welcome O Governor, briag us loving words from our Queen. This day sees our union with our confirmed welcome Mangontti and Keri Keri. Hongi Rata spoke, welcome, come and see these children Of strife. The whole land is now the Queen's Wharekura Welcome, you come to us in kindness. This kindness is not a thing of to-day, it dates from the days Of King George and King William. The whole island is with you. Poti said, Welcome

'governor, we are your children and you arc oar parent. Several other chiefs spoke including A nam teAti,~Heta, Ripiro, Pakira, JSru Pouroto, Whakanatau, Hakiaha Paore Maungf, Bare Hongi and Timo. Hare Wiri Hake then read an address from the Maori Chiefs and people assembled at Te Waimate to welcome the Governor, the address with His Excellency's reply will be found in another part of this number. Wireniu Hau the native assessor at Te Waimate then spoke welcome 0 Governor this end of the island is your*s and iis people are your'salso. The land at Paraogiora atTe Kawa Kawa is yours. We should like to -see a town at one of these places. Te Hira Mora Welcome to your Excellency. 1 will not dictate to you where the town should be, you are the best judgs. I think however it should be on this side. If it te on the other side* John Fox the waterman will get all our money. Hikairo, welcome, O Governor, we have nothing to say but welcome. As to the town we shall be satis- ' fled that it should be where you think best. Pinobu, we are glad to see your Excellency. "You have seen the road by which you came. Pirika spoke next, and theu Kotnene, Poakatahe recited a* song and added welcome .0 Governor, I greet you, come and see our good and our evil. Yes come, nothing but good is spoken of here, the evil is concealed from you. Let us have a town. The laud, the rivers, the mountains are all yours. •Himi Tauahika, Wi wbareumu and Ngaia! followed, expressing doubt as to whether the fair piofessions now made by the Ngapuhi "would be made good. Waikato then put it to the whole assembly whether they were not in favour of Te Kiri Kiri, as to the best position for --a town and whether they were not willing to leave it to His Excellency to decide where it should be, to both of which an unanimous •*• yes'* was delivered in a most emphatic manner. His Excellency replied as before expressing the pleasure wbich liis reception at the Waimate bad given him and repeating what be bad before said to the Chiefs who had addressed him at Waitangi and Kororareka. A handsome present of food was then brought lo His Excellency consisting or a large quantity of biscuit of borne manufacture, five bullocks, four pigs, and 280 baskets of the joint contributions of the Chiefs Ruhe, Wiremu Klngi, Kaitara, Pirika, Pinpiand others of the Waitariiwba. Ngaitawake and Te Whiu sections of the Ngapuhi

tribe. This handsome provision was given by the. Governor to the people assembled, many of whom had come from a distance. The Chief Rube also presented His Excellency with a valuable preen stone 11 mere" named Kaikanohi and three handsome garments of native manufacture. These proceedings over, the Governor and the gentlemen accompanying him were entertainad by the European settlers at a table most hospitably spread with good cheer. There also speeches were made, but as they would not-interest our Maori readers we shall pass on. On Tuesday the Governor and suite lefiTe Waimate for Hokianga accompanied by a party of about 30 horsemen. On the way they went to see the site of tlieOhaeawai Pa. They also visited the spot where those who tell at the assault on the pa lie buried. A little beyond this is the native settlement occupied by the Ohaeawai natives and where their Chief Mitai Pene Taui resides, an intelligent young man and a native assessor. This young chef deserves great praise for the energy and industry which he has shewn in impro ing bis 'and in the European style. A large extent has been enclosed with a substantial fence which would do credit to any European settler, and preparations are being made for. greatly adding to the land already under cultivation. A continuance of these efforts will soon put Mitai in possession of wealth. His tribe who wera once most violently opposed to the Government have now found a better field for their enterprise and have already done a great work in improving the road between the Bay ol Islands a*id Hokianga, building several excellent bridges &c. We cannot speak too highly of tbe example set by this young chief and bis people. How much more to their advantage it would be were other tribes similarly engaged instead-of quarrelling and killing one another as they are doing at Taranaki, Ahuriri, Whakalane and other places. When will the Maori grow wise? On reaching Kalkohe the party halted for fin hour for refreshment at the old Mission Station which is occupied by Hira Mura, whose wife did her best to play the host and entertain the travellers with such refreshments as could be procured. During the slay several of the Maori residents wailed upon His Excellency and appeared greatly pleased at hating an opportunity of shaking bands with Her Majesty's Representative. Leaving Kaikohe the party proceeded to

Bokiaoga and reached Wairere at 4 p.m. Here Mr. J. Webster's boats were waiting to convey them to his residence at Te Kohukohu. On passing Mangungu. a large number of natives stood up/ to. chant the customary chorus of welcome* His Excellency's acknowledgment of the compliment by raising his hat called forth another, burst from, the assembled crowd which was followed by a salute of musketry. On approaching Te Kobukobu a salute of 17 guns was fired from the lawn in front of Mr. J. Webster's houseThe Governor's parly were most hospitably, received and entertained by Mr. Webster^ The next day Wednesday 14th His. Excellency went over to Mangungu, which had been fixed for the place of meeting. On landing be was received on the beach by a parly who went through the war dance, while another party stood on the hill waving and shouting their hearty welcome. Two lines of men, each man with a musket or other weapon in his hand, were formed on either side of the path up tbe hill, through Which His Excellency w&s conducted by two assessors, the men keeping up a continuous cheering, to a tent which-had been erected for his convenience and prettily decorated with green branches. Here His Excellency was received by the Rev. H. Lawryand other gentlemen, including tbe fine old chief Makoare and his son Abraham, with several native teachers. One hundred and sixteen Dative chiefs were presented la His Excellency, alter which ceremony the meeting was opened by Aperabama Taonui, who read an address from the Hokianga chiefs, which, together with His Excellency's reply, will be found in another part of this paper. Several chiefs spoke, Rangatira Moatara said •• Welcome, come and see your children, we are all tbe Queen's children. We will acknowledge no other Sovereign. We will ever hold fast our al egiance to the Queen." Wi Waka: Welcome, O Governor, among us. Let tbe Queen's name always, rest upon ps. Though her person be far off, ber name is here. To talk of any other Sovereign for ibis end of the island is folly. Should any trouble arise, lam your ally. Makoare Taonui: You, O Governor, are the person whom this island will obey. It is like the seed which grows night and day (the steadily increasing influence of the Europeans in the country). Tio: Welcome, O Governor. We are unanimous here, and will live under \Ue law of God and the Queen. Mohi

Tawhai: Welcome, wiil the words now spoken be made gpod ? will a man respect his own word.. Tarainoeroa: Welcome, our Governor, we* know no authority but yours and the Queen's. Raniera Taonui: Welcome, O Governor, to Hokiangu. It does not always rain;: there is summer and winter, fair weather and foul. The winter is more than these people can stand. Nga Po: Welcome, 0 Governor, the parent of the people, the protector of the orphan. The people choose you, they wish the Law to rule them. Come and see your, chickens which have been nourished under your wings. Otene Pura and Te Kariri followed adding that tbey hoped the Governor would allow the people to buy fowling pieces. Wharepapa stood up and chanted an old song expressive of affection for their river of Hokiauga, to which he welcomed His Excellency, Wi Hopihona then followed With professions of loyally to the Queen and the Governor. A perahama Taonui stood up and recited the old alarm used by the chiefs iu lime of war to rouse the watchmen in the besieged pa and keep them vigilant. t See there the moon beleaguered by hostile stars. Our enemies lurking in the grass surround us Hold fast, Hold fast. Yes let us bo?d fast our allegiance to the present Government. Paora Matangi: Welcome, 0 Governor, we speak fair words |o you, but evil may be hidden beneath, the land may cause trouble, •Tamati Waka Nenethen came forward and said, I will now speak. What my brother Paora has said is true. But how shall evil arise out of the land; it is in the hands of the Pukeha. The Government has expended money in improving the road. Let us have Government expenditure here at Hokianga. Does not this fine river offer the inducements which the Pakelia seeks? It is the woman's work to veave garments. The Queen will nourish and the Governor support us. I Jiave felt little interest in the talk about town sites and offers of land in other pluces. Here is the place to please me : we have a strong claim for we have bled in the cause or the Government. Other tribes have made propositions which I have not seconded. If you make one, I shall join you, for we have given our liv<»s in the Pakeba's quarrels. TeUruii: Welcome, my chief, or not, as tyents may shew. My Chief is the land.

If youroflfaJerst act justly it will be well. If otherwise it wM not be well.. Taonui: I- have suffered in the cause of another. Here is the Ake, but Where is the Mahoe and the Pate. Come, 0 Governor, as a pay-' ment for my losses. • Well, though- I be destroyed, yet I have seen you. Welcome. Wata Kaitoke Muriwai: Welcome. Behold the tide which ebbs and flows ijn Hokianga. It is yours, will vou- clothe UjfArama Karaka Pi: Let us endeavour to live orderly and quietly as do the Pakeha's and theu we shall be sure to have them come and settle among us. Manguniangu: • Let onr professions be made good. Let us act upon what has been said about obedience lo the Laws of God and the Queen* Tako: It is not now for the first time that- we place ourselves under the protection of the Queen. Hokianga has long, ago-acknowledged her sovereignty, we regard bet Majesty as our protector from .all enemies.%Te Atua W«ra; I had a dream night, I thought I saw the Gove* nor come to me and put a beautiful white feather in my hair above my forehead.- Some one tried to snatch it away, but I would not allow it to be removed. My dream has been verified, I see the Governor. He brings the Queen'- authority. We accept it. Welcome, O Governor/to Uokianga. His Excellency replied briefly to the Chiefs assuring them that he placed full confidence in the assurances tbey bad given of attachment to the Government: they bad proved by their actions that they were sincere. He was more gratiGed than be could express with what be bad seen aud heard. He looked upon the Hokianga Chiefs and assessors as bis friends and helpers in every good work. He bad experienced real pleasure in thus meeting them in their own borne, and be should not fail to inform Her Majesty of what had taken place. He thanked them warmly for the cordial welcome they had given him and should long remember his visit to Hokianga with pleasure. A handsome present of food consisting of between 200 and 300 baskets of potatoes and 5 bullocks was then brought to His Excellency and given by him to the people assembled. The contributors were Makoare Taonui and others of the Papoto branch.. Wi Wtka Turau and others of the Ngatihao. Moihi Tawhai and others of the Mahure-

hure. At the conclusion of the proceedings ' the assembled natives,numbering about 1000, gave three cheers for the Governor, and the meeting broke up. The following morning His Excellency and i party returned to the Waimate and next day proceeded to Te Keri Keri, turning aside to look at a position on the hank of the river which bad been spoken of as an eligible site for a town. At the Mission Station the party were hospitably entertained by Mr. Kemp, and the next morning left to return to Her Majesty's sbip ««Iris."