Parliamentary Papers.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1714, 13 August 1862, Page 5

Parliamentary Papers.

T A U P O. No. 1. Report from George Law, Esq. Otawhao, February 13th, 1862. SIK, —I have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency*s Government, that, acting upon the authority of an official letter from the Honorable the Colonial Secretary, dated Auckland, 13th January, 1862, I proceeded to Taupo for the purpose of ascertaining the views of the natives of that district with regard to the settlement of a European Magistrate amongst them, and "■enerally to learn their views in reference to the institutions proposed to be introduced by His Excellency's Government. January 22nd. —Left Otawhao. Arrived at Avatitaha. January 23rd.—Arrived at the Waotu. January 24th.—Arrived at the Whakamaru. January 25th.—Arrived at Waimahana and TahaPahaka. The natives inhabiting this district form a portiori of Ngatiraukawa, a very powerful tribe inhabiting the country extending from Maungatautari to the west side of Taupo. A portion of this tribe ia at present residing at Kapiti. This tribe is composed entirely of King's natives, with perhaps a few individual exceptions. I arrived at Taha Takaroa on Saturday afternoon, and fortunately finding the natives at food, took the opportunity while they were all assembled of explaining to them the policy of the Government. I first read to them His Excellency's Circular addressed to the natives, enlarging upon and explaining each paragraph as I proceeded. Upon concluding my remarks, I enquired whether they understood what I had just stated to them, and if they had any questions to ask me. I told them not to be in too great haste to answer me, to consider well what I had told them, so that their word when it was spoken should not be a "kupu noa." They replied that they understood what I had stated,

I ond would give me their reply in the evening. When we met together in the erening, the- ' Chief told me that they hod thought over. what I had them, and that the word of the. | Governor was good. He asked me whether 1 the Circular was quite true, and was to be , relied on. In reply, I said that they might i implicitly rely on the word of the Governor,, whose greatest wish was to raise the Maories J from their present ignoble position, and bring them on a more equal footing with their fellow subjects the Europeans, and that he wished to effect this by the introduction of European laws and manners, instead of the old Maori usages. As a proof of the truth of His Excellency's intentions, I told them that if they wished, I should stay with them as their Magistrate, to assist them in making laws, and establishing some of the good things spoken of in His Excellency's Circular. They immediately consented to this, and pressed me to take up my residence amongst them. I eventually consented to take up my residence amongst these people, as Tango Tango offers many advantages, such as wood, water, wheat, &c, which are not combined at any other place, besides the comparative shortness of the road for the purpose of carrying in supplies. January 26 th, Sunday.—At Pakataharoa. January 27th, Monday.—When on the point of departure, Te Matewaia (the chief of this portion of Ngatiraukawa) again requested me to give him an assurance of the truth of my statement of Saturday; I complied with his request, and he appeared quite satisfied. I proceeded to Omanui, where I found several of the leading men of this and the adjoining native villages. They are all Queen's natives, and gave me a very kind reception. When I told them the object of my visit, they were very much pleased. These natives, before the breaking out of hostilities at Taranaki, were engaged making a road (upon their own land) upon the mail line between Otawhao and Ahuriri, and are exceedingly anxious to recommence operations. They ga?e me a very pressing invitation to choose a kainga, and seemed disappointed when I told them that I could not do so, as the distance would be so great to bring in supplies. I proceeded on the same day to Papuwaihoruru. This kainga is the residence of Te Poihipi, the principal chief of this (the north) end of Taupo, and is inhabited by Queen's natives. The sentiments of Te Poihipi are so well known, and have been so lately brought under the notice of His Excellency's Government, that I will not enlarge farther, but simply state that the invitation which I received at Oruanui was here repeated, and accompanied with many personal good wishes. I was obliged to return a similar answer. January 28th, Tuesday.—Left Tapuwaiharuru, and proceeded along the east side of Taupo, calling at the different villages, and, where I found people, explained the object of my journey. I was sorry to find that the majority of the natives of this portion of the Lake were at Ahuriri, engaged in making roads for the Provincial Government of Hawke's Bay; but from my personal knowledge of these natives, (with all of whom I am on terms of .intimacy, and judging from the success obtained in other quarters) I have very little doubt as to the result of a conference with them. Those with whom I had an opportunity of speaking were quite favourable to the introduction of law and order. Arrived at Korohe January 29th (Wednesday). Passed through the villages of Tongariro and Toka, making an appointment to meet the natives on Friday and Saturday. Arrived at Pukawa January 30th (Thursday). Talking with T« Heu Heu the greater part of the day. I found that he had been informed that I was appointed as a Magistrate for Te Poihipi. This information produced a very bad effect upon his mind, as there is an old feud and existing jealousy between the rival chiefs, and nothing could have been more calculated to arouse his jealousy and consequent opposition. I told him that a Magistrate would not be for him, or for Te Poihipi, but for the whole body of the people, and that I did not intend to take up my residence at Tapuwaiharuru. After a lengthened conversation, he admitted that what His Excellency proposed was for the good of the Maori people; but still his mind is so filled with distrust, that it has assumed the aspect of a positive disease, and, shrewd arid sensible as he is upon all other points, whenever he talks about the Government he works himself into such a state of frenzy that he can scarcely be held accountable for what he says. The great difficulty with which I had to contend was this feeling of distrust; and I must confess that, as far as Te Heu Heu is concerned, I was not successful. However, Ido not expect any active opposition from him, and hope he may very soon change his opinion. Personally, he was exceedingly kind: said he should be glad to see His Excellency, but would not invite him to Taupo; and we parted excellent friends. January 31st, Friday. —Proceeded to Toaanu and had a most satisfactory conversation with the principal natives. Both Roman Catholics and Protestants unite in approving of the introduction of law and order, and putting an end to the present confusion arising from each little village having different laws from those of its neighbour. Here, also, I was offered a place of residence. This is the most populous village on Taupo; it is situated at the extreme south end of the lake. The inhabitants are principally Roman Catholics, and all King's natives. February Ist, Saturday.—Proceeded to Tongariro. - February 2nd, Sunday. —At Tongariro. February 3rd, Monday.—Had a satisfactory meeting with the Tongariro natives this morning. I think I was successful in dispelling the doubt expressed by some of the old men here. I was asked by an old man why His Excellency did not give them these good things when lie was there before, and he ended his speech with the following expression:—"lf these things had been granted before, there would not have been a King native in Taupo." However, he continued, "we believe that the Governor means well, and we accept it as such, and if we could hear him tell us all these things we would be quite light." One other point was, that Native Magistrates had been appointed, but that the salaries had not been paid, a circumstance which I assured them would not happen again. Same day came on to Tapuwaiharuru to meet the mail on its way to Auckland, and found that it had passed on Saturday, two days before its time, and was thus prevented writing to Auckland. February 4th, Tuesday—Arrived at Opepe on my way to Tarawera, February sth, Wednesday.—When within a short distance of Tarawera, I learned that the natives had gone to Ahuriri to purchase flour, &c. Tarawera seems to me to belong to the Ahuriri district. It is more than forty miles distant from Taupo, the intervening country between Opepe and Tarawera is uninhabited, Same night returned to Opepe.

February 6th, 'Thursday.—From Opepe to Oruanui. Natives very anxious to recommence * Fe°bru"ary 7th. Friday,—To Tahataharoa, arranged to go to the Papa to-morrow, accompanied by one of the principal men. February Bth, Saturday.—Arrived at the Papa? this is the kainga of Hone Teri te Paerata, the most influential native of this part of New Zealand. He has been chosen by Ngatiraukawa and Ngatituwharetoa as their representative in all communications between them and Europeans. I considered it better to postpone my visit to this native until-1 saw bow the popular feeling was inclined. I informed him that Taupo had consented to receive me, explained the wishes of His Excellency's Government, and used every argument which I thought would 1 have a favourable effect upon his mind, without seeming too anxious to obtain his assistance. He said that although not strictly belonging to Taupo, he yet repre-; sented the natives of Taupo as well as his own j people. He had no objection to my coming j amongst them, but I must not begin active operations amongst his people until he hadj Seen the Governor, and heard from his lips the> truth of what I had stated. He seemed very much pleased when I informed him that the Honorable the Colonial Secretary would probably pay him a visit. February 9th, Sunday.—At the Papa. February 10th, Monday. —Returned with Te Matewaia for the purpose of selecting a kainga; made choice of a place called Po Tango Tango, belonging to Te Matewaia. Arranged for a house to be built immediately, and promised to return if possible in a month; came on to Taha Tabaßoa, and Waimahaua. There is a land dispute here involving an extensive range of country. The natives have referred the case to me for adjudication. The other side are Queen's natives, belonging to Wairewarewa near Taupo; this proves in a substantial lnaiuer the reality of their sentiments. Came on to Whakamaru. Febvaary ) Ith.—To Aratitaha. February 12th.—Arrived atOtawhao. The only difficulty T had to overcome was the unfortunate feeling of distrust, to which I have referred more than once, and which has taken possession to so large au extent of the minds of the Maoris of this part of New Zealand. I cannot say that I have combated successfully with this feeling, yet I think it has been shaken to such an extent as to lead me to hope that the time is not far distant when they will look upon His Excellency's Government with love and respect; in fact, with very different feelings to that which they at present entertain. They have been so accustomed to connect Government proceedings with the absorption of their land, that vvheti they hear the one mentioned they immediately connect it with the other. They cannot yet conceive that the Government can do all those good things without an equivalent; but, when they see that the Government mean to act fairly and equitably by them, my opinion is that such a re-action will take place in the- feelings of the Natives as will make ample amends for their former distrust. This will be a work of time and patience. I think the very fact of their present backwardness is favourable than otherwise, as it gives proof of an honesty of purpose, which is more easily to be dealt with than if they pretended to do all that was wished for, while, after all, it was mere pretence. And the point which I wish to touch upon is that of the payment of Native Assessors. Some difficulty has been made about the payment of Native Assessors—some would like to be paid, others would not. My impression is that it might be better to leave this to the Assessors themselves—those who wish for a salary might have one ; those who do not need have no salary. I mention this in passing, as I should like to be informed whether my idea is correct or not. Since my return I have seen Te Poihipi, who, although disappointed at my non-approval of his kainga as a place of residence, agreed with me in the policy which directed me in my choice. In conclusion, I may state in a few words the results of my visit to Taupo. The Natives bave assented to the principle which it was my duty to enforce, viz., the necessity of introducing law and order amongst the aboriginal tribes. They have set apart a residence, and are about to erect a house for a Magistrate; bring in his necessary supplies; and lastly, have referred a most important case to for adjudication. This I'look upon as a most important point gained. I think I have now stated everything of importance which occurs to me as having taken place during my visit, and have now only to congratulate His Excellency's Government upon the success which has attended this the first enunciation of its policy to the Natives of Taupo.. I have, &c, George Law. J. E. Grost, Esq., R. M,. Tomo.

Instructions to George Laio, Esq. Native Secretary's Office, Auckland, March 26th, 1862. Sir,— His Excellency having been pleased to appoint you Resident Magistrate and Civil Commissioner for the Taupo District, I am, by His Excellency's direction, to give you the following instructions for your guidance. You are aware of the plan of Institutions proposed to be introduced by Sir George Grey for the Government of the Natives, and the steps already taken for that object. As a part of auch plan, it is intended to divide the country into Districts, in which the Native Districts Regulation Act, 1858, and the Native Circuit Courts Act, 1858> will be brought, into operation., The country about and in your neighbourhood of Taupo, will be formed into such a District, of which His Excellency proposes that you should undertake the charge. Your functions will be, Ist. As a Justice of the Peace and Resident Magistrate under the Resident Magistrates Ordinance. n , 2nd.: As Judge under the Native Circuit Courts Act. t > 3rd. As Civil Commissioner under the Native Districts Regulation Act. As regards your duties as a Magistrate and Judge, it will be unnecessary for me to do more than touch; upon them. They are defined by law, and I have only to suggest that you should carefully .'the duties imposed upon you in thoso capacities, and that you should administer the powers vested) in you in a temperate and judicious manner, especially so fat as they affect the Native race* who are yet imperfecty acquainted with our laws and social institutions. The specific powers vested in you as a Magistrate and Judge are of a limited kind, and it may bo that circumstances may occur within your District in which you may find your strict legal powers insufficient to meet particular exigencies. Should such be the case, I cannot but im*

press on you two principles which should govern your course of action.' First/to adhere as strictly as you can to prescribed rules of law. Secondly, and principally, I desire to impress on you the importance of inspiring the Natives with respect for, and confidence in, the law itself. With that view yqu should never allow them to suppose that the law is too weak, or imperfect, to meet the requirements of justice. If, in enforcing this principle, it should at any time appear to you necessary sqmewaat to exceed the strict limits of your legal jurisdiction, may re'y on the support and protection of the Government in all which, you may dp in the exercise of a sound judgment and reasoiable discretion. It will be the object of Government to obtain from the General Assembly such enlarged powers as may seem adapted to the special requirements of the present habits and social condition of the Natives. . In the discharge of your Magisterial duties you will bear in mind that the Government are anxious not merely to establish amongst the Natives a system of law and settled institutions, but also to teach and habituate the Natives themselves to take part in the work of their own Government. You will, therefore, as far as possible, get them to act with you as AssesI sors and Jurymen. You will, in fact, consider I yourself not only as an administrator, but a teacher of the law.

As a Civil Commissioner, it will be your special duty to ascertain the assent of the Natives in their Runangas to the Regulations to be introduced under the Native District Regulation Act. In bringing this Act into operation, the Government looks to the machinery of the Runanga as a primary Institutions for accustoming the Natives to the work of self-government. I direct your attention to the Order in Council of the 7th day of March, 1862, relating to the constitution of the Runanga. His Excellency will be obliged by your furnishing him, at the earliest opportunity, with your views as to the formation of Runanga in your District, the mode in which they should be constituted, and other particulars relating to them which may be useful for His Excellency's guidance. In accordance with your suggestions, His Excellency will be prepared to appoint, on your recommendation, three Natives as Assessors, and four Natives as Kareres. The salaries of these Officers will be as follows:—Assessors £3O each, Kareres £lO each, with one suit of clothing. Their pay will commence from such period as you may recommend. A Court-house or Court-houses will be required for your District. As regards these the Natives must he taught to understand that in offering them Institutions of Government it is not intended to buy their allegiance, or to encourage them in neglect of their own duties. If there be truth in the desire expressed by them for law and order, they will recognize their liability to contribute themselves towards the introduction of these Institutions. In no way could they more readily do this than by building, or assisting in the building, of Courthouses, Prisons, Schools, and other buildings required for their common purposes. In every case in which under your direction they will come forward to do or assist in works of this kind, the Government will supply plain doors and windows, ironmongery, and any carpentering work which you may judge necessary. His Excellency is anxious that immediate steps be taken for the establishment of a primary School. You are authorized to expend a sum not exceeding £l5O on building, books, furniture, &c, for this purpose; and to engage (on the part of His Excellency) to provide a competent Schoolmaster for one year at least. But the Natives must be made to understand that in establishing Schools, and like Institutions, the Government is not prepared to do more than commence the work. It must be maintained and carried on mainly through their active co-operation, and (as their improving circumstances may supply means) at their own cost. They must at once contribute labor to the erection of buildings, and supplies of food for the support of the Master and Scholars. It will be, also, desirable to impress on them the duty of setting apart land for the endowment of these Institutions. I need scarcely impress on you the importance of conciliating, as far as possible, the loading Chiefs, and, to unite them with you on all matters affecting the interests of their people, inviting their confidence, and assuring them of the anxious desire felt by the Government to promote the welfare of the Native people, and their advancement in civilization; so that, by degrees, to bring within their reach the same social advantages that are enjoyed by their Pakeha fellow-subjects. You will especially take every opportunity of imparting to the Native Assessors instruction in the duties of their office, and directing them in the proper discharge of the same. I am fnrther to request that you will furnish from time to time for the information of His Excellency the Governor, detailed reports of your proceedings, transmitting the same through the Attorney-General's Office. I have, &c, G. Law, Esq., R.M., Henry Halse, Taupo. Acting Native Secretary. Report from George Law, Esq., Civil Commissioner. Oruauui, April 25th, 1862. Sir,— I have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency's Government, that I arrived here after a tedious and protracted paesage of three weeks to the Matata, having been driven back twice to Tauranga, from whence I proceeded overland to Matata, and found the vessel a total wreck. I fortunately lost nothing, and coming on, arrived here last night. I received a very cordial reception from my Natives, and found my house in a very forward state; however, it will not be finished within a month, the material having to be carried a considerable distance. It will be in the recollection of the Government that I had previously fixed upon Potangotango as my residence, but it was thought Oruanui would he better adapted for that purpose. The people of that tribe (a branch of the Ngatiraukawa), incited by jealousy at my change of residence, spread a variety of false reports, the principal of which was that I had ipduced the Oruanui Natives to dispose of a portion of their land to the Queen for a nioney payment. They took good care that the report should bo extensively circulated, and among others applied to Rewi, to place an interdict upon my proceedings and request the Oruanui Natives to send me back again. Rewi very properly replied that he could not interfere, and that they had better write of themselves, that he did not believe that I had paid money for the land, and wound up by reminding them there were Magistrates in Waikato; however, if money had been paid for

the land, then he might interfere. Foiled in that quarter, they be-took themselves to Ngatiterangita, the tribe inhabiting the South-east side of Taupo, and who had just returned from road-making at Ahuriri with their pockets well lined with the detested money of the pakeha ; here they were more successful, and on the 15th of April instant, sixteen men of that tribe arrived at Tapuwaiharuru (the village of Te Poihipi) to demand an explanation, at the same time threatening to burn my house. At first the meeting was a very stormy one, neither party adhering strictly to the matter at issue, but incorporating by degrees a great deal of extraneous matter in the shape of old grievances, and at one time I am given to understand that a pacific solution seemed most unlikely to take place. However, as dinner time approached both parties cooled down a little, and the gift of land having been explained, they expressed themselves satisfied, and returned to | Motutere next morning. Their " mutunga" ■ was " we do not object to your Kai-whakawa or to his tikanga so much, our only fear is that he may introduce land purchase—if such is hot the case, and we see good arise from his work, we will be with you." The Natives of Pototira came as far as Motutere and went back again. T cannot say whether Te Heu lieu had anything to do with it or no't, I rather think not ; but as I intend going to these people this week J and giving them an opportunity of asking me any questions as to our intentions, and also of explaining matters to them, I shall be able to give more definite information by next mail Thus the matter rests. I have stated everything as it happened, without exaggeration or concealment. There was no doubt a great deal of bad feeling shewn, and our friends were so irritated at being thus interfered with upon their own ground, and at the manner in which the whole affair was conducted, that their line of argument did not tend to allay that feeling ; as they threatened reprisals and said that if anything was done to ray house Mr. Grace should suffer in like manner.

I protested against this on my arrival, and told my Natives that they had erred in mixing Mr. Grace's name with this matter, as he had nothing to do with it, and that it could only cause bad feeling and be productive of serious injury to the cause which we have at heart. They promised to be more careful in future, and said that as 1 was not present I could not be made responsible for anything that was said. I do not regret that this affair has happened. It has been the means of trying what sort of material our Natives are composed of; and I am happy to say that they have stood the trial well. They have committed themselves thoroughly, there can he no going back now, and there is an amount of enthusiasm existing amongst them which I take care to take advantage of. Thursday (Ist May) is the day fixed upon for the selection of Magistrates, after which I proceed to Te Whaiti to try a case of manslaughterMonday, 28th. I kept my letter upon in case anything new should have occured in the interval. I saw Mr. Grace on Saturday upon his way to Auckland. He brings no news, and has advised Te Heu Heu to write to His Excellency if there is anything to dissatisfy him. One of the Natives who came in the " burning party" came here this morning. He is an old friend of mine and came to me for a pipe. I gave him a lecture first and his pipe afterwards with which to digest it; he was very friendly. I gave him a number of circulars for his people, and he seemed well pleased when I told him that I should visit them. I am happy to state that the Natives at the South end of Taupo had nothing to do with the visit of Ngatiterangita. I beg to recommend that a letter should be sent to the Native Chiefs named in the margin thankiug them for this early proof of their loyalty. I have, &c, George Law, R. M. Tho Hon. Attorney-General, Auckland.

Report Jrom George Law, Esq. Oruanui, 28th April, 1862. Sir,—l have the honor to inform you that I have been requested by the Natives to proceed to Te Whaiti for the purpose of trying a woman accused of manslaughter. I find upon referring to my instructions, and to my conversation with you upon a case nearly in point, that I have received very great latitude ; but I question very much whether I can deal with such a serious case as this ; I must of course be guided very much by circumstances. A question, however, occurs to me—Should I commit for trial? *'ust the women and witnesses be sent to Auckland, or is there any probability of an interior circuit being made by a superior Judge? The distance from here to Auckland is at least 200 miles, and the expenses of witnesses, &c, would be very great. I have fixed the 15th of May for the trial. I have, Bcc, George Law, R.M. The Hon. the Attorney-General, Auckland.

Report from George Law, Esq. Auckland, 25th May, 18G2. Sir, —In continuation of my last report, I have the honor to inform the Government, that our meeting for the selection of Native Assessors took place at Oruanui upon Thursday the Ist instant, and was one »f the most satisfactory descriptions. The hapns present were Ngatiruangarangi (Te Poihipi), Ngatitepake (Petaera), Ngatirawhito (Ihakara), Ngatitahu (Paoraparata). The unanimity of feeling displayed was most gratifying; I made a short address to each Assessor as he was brought forward to me, and required of each tribe a formal and public proof of their assent to, and willingness to abide by, the dicision of their respective Magistrates. The answer in each instance was given by a heart stirring "Ae," which I will not readily forget. Te Poihipi then commenced a song, and being joined in by the whole assemblage it produced a most stirring effect. The meeting then broke up, and the people returned to their several villages. When Ngatitahu was asked whether they had selected an Assessor, they requested a little more time to think the matter over, as several of their most influential men were absent. This was cheerfully conceded, with the remark that we did not wish to push matters, and that there assent would be considered of more value if given after mature reflection rather than upon a sudden impulse to be afterwards regretted. I may as well mention in this place, to avoid repetition, that upon visiting those Natives on my way to Auckland, I found that they had consulted together, and had agreed to accept our institutions in their entirety. They are at present selecting an Assessor, whose name I shall submit to His Excellency for approval. I have thus completed the organization of

this portion of my extensive district, extending 1 from Rotomahanga to Taupo, and Westward ,t to the borders of Ngatiraukawa. But this W . not all; an impression has been made upon this tribe, which is the Btronghold of the King party in Taupo ; I sent Hohepa and Ngapari to explain the vexed question about the land, which they did in such a masterly manner as not . only created confidence, but paved the way for the concession which followed. I think I have stated in a previous report that Hona Tera Te Paerati is the representative of the King party in Taupo, and we have concluded a treaty by which he has consented that I shall have jurisdiction over any of his people who may; commit themselves with our Natives, and that we should jointly try any our people who should injure the King party; at the same time deprecating the idea of any division of parties, as all should soon be one under the law. By keeping this idea in their minds, it will make that unanimity of action which we so much desire more attainable. This understanding is to be in operation until His Excellency shall find it convenient to visit Taupo, when a general explanation is to take place. "We are Waiting for the day of the Governor ; if our words are good to him and his words are acceptable to us, then, 'kei kona tatou katoa, puta noa, puta noa" (we shall all join). I have since received a letter from the very party who spread the false reports, requesting permission to join the Waha Taonga (carrying my goods), and urging me to make haste and bring Mrs. Law and my family. They are also finishing the house "for me at Potangotango which had been stopped. Such is the present feeling, and I am of opinion that, with prudence and perseverance, the establishment of confidence with the Natives of this district j will be an accomplished fact. This will no doubt take time, but the worst is now over,' and Ido not fear for the result. Of course ' this is very much dependent upon the state of matters outside, as any degree of excitement or dissatisfaction there has a corresponding effect with us. I tried a case on my way through, and although the defendant was not satisfied, and ■ offered me part of the penalty, he ultimately! s paid up. It will take some time before the old ! men understand our forms. It is so hard for them to sit silent like so many common fellows, j where they used to take such a prominent , part. I have not organized my Runanga, as I could P not trust them in my absence. They are' [ agitating for payment, and from what I have I seen of the working of other Runangas, and the encroaching spirit of the Natives, where they are not watched and directed by a • European head, I came to the above resolution. • which Ido not now regret. I have, &c, George Law. i The Hon. the Attorney-General, Auckland.