CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED RETURN OF ROPOAMA TO TARANAKI.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1863 Session I, E-19

E.—No. 19

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED RETURN OF ROPOAMA TO TARANAKI.

[Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 22nd October, 1863,]

" That there be laid upon the Table of this House copies of a Correspondence between Ropoama, of Queen Charlotte's Sound, and the Natives resident at Mataitawa, relative to a proposal that Ropoama should return to Taranaki, and join the King movement."

(Mr. Dillon Pell.)

AUCKLAND. 1863.

E.—No. 19

FROM THE ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY, SJLSQW, TO THE HONORABLE THE NATIVE MINISTER. Nelson, 9th March, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to inform you that on my arrival here from Auckland I received information from the Bishop of Nelson that the receDt visits of Wiremu Kiugi Patukakariki to Queen Charlotte's Sound had caused some uneasiness in the minds of the Natives of that district. I therefore deemed it expedient to proceed to Picton previous to returning to Collingwood, with a view to removing any bad impression which might have been left on the minds of the Ngatiawa, and of ascertaining the precise object of Te Patukakariki's visit. I have now the honor to report as follows :— Wiremu Kingi Patukakariki was deputed by the rebellious portion of the Ngatiawa of Taranaki to make overtures to Ropoama Te One to cross over to Taranaki, and assume the chieftainship of the tribe ; as Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake is in their opinion a slave to Waikato, and will not be permitted to return to Waitara. It was, however, stipulated that Ropoama should leave the Government side, and cease to uphold Teira. The jealousy of the Ngatiawa appears to have been excited by the Waitara question having become a common topic of discussion with every tribe in the country ; and they have an idea that unless there is an acknowledged head of their tribe they will not be able to " hapai te tikanga o te whenua," in fact, that other tribes will consider they have acquired a title to it. Ropoama Te One and his people refused to acquiesce in these terms. Te Patukakariki then told them " to remain in the Middle Island and be murdered by the Pakeha, as they certainly would be, as the Pakeha coveted their reserves. They might be led to believe such was not the case by Mackay having recently laid out all these reserves afresh, but they would see their folly when it was too late. Had not Mackay given the Government at Picton .£l,OOO for the reserve at Waikawa. Was it not bought over their heads without their consent 1" (Alluding to a report to that effect circulated among the Natives by a Jew named Norden. The fact is, the Provincial Government would like to acquire the Waikawa reserve, and on one occasion, in answer to a question from the Superintendent, I said a thousand persons might purchase it if the General Government gave their consent. This appears to have been construed into something very different.) Ropoama's answer was, —" Ido not believe Mackay has done anything of the kind. I will wait until I see him, and then if the report proves correct, I will cease to have faith in the Government, and will go over to the King." Patukakariki only succeeded in persuading four Natives (his near relations) to accompany him to Taranaki. I easily disabused Ropoama's mind of the absurd idea that I had become the purchaser of Waikawa, and it was almost unnecessary to inform him that there was no probability of Europeans murdering the Natives for the sake of obtaining their reserves, and stated, as a proof of the Government desiring the Natives to have absolute possession of their lands in the Middle Island, 1 might mention it was their wish to have the reserves subdivided, and to issue a Crown Grant to the Native owner of each allotment. With reference to Natives leaving the Middle Island and joining the rebellious Natives on the North Island, it was my opinion that the lands they left should be confiscated ; for I could not see why men who deserted a district in which they were comfortably settled should be allowed, whenever it suited their inclination, to swell the list of rebels, and then at some future time return to take possession of the lands thus abandoned.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED RETURN OF ROPOAMA TO TARANAKI.

E.—No. 19.

I arranged with Ropoama and some other Natives of the Ngatiawa tribe, that in event of an investigation being made relative to Teira's claim to Waitara, they should be in readiness to proceed to Taranaki on receipt of a notice from the Government. If the overtures made by Te Patukakariki are correctly stated, it would appear that the Ngatiawa of Taranaki are becoming tired of their present position, and rather doubtful as to the character of the protection afforded to them by other tribes. The question therefore arises as to whether the present moment is propitious or not for making xise of the influence of Ropoama I If the report of Patukakariki's recent mission could in any manner be conveyed to Waikato and Wiremu Kingi Raugitake, it is highly probable lie would be released, and the way would thus be opened for the investigation of the Waitara question. Bringing forward Ropoama would in any case excite Wiremu Kingi Rangitake's jealousy, and would prove whether he is actually a slave to Waikato or not. If he came to Waitara there would be the chance of holding an enquiry into his title ; and if on the other hand Waikato still detained him a prisoner as " utu" for Taiporotu and other " tupapaku," the Government would be the gainers by getting a better man in his place. This would be a delicate business to execute, but very probably might be managed by careful attention and by exciting and taking advantage of their jealousies. The Government would have a good hold on Ropoama's loyalty on account of his lands at Queen Charlotte's Sound, especially those at Waikawa, which he sets great store on. 1 may mention that Ropata Whitikau and about twelve other Natives have crossed over to Waikanae to see the meeting convened by Wi Tako. On their return I will endeavour to procure some reliable information concerning it. If the Government should require the presence of Ropoama at Taranaki, it will be advisable to communicate with him through me, as he promised me not to leave this island, and not to permit auy of his people to do so without acquainting me. I have, i!kc., James Mackay, Assistant Native Secretary. The Honorable the Native Minister.

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RETURN OF ROPOAMA TO TARANAKI.