FURTHER PAPERS NOT YET PRODUCED CONCERNING THE LATE NATIVE DISTURBANCE AT THE WAIMATE.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1867 Session I, A-14a

A.—No. 14a

FURTHER PAPERS NOT YET PRODUCED CONCERNING THE LATE NATIVE DISTURBANCE AT THE WAIMATE.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, of Wednesday, the Ith day of September, 1567. That there be laid upon the Table of this House, " Copies of all Papers not yet produced concerning the late Native Disturbance at the "Wainiate." {Mr. Carleton.)

WELLINGTON. 1867.

A.—No. 14a

No. 1. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Williams to the Hon. J. C. Eichmojtd. Sir,— Eesident Magistrate's Office, Waimate, 6th June, 1867. I regret having to report the existence of a quarrel between two of the Ngapuhi tribes (the Ngarehauata and the Uritaniwha), in consequence of the former having, without reference to the latter, offered on lease to a settler in AVaimato a portion of laud, part of which is disputed, receiving a sum of money in advance of rent. The land in question is tho Ahuahu "Block, a ring survey of which was made during Euhi's lifetime. It contains about 3,000 acres, and is owned by several tribes, amongst them the Ngarehauata, but has never been subdivided, until the present attempt made by the Ngarehauata to strike their own division line without consulting others interested in the block —hence the quarrel. When first I heard of the dispute I wrote to the parties requesting them to submit the question, to arbitration, or some other friendly mode of settlement; but in consequence of the Ngarehauata proceeding to erect a house upon the disputed ground, which on the following day was pulled down by tho Uritaniwha, a collision took place between them, when several shots were exchanged, but no casualties occurred. This took place on the 29th of May, during my absence at Waima, where, on the same day, I received the information, and on the 30th I visited the Uritaniwha, proceeding on the following day to the Ngarehauata tribe, and since then have been fully occupied visiting daily the two contending parties, my first object being to prevent bloodshed, which, up to the present date, I have succeeded in doing. Much warlike demonstration has been made, but no one hurt. Negotiations are being made for settling tho dispute by arbitratiou, and I trust in. a few days to be enabled to report the case as having been amicably adjusted. I have, &c, E. M. Williams, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 2. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Williams to the Hon. J. C. Biciimond. (No. 38.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sir,— Waimate, 17th June, 18G7. I have the honor to inform you that the quarrel between the Uritanivvha and the Ngarehauata tribes, reported in my letter No. 36, 6th June, 1867, as then existing, has at length terminated without bloodshed. From the 30th of May up to tho evening of the 14th instant I had continued in close attendance upon these Natives, reasoning and remonstrating with but little apparent success beyond restraining them from actual warfare; for although promises had been made by both parties not to renew hostilities, and arrangements were being entered into for settling the dispute by arbitration, I was by no means satisfied with their general demeanour, and felt apprehensive as to tho ultimate result of these negotiations. I noticed also that both parties were steadily augmenting their forces, numbering at this time more than one hundred men in each pa. On the morning of the 15th instant proof was given that my fears were not groundless, for on arriving at the Uritaniwha Pa shortly after sunrise, I was informed that the whole force had gone out to give battle to their opponents, who, during the night, had established themselves on the disputed, ground. Riding on in haste I saw the two parties already arranged according to Maori tactics, some thirty or forty men from each advancing in skirmishing order, being, at the time I arrived on the ground, within twelve yards from each other, gesticulating and daring one another as Maoris well know how to do. Seeing there was no time for parley, and still hoping that at the last moment I might succeed in checking their madness, I rode in between them, calling upon them at once to retire. For a few seconds they hesitated, then a slight advance was attempted, but continuing to reiterate my calls, I had the satisfaction of seeing both parties fall back without discharging a shot. I then advanced towards the main body of the Ngarehauata, wrho were in good position, having during the night erected a bastion constructed of facines covered with green flax, in front of which they had thrown up a semicircular breastwork. From thence I went to the Uritaniwha, and after a short interview with both parties, it was finally agreed that the case should be left in my hands to be settled by arbitration, no further attempt at hostilities to be made. The war dance having been given in turn by each party, the whole force, at my request, quietly withdrew to their respective pas, and to-day I have witnessed the departure of the Ngarehauata to their own settlement, leaving their pa standing empty; also tho return of the Uritaniwha to their several homes in the neighbourhood. I regard with much satisfaction the favourable termination of this untoward affair, under the conviction that had any casualties occurred other tribes would have been involved, and the peace of our

PAPERS CONCERNING THE LATE NATIVE DISTURBANCE AT WAIMATE.

A.—No. 14a,

district much disturbed. As it is, a few days will suffice to wear off the excitement which has been occasioned, when, I trust, all will continue as usual. I have, &c, Edwaed M. Williams, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington, Eesident Magistrate.

No. 3. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Eolleston to Mr. Williams. (No. 280-2.) Native Secretary's Office, Sib,— Wellington, 9th July, 1867. I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Eichmond, to acknowledge the receipt of your further report of the 17th of June, on the subject of the quarrel between the Uritaniwha and Ngarehauata tribes, reported in your previous letter of 6th June. The Government has heard with great satisfaction of the success which has attended your exertions to bring this dispute to a peaceful issue, and directs me to convey its thanks to you for the courage and activity displayed by you. I have, &c, W. Eqlleston, Edward Williams, Esq., E.M., Waimate. Under Secretary.

No. 4. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Williams to the Hon. J. C. Eiciimojtd. (No. 50.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sin, — Waimate, 15th July, 1867. It is with much regret I have to inform you that, notwithstanding the arrangements entered into with the Uritaniwha and Ngarehauata tribes, and the promises made by them, as reported in my letter No. 38, 17th June, 1867, they again met on the disputed ground during the afternoon of the 10th instant, on which occasion they opened a heavy fire upon each other, keeping it up until nightfall, their casualties being five killed and two wounded. Had the day been moderate on the 9th, in all probability I should not have been present on this occasion, for, believing the Natives to be sincere in their promise that no further hostilities should take place, I had started for Waima to fulfil my engagements there and at Herd's Point, but the severity of the weather induced me to take shelter at Waimate. Starting again the following morning, I was met on the road by a Native who informed me that the two opposing parties had met with the determination of fighting on that day, and in consequence of this information I at once decided to postpone my journey to Hokianga and return to these Natives. On visiting the two parties, the Ngarehauata being on the disputed ground, I soon found that reasoning would no longer be of any avail, a marked determination depicted on their countenances, and in their general demeanour convincing me that mischief was at hand ; and whilst standing by one of the breastworks of the Ngarehauata party engaged in conversation with them, somo four or five of their number, without giving any notice, stepped forward and fired at long range into the Uritaniwha party. I have since learned that this plan was decided upon when I was seen approaching, to prevent my checking their movements by again placing myself between the two parties. This I believe ; and, moreover, that the Ngarehauata, thinking I should be at Hokianga, to which place they knew I was going, took the opportunity of returning, and when they saw me again amongst them had recourse to the above mode of terminating all negotiations. Their fire was immediately returned by the others, and the engagement at once became general. Finding I could no longer restrain them, I proposed to Mr. Hopkins Clarke, who was with me, that we should retire out of the range of their shot, where we remained in readiness to attend the wounded. On the following morning I again visited both parties. They appeared more moderate in their remarks, but still averse to peace. Since then they have been engaged in removing and burying their dead. Annexed is a list of the killed and wounded. On the Uritaniwha side: killed, Tamauru, Te Tainui, and Piri te Maioha (3) ; wounded, none. On the Ngarehauata side: killed, llenata Kawana (a young chief of the Ngatekawa tribe), and Hone Patau, also of the Ngatikawa (2) ; wounded, Henara Wahu, through the right thigh, and Pene Whareoneone, slightly on the right shoulder (2). It is impossible as yet to say how this affair may terminate, but the Government may rely upon my exertions in endeavouring to prevent other tribes from joining in the quarrel, and, if possible, in bringing about a speedy restoration of peace between those already engaged. I trust the course which I adopted in postponing my visit to Hokianga may meet your approbation, inasmuch as the present case is one involving the peace of this district. I have &c. Edtvaed M. Williams, The Hon. the Nativ* Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 5. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Williams to the Hon. J. C. Eiciimottd. (No. 52.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sib,— Waimate, 26th July, 1867. I have the honor to inform you that since the date of my letter, 15th July, 1867, in which I

4

PAPERS CONCERNING THE LATE

A.—No. 14a.

gare a report of the hostile meeting which took place on the 10th instant between the two contending tribes in this district, no further fighting has taken place. On the evening of the 16th, returning late from the two pas, after many though ineffectual efforts to dissuade the parties from a fixed determination to bring on another engagement in the morning, I received intelligence of the death of Archdeacon Williams ; and being anxious to bringevery argument I could to bear upon those Natives, I immediately wrote and despatched during the night a short note to the leading men in each pa, informing them of this melancholy occurrence, and requesting them to pause before meeting at daylight, as was their intention. Answers to these notes were on the following morning sent me, to the effect that, in token of respect for the Archdeacon, hostilities should be suspended until after his funeral —Haratua and other chief's of the Ngarehauata at once leaving for the Pakaraka, where they remained until the funeral was over. 1 did not again visit the pas until the 22nd, when, at four a.m., I left home in consequence of a special messenger sent by Haratua, bi'inging a request that I should be with them at daylight, as fighting was imminent. At the pas I met three of my brothers, together with some of the Waimate gentlemen, who had also been invited by Haratua to accompany me, and since then our time has been fully occupied in visiting and negotiating between the two parties —not however with that degree of success we had hoped for, a disposition for peace manifested by some being either checked or entirely frustrated by the more determined amongst them. Tamati Waka, who for the last few days has been residing with the Uritaniwha, in answer to a proposal from us that he should accompany us to the Ngarehauata Pa and negotiate a peace, expressed his willingness to do so, but in consequence of information received from Hokianga, that a peace party headed by several chiefs of that district were on their way, declined taking any steps until their arrival, not wishing to anticipate their movements. Awaiting those arrangements a truco has been agreed upon by both parties ; but such is the excitable nature of Maoris, and the inability on the part of the leaders to control their people, that I place but little confidence in these promises : their turbulent spirits may bring on a collision at any moment. It is much to be regretted that after so many years of peace a disturbance of this nature should have taken place; but I trust that, with the assistance of the Hokianga Natives, peace may soon again be restored to the district. I have, &c, Edward M. Williams, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 6. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Rolleston to Mr. Williams. (No. 315-2.) Native Secretary's Office, Sir,— Wellington, 20th August, 1867. I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Richmond, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th July, reporting the cessation of fighting in your district since the date of your last letter (15th July). Mr. Richmond directs me again to thank you for your exertions to prevent another collision between the contending tribes. I have, &c, W. Rollestow, The Resident Magistrate, Waimate. Under Secretary.

No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Williams to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (No. 53.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sir,— Waimate, 6th August, 1867. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, that peace has been restored to this district. The friendly meeting and reunion of the two contending tribes took placo this day at the Uritaniwha Pa, on which occasion nearly 500 men were under arms. I write in haste, to secure if possible the sailing of a vessel for Auckland on the morrow, and shall hope by next post to forward a more detailed account of this most interesting meeting. I have, &c, Edward M. Williams, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington, Resident Magistrate.

No. 8. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Williams to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (No. 54.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sir,— Waimate, 12th August, 1867. I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the Government, the following particulars of the peace meeting which took place at the Uritaniwha Pa, on the 6th instant, and of which I gave a hasty report in my letter written the same day. In visiting these Natives subsequent to the date of my letter of 2Gth July, I observed with 2

5

NATIVE DISTURBANCE AT THE WAIMATE.

A.—No. 14a,

satisfaction a disposition for peace to be steadily gaining ground amongst them, which finally resulted in the accomplishment of this desirable object, the Hokianga Natives having the honor of conducting the meeting. In consequence of the inclemency of the weather these people did not arrive until the afternoon of the 31st instant, when about a hundred men took up a position midway between tho two pas, receiving shortly afterwards a supply of provisions presented by both pas in token of good feeling. The next day being Sunday, no movement was made until the morning of the sth, when the Hokianga party proceeded to visit the Ngarchauata Pa, and were received in true Maori style, dancing, feasting, ami complimentary speeches being tho order of the day. Early on the following morning, preparations were commenced for the general meeting. White flags waving over the two pas, and volleys of musketry announcing all animosity to have ceased, and proclaiming the day as set apart for one of reconciliation. At ten a.m. the Ngarehauata party advanced from their pa, headed by Abraham Taonui, bearing a white flag ; and after joining the Hokianga party, the whole continued their march towards the Uritaniwha Pa, amidst the waving of shawls and handkerchiefs, and the peace-welcome chanted by numerous women. Here they were met by the Uritaniwha in full force, the performances of the previous day being repeated and conducted with great zest: 500 men were under arms, the largest assemblage of armed Natives seen together since Heke's war. Many interesting speeches were delivered and some valuable presents exchanged, after which came the friendly salutations and rubbing of noses, the concluding ceremony being a general " tangi " (cry) of peace, Haratua and other chiefs of the Ngarehauata, according to Maori custom, remaining to spend tho night in tho Uritaniwha Pa. The dilt'erent scenes enacted were highly interesting to witness, being conducted principally by those who had so lately been engaged in compassing each other's destruction. The utmost harmony and good feeling existed throughout the day, —and thus ended a disturbance which at one time threatened to involve the district in a general war. Before closing these remarks, I would beg leave to bring under the notice of the Government tho course adopted by the Hokianga Natives, and the active part taken by them in forwarding this important meeting. Nor would I forget to mention the two Assessors of the Native Lands Court, Hone Mohi Tawhai, and Bawiri, who having arrived at Waimate for the purpose of attending the Court, visited the pas, and by their counsel and advice assisted in preparing the way for peace ; and if I may be permitted to offer a suggestion, I would recommend that a letter from the Government, acknowledging the services of these chiefs, should be addressed to them. A letter of this kind would give much pleasure, and be productive of good in showing the Natives that such actions on their part are not overlooked by the Government. The following are the names of the Hokianga chiefs who were present: Aperahama Taonui, Hori Tawiti, "Wiremu Waka, To Kaka, Wi Hopihona, Hiini To Aki, Eapana Eihara, Te Whare Toetoe, Rawiri Mutu, Hone Mohi Tawhai, Eawiri, the two last named being Assessors of the Native Lands Court. The conclusion arrived at respecting the disputed ground has been, that for the present no adjudication shall take place, tho land to remain unoccupied; but from remarks I have heard, lam inclined to think that before long Piripi Korongohi, the principal agitator of tho Ngarehauata party will withdraw his claim in favour of Wiremu Katcne, the leader of the Uritaniwha. I have, &c, Edwaed M. Williams, The Hon. the Native Minister, "Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 9. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Fentox to the Hon. J. C. Eichmond. (No. 719.) Native Land Court Office, Sib,— Auckland, 24th August, 1867. I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a letter addressed to me by Mr. Judge Maning, dated the 6th instant, relative to his having adjourned the sitting of this Court advertised to have been held at "Waimate on the Ist instant, on account of the Natives being engaged in activo hostilities, and as to the steps taken by him in furtherance of the establishment of peace among the contending parties. I have, &c, F. D. Furrow, The Hon. the Native Minister, "Wellington. Chief Judge.

Enclosure in No. 9. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Mantn'g to Mr. Fentox. Sin,— Waimate, sth August, 1867. I have the honor to report for your information that I arrived here on the Ist instant, for tho purpose of holding a Court. Finding, however, that almost the whole of the Native population, as well as several other parties from a distance, were engaged in active hostilities, I signified my intention to them not to hold a Court here till peace should be established, as it was obviously inexpedient to do so. The hostile parties offered to make a truce and come to the Court unarmed, and to continue to abstain from active operations as long as the Court should sit. This proposal I could not entertain, as to do so would be indirectly to authorize a return to violence after my departure. I therefore peremptorily adjourned the Court sine die, or until hostilities had ceased, stating also that probably all the Courts in the district would be closed.

6

PAPERS CONCERNING THE LATE

A.—No. 14*

I also brought such other influences as I thought would be effective to the establishment of peace, and also pointed out to them a mode by which peace might bo made without any loss of militaiy reputation to either party, which consideration, 1 perceived, was the only one likely to prolong tho contention. I have now the satisfaction to inform you that a meeting of the parties has taken place; this day for the purpose of making peace, and 1 fully expect that hostilities will be brought to a final conclusion. lam fully of opinion that no violence would have taken place if tho land claim about which the dispute began had come before the Lands Court. I have, &c, P. D. TVnton, Esq., Chief Judge, Native Lands Court, F. E. MuTQTO. Auckland.

7

NATIVE DISTURBANCE AT THE WAIMATE.