PURCHASE OF TOWNSHIP OF ROTORUA (PAPERS RELATING TO THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1890 Session I, G-10

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1890. NEW ZEALAND.

PURCHASE OF TOWNSHIP OF ROTORUA (PAPERS RELATING TO THE).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated 25th June, 1890. Ordered, " That the papers and correspondence relating to the purchase of the Township of Rotorua be laid before this House."—(Mr. Kkrk.)

W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., Eotorua, to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Eotorua, 26th September, 1888. Township can be purchased reasonable if commenced at once. You should send agent and start buying. W. Kelly. The Hon. the Native Minister.

The Hon. the Native Minister to W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., Eotorua. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th September, 1888. In reply to your wire : Mr. Lewis will shortly visit the district and hold a meeting with the Natives with the object of arranging for the purchase of the township. W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., Eotorua. E. Mitchelson.

W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.8., to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Grafton Eoad, Auckland, 29th September, 1888. I have returned from Eotorua and received your telegram, in which you say Mr. Lewis will go to Eotorua and arrange with the Natives re the purchase of the township. I discussed the matter with most of the leading Natives when there, and they all seem inclined to sell. My opinion is that if you fixed upon a price and sent an agent there you would have most of the shares purchased in a very short time. If you get Mitchell to move in the matter for you he would soon put it through, or if you intend to send Mair you ought to start at once while the Natives are inclined to sell. It would be better for you to purchase all the shares you could right off, and if there were any Natives that did not like to sell you could call a meeting then and explain matters. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister. W. Kelly.

W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., Eotorua, to the Hon. the Ministee of Lands. (Telegram.) Eotorua, 29th October, 1888. Is Mr. Lewis or any one else coming re purchase of township ? The Hon. the Minister of Lands, Wellington. W. Kelly.

The Hon. the Ministee of Lands to W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., Eotorua. (Telegram.) Wellington, 30th October, 1888. Mattee not forgotten, but in abeyance at present, as Mr. Lewis cannot get away during Native Minister's absence. W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., Eotorua. G. F. Eichaedson.

W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., Eotorua. to the Hon. the Ministee of Lands, Wellington. (Telegram.) Eotorua, 30th October, 1888. Taekata's wife died last night. She was a woman of great rank. Now is the time to purchase township. The Hon. the Minister of Lands, Wellington. W. Kelly.

The Hon. the Ministee of Lands to W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., Eotorua. (Telegram.) Wellington, 31st October, 1888. As Mr. Lewis cannot leave at present, Mr. Lush will be instructed to proceed to Eotorua and ascertain what can be done re purchase of township and Whakarewarewa. Ido not see that buying out a portion of the interests will improve the position of Government or the occupiers. W. Kelly, Esq., M.H.E., Eotorua. G. F. Eichaedson. I—G. 10.

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T. W. Lewis, Esq., Under-Secretary, Native Department, to E. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Tauranga. (Telegram.) Wellington, 31st October, 1888. Me. Kelly, M.H.E., has pressed upon the Government the immediate desirability of extinguishing the Native title to the Eotorua Township, and represents that, owing to the death of Taekata's wife, the present is a very favourable time to purchase. I was instructed to hold a meeting with the Natives and open negotiations, but cannot get away owing to Mr. Mitchelson's absence. You are acquainted with the position of title and question generally, and Ministers wish you to proceed to Eotorua and ascertain what can be done. It is very desirable to purchase if the whole or the greater part of the interests can be obtained, and I think you can show the owners that it will be to their advantage to sell. Please telegraph report of your meeting and negotiations. If you think it necessary, I may be able to come up later on. Please also ascertain at same time whether Whakarewarewa can be acquired on reasonable terms. I have not stated price, as Government only wish you in first place to ascertain whether owners, or how many of them, are disposed to 'sell. T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary. E. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Tauranga.

E. S. Bukh, Esq., E.M., Eotorua, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. (Telegram.) Eotorua, Bth November, 1888. ■ Met Ngatiwhakaue to-day. Long discussion about agreements with Fenton and Clarke. They deny having authorised anybody to sell. Without doubt they are very much divided. I feel sure, without having said anything to them, that one-half at least would sell as soon as the ice was broken. I stated it had been represented to the Government that they were anxious to sell, and that I had been deputed to see them with a view to ascertaining their intentions. I was here and prepared to listen to them. The meeting terminated without any result, all being afraid to show their hands. Many, from what they have said, would sell. Petera's and Taiwhanga's supporters, it appears, have been accusing those not favourably inclined towards Taiwhanga of wanting to sell, but to-day's meeting must have satisfied them that such was not the case. Several have asked me to bring money to buy. Aporo said he believed one-half could be bought up in six months. Propose leaving Natives alone till to-morrow afternoon, in meantime seeing those who seem disposed to sell, and then meeting Natives again to-morrow if they wish, returning to Tauranga on Saturday. Not one of them would say at meeting he was in favour of selling. I adopted line I did to prevent them thinking you were anxious to acquire the land. Will telegraph again to-morrow. Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. E. S. Bush, Eesident Magistrate.

E. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Eotorua, to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department, Wellington. (Telegram.) Eotorua, 10th November, 1888. Leaving for Tauranga. Purchase can be carried out if commenced at once. Had I had the deeds and money, feel sure I could have purchased thirty interests yesterday. Peter himself asked me to bring the money next time I came. I left the Natives to themselves after meeting of Thursday. They came to me with offers. All that is wanted is to make a beginning. If you can furnish me with deeds and money I can commence purchase when here for Court next week. Nothing further required as to negotiation. If you will allow me employ Hans Tapsell to help me, all he wants, so [ gather in conversation with him, is to be reinstated at his salary of £50 per annum : that is an increase of £30 on his present amount, but only what he received formerly. The purchase could be made for about six thousand. Would suggest that I purchase, Hans Tapsell to receive an additional £30 per annum to his salary, Mr. Dansey to be made licensed interpreter. This will be the cheap way to purchase. Natives anxious for me to purchase at once. No delay should be made if purchase resolved on. If resolved on, and you can send me deeds and money by Tuesday's " lona," I will come up on Wednesday or Thursday next, commence purchase, which seems to be the Natives' wish. The opportunity should not be lost. Ngahuruhuru and other leading men will sell; could have purchased his interest to-day. Please let me know your determination as soon as possible. Immediate action necessary if freehold required. Natives should be taken while in humour. E. S. Bush, Eesident Magistrate. T. W. Lewis, Esq., Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

The Under-Seceetaby, Native Department, to E. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Tauranga. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th November, 1888. Thanks for your telegrams referring to your meetings re Eotorua Township. Matter now under consideration of Ministers. T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary. E. S. Bush, Esq., E M., Tauranga.

' E. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Tauranga, to Undeb-Seceetaby, Native Department, Wellington. Sib,— Eesident Magistrate's Office, Tauranga, 12th November, 1888. I have the honour to report for your information that, in accordance with your telegram, I proceeded to Eotorua on the morning of the 7th instant, and met the Ngatiwhakaue on the morning of the Bth in their meeting-house. Tama te Kapua, Petera Pukuatua, Ngahuruhuru, Era Pairhai, Te Warihi, Taekata, and about one hundred other owners were present. I took up a position of indifference, telling them, as they had offered to sell Eotorua lands to 'the Government, I had been deputed to meet them to hear their proposals or whatever they wished to say on the subject. I was asked if the fact of discussing the sale did not break the agreement. I replied, Certainly not. Petera said they had not offered the place for sale, and did not wish to do

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so; in fact, they considered they had a perfect right to resume possession of the Pukeroa Hill Eeserve, the agreement not having been carried out. I replied that, as they had alluded to a wish to take possession of Pukeroa, I thought it only right to tell them that they could not do so. I had not come to hear anything about the past agreements, and only got up to reply lest they should argue acquiescence on my part if I remained silent when they referred to reoccupying Pukeroa. There was a great deal of talk about the agreement with Judge Eenton, and the subsequent agreement with Judge Clarke. A great many of the owners consider they are entitled to more shares than they were allotted, and ask that Judge Clarke may be sent to Eotorua to alter the share-allotment. I told them I could do nothing to help them in this, as -ludge Clarke's awards seemed to me final: I did not think they could be altered. Nothing was done at this meeting on the question of selling, simply because no one liked to openly advocate such a course, although it was easy to see the majority present were inclined to do so. The young people did not like to declare for selling, out of respect to the old ones. The position is this : The Ngatiwhakaue are divided. Some have supported Mr. Taiwhanga, while others could not. Most of the old chiefs appear to have advocated Mr. Taiwhanga, but since Tc Karihi's return they appear to be satisfied that he cannot do them any good, consequently they have thrown him over; but they want to get out of being laughed at by those who tried to dissuade them from allowing Mr. Taiwhanga to interfere in their business. This is the real position : hence nothing about selling was arranged at meeting. After the meeting, however, many Natives came to me and offered to sell, saying that if I was prepared to buy they were prepared to sell. Ngahuruhuru and Petera Pukuatua spoke in the same strain. The former said right out that he was a seller, and would sell then if I would purchase. Petera did not go as far as this, but told me to bring plenty of money with me on my next visit. I feel confident that at least thirty shareholders would have sold while I was there had I had the means to purchase. Hans Tapsell informed me that Petera had been to his tent to see him and informed him that the place would be sold. 1 understood from this that he would make no opposition. I am of opinion that, if the freehold is. required, the purchase should bo taken in hand at once. I believe the two blocks named contain about 3,200 acres, and that the same could be acquired for about £6,400. You will note the Natives said nothing about a price. I take it they did this purposely, hoping thereby to get perhaps more than they would if they had proposed a price, which might be taken as an indication on their parts as being anxious to sell. I should propose that no lump sum be mentioned to them, but, if the purchase is to be gone on with, that they receive a fixed sum pershare. There are 1,100 shares and 307 shareholders on the list furnished me to make payments on. I think if the question of price is discussed the purchase will be more difficult. Many Natives came to me during the 9th, Friday, and expressed a wish to sell, suggesting that I should bring the money on my next visit, when I would see how it would go. The Ngatiwhakaue, who are proceeding to Whakatane to uhunga for Wepiha Apanui, would have all sold, I think, as they •wanted the cash. I am not in a position to say how many shareholders will sell, but certainly think chat when a beginning is once made there will be a rush of sellers as soon as the first ten signatures are attached to the deed. There are a good many minors with trustees, and some whose trustees are dead. Other minors appear to me to be old enough to deal with their own interests, having passed the age of twenty-one. Tauira Pureu is another Native, a leading man, who came to me himself and said he would lead the way by signing the deed first. The question for your decision is whether the pure! i ase shall be undertaken. I believe with Hans Tapsell's assistance the purchase can be carried out successfully. The Natives will be anxious to learn your decision, and I feel, if the freehold is desired, that the question should be decided at once, so as to take advantage of the Natives while in the humour to sell. I have, &c, E. S. Bush, Eesident Magistrate. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

The Under-Secbetary, Native Department, to E. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Tauranga. Sib, — Native Land Purchase Office, Wellington, 24th November, 1888. I have the honour, by direction of the Hon. the Native Minister, to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, reporting on your interview with the Natives respecting the proposed sale of the Eotorua Township. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary. E. S. Bush, Esq., Eesident Magistrate, Tauranga.

E. S. Bush, Esq., 8.M., Tauranga, to the Undek-Secbetaby, Native Department, Wellington. (Telegram.) Tauranga, 19th November, 1888. Betubned from Eotorua Saturday evening. Feel sure could purchase interests of one hundred owners within first few days after beginning; believe all would sell, but the matter should be taken in hand at once. Leave for Opotiki Wednesday. Have Court at Maketu on 7th proximo, when could buy Maketu owners' shares. Make special trip to Eotorua to purchase those selling there. Costs small if my suggestion in wire of 10th adopted. If freehold desired, no delay should be allowed. Natives should be dealt with while in humour. R. S. Bush, Eesident Magistrate. Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellinglion.

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R. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Tauranga, to the Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department, Wellington. (Telegram.) Tauranga, 30th November, 1888. When at Maketu, on my way back from Opotiki, owners of Eotorua interviewed me re purchase. It appears to me the purchase, if taken in hand at an early date, will be easier to conduct than if left till later on, as Natives short of food just now, of which opportunity should be taken. E. S. Bush, Eesident Magistrate. Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

R. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Tauranga, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. (Telegram.) Tauranga, 17th December, 1888. Henaee Pukuatua reported to me, Saturday, re Maketu, that Sydney Taiwhanga and lawyer were to be at Eotorua on Tuesday next, with some tons of flour to get documents signed re Eotorua lands. Natives say documents handing over lands. Think probable object of visit get payment for services in Wellington on account of document signed by Ngatiwhakaue giving Sydney certain things to carry out re those lands. Pity the Eotorua purchase cannot be gone on with, as I hear from all sources Natives most anxious to sell. Henare Pukuatua'has offered all his and relations' shares to me. R. S. Bush, Resident Magistrate. Under-Secretary. Native Department, Wellington.

H. Howorth, Esq., Solicitor, Wellington, to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sib,— _ Wellington, 12th January, 1889. I have the honour to forward herewith a letter from the Arawa Tribe, requesting the Government to take all necessary steps in order to withdraw their lands from the operation of the Thermal-Springs Districts Act. I hope the Government will offer no objection to the course proposed. I have, &c., The Hon. the Minister of Lands. Henry Howobth.

Akuhata Kihaboa and Others, Eotorua, to the Hon. the Ministeb of Lands. Sir— Wellington, 26th December, 1888. Salutations to you ! At a meeting of the Arawa Tribe held this day it was resolved, "In order that we may enjoy the privileges and advantages conferred upon other tribes by ' The Native Land Act, 1888,' that our blocks of land, as defined by Schedules 1., 11., and 111. of ' The Thermal Springs Districts Act, 1881,' and according to !the estate and interest of our respective hapus therein respectively, should be withdrawn from the operation of that Act." And we have to request that the Government will take such steps, by Proclamation or otherwise, as may be necessary for giving effect to the above resolution. And we hereby authorise Mr. Henry Howorth, of Wellington, solicitor, to attend to this matter for us. And will ever remain, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Lands. Akuhata Kihaboa, Chairman. [Here follow the signatures of 168 other Natives.]

G. S. Coor-ER, Esq., Under-Secretary, Wellington, to H. Howorth, Esq., Solicitor, Wellington. Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, New Zealand, Sir,— 30th January, 1889. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th January (addressed to the Minister of Lands) forwarding a letter from the Arawa Tribe requesting the Government to withdraw their lands from the operation of the Thermal Springs Acts. In reply, I am directed by the Colonial Secretary, who now administers the above-named Acts, to request you to inform your clients that the Government are not disposed to take any action in this matter, at any rate for the present. I have, &c, Henry How Torth, Esq., Wellington. G. S. Cooper.

The Hon. G. B. Mobbis, M.L.C., Eotorua, to the Hon. the Native Ministeb, Wellington (Telegram.) Eotorua, 27th May, 1889. Township here pretty easily procurable now if you are buyer. Hon. Mr. Mitchelson, Wellington. G. B. Mobbis.

The Hon. the Native Ministeb, Wellington, to the Hon. G. B. Mobbis, M.L.C., Eotorua. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th May, 1889. Thanks. Government anxious commence negotiations as soon as funds are provided by Parliament. Hon. G. B. Morris, M.L.C., Eotorua. E. Mitchelson.

K. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Maketu, to the Under-Secretaby, Native Department, Wellington. (Telegram.) Maketu, 9th September, 1889. Paora te Amohau died on Saturday. Present would be good time initiate Eotorua purchase. Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. R. S. Bush.

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The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington, to E. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Maketu. (Telegram.) Wellington, 9th September, 1889. Please convey to relatives suitable expressions of regret at the death of old Paora te Amohau. Note what you say about purchase. E. S- Bush, Esq., Eesident Magistrate, Maketu. T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary.

leni Tapihana, Eotorua, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. (Translation of telegram.) Eotorua, 12th September, 1889. I have been instructed by all the Ngatiwhakaue to apply for one hundred pounds, to be charged against the Eotorua Township. If there are no rent moneys available, they are willing to sell the township. In my opinion this would be a good time to purchase if the Government desire to acquire it. Mr. T. W. Lewis, Wellington. leni Tapihana (for all the Ngatiwhakaue).

leni Tapihana, Eotorua, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. (Translation of telegram.) Eotorua, 16th September, 1889. Ngatiwhakaue are waiting for a communication from the Hon. the Native Minister. Large bodies of people will arrive to-day. T. W. Lewis, Esq., Wellington. leni Tapihana and all Ngatiwhakaue.

The Under-Secbetaby, Native Department, Wellington, to leni Tapihana, Eotorua. (Translation of telegram.) Wellington, 19th September, 1889 In a week or two from this date I will visit Eotorua, and perhaps the Native Minister also. leni Tapihana, Eotorua. T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary

S. I). Taiwhanga, Esq., M.H.E., Wellington, and H. Howorth, Esq., Solicitor. Wellington, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir,— Wellington, 20th September, 1889. Referring to our interview with you yesterday on the subject of the purchase of the thermal springs in Eotorua District, we beg to submit the following prices for the purchase of the four principal springs : Eotorua, with 3,200 acres, £15,000 ; Wakarewarewa, with 500 acres, £5,000 ; Tikitere, with 1,000 acres, £10,000; Wai-o-tapu, with 1,000 acres, £10,000: total, £40,000. With respect to the past management of Eotorua and the differences arising under the agreements dated respectively the 25th November, 1880, and the 26th February, 1883, we beg to propose that they should be submitted to the arbitrament of some disinterested person to bo mutually agreed upon. With respect to the purchase-money, it is the intention of the owners to make an equal distribution to all who claim to be paid on that footing, but, if a different distribution is desired by any section of the owners, the matter is to be left to them and the Native Committee to determine. And, with respect to the Eotorua Township, Judge Clarke's award shall not be followed, but, in like manner, an equal distribution shall be made to all who desire to receive their shares on that footing, with liberty to the rest to determine otherwise amongst themselves, with the sanction of the Native Committee : and, if there are any dissentients to the proposed sale, their shares must be the subject of partition. And Native settlements, if any, at the springs to be reserved. We have, &c., S. D. Taiwhanga, Henry Howorth, The Hon. the Native Minister. '(For the Eotorua hapus.)

The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington, to S. D. Taiwhanga, Esq., M.H.E., Wellington, and H. Howorth, Esq., Solicitor, Wellington. Gentlemen, — Native Office, Wellington, 20th September, 1889. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant on the subject of the purchase of the thermal springs in the Eotorua District, and to inform you, in reply, that the Government is unable to consider your proposals until it has communicated with the Native owners. I have, &c, E. Mitchelson. S. D. Taiwhanga, Esq., M.H.E., and H. Howorth, Esq., Solicitor, Wellington.

S. D. Taiwhanga, Esq., M.H.R., Wellington, and H. Howorth, Esq., Solicitor, Wellington, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir,— Wellington, 23rd September, 1889. We are in receipt of your letter of the 20th instant in reply to ours of that date. We beg to point out that, the Native owners having placed the matter entirely in our hands for settlement, we fail to appreciate your motive in communicating with them direct, and would respectfully ask you to reconsider the expediency of conducting the negotiations through us. We are, &c, S. D. Taiwhanga. The Hon. the Native Minister. Henry Howorth. 2— G. 10.

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The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington, to S. D. Taiwhanga, Esq., M.H.E., Wellington. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 25th September, 1889. >, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd instant, requesting me to reconsider the expediency of conducting negotiations for the Eotorua and other thermal springs through you, and to inform you in reply that, until assured by a majority of the owners that they desire to adopt this course, the Government must negotiate direct. I have, &c, S. D. Taiwhanga, Esq., M.H.R., Wellington. E. Mitchelson.

H. Howobth, Esq., Solicitor, Wellington, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir,— Wellington, 27th September, 1889. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 227/6, in which you inform me that, until assured by a majority of the owners that they desire to adopt the course of conducting the negotiations for the Eotorua and other thermal springs through me, the Government must negotiate direct. I beg with great submission to dissent from the course you now propose to adopt. It was at your request that the offer of Sydney Taiwhanga and myself was made on behalf of the Native owners, and while that offer is pending I have no alternative but to object to any negotiations being made direct with my clients. My letter to the Minister of Lands dated the 12th January, 1889, covering a letter from the Native owners requesting their lands to be withdrawn from the operation of the Thermal Springs Act, is in itself ample proof that I represent not merely a majority but practically the whole of the tribes. I beg you will understand that I am desirous that the negotiations for the purchase of the springs shall be brought to a successful issue, and have so advised the Natives. I therefore am at a loss to understand why you desire to adopt a course which, I fear, will lead to confusion. If it is desired to conduct the negotiations at Eotorua in place of Wellington, I have no objection to attend there if requested by the Government. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister. Henry Howobth. I concur with this letter. —S. D. Taiwhanga. {Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,200 copies) £3 105.]

Authority: George Didsbubt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9o.