THE WAIKATO COMMITTEE.

F—No. 3

Natives wanted some authority to put a stop to wars and violence among themselves. He complained much that, contrary to the'earnest wish of all respectable Maories, the English insisted on selling spirituous liquors, as well as guns and gunpowder, to the Natives, and that their people were debauched ( - in various ways, and he wished to know if the people might take the law into their own hands, and act summarily. Finally, he added that Englishmen were at the bottom of the agitation for the election of a Native King, and that but for them it would have subsided long ere this. I am assured that the above may be depended on as being the real views and opinions of this Chief, who is not unlikely to succeed Potatau as the great Chief of the Waikato tribes. 3. For the present, therefore, I have every reason to be well satisfied, but I look with some anxiety to the great meetings which will take place soon after Christmas. In the meantime it is my intention to visit and communicate with the friendly and powerful tribes in the North, and, if possible, to go from thence to Hawke's Bay, where the feud between two neighbouring tribes still continues. 4. It may be right that I should inform you that an epitome or abstract of English law is now in course of preparation, and will be translated into the Maori language. That it cannot be at present adapted to the wants of the Maories I am well aware, but it is my intention to submit to the Assembly an Act to empower the Governor to declare certain districts within which laws may be made by the Governor and his Executive Council, as far as possible in accordance with the feelings and wishes of the Natives. 5. I shall also propose another Act to enable the Governor to confirm Natives in possession of lands to which they may be able to prove individual title, without previous cession to the Crown, a power not given by the Native Reserves Act of 1856. At the present moment lam aware that but very few Natives will be able to take advantage of such an Act, but I have reason to hope that erelong some communities will agree among themselves to divide their land, and I am well satisfied that the possession of individual titles will do more towards civilizing the Natives than any other measure it is in our power to adopt. 6. I shall endeavour to take from Superintendents the right to grant licenses for the sale of spirituous liquors in Native Districts, which they now possess exclusively. As an example of conflicting legislation, I lately received from the Resident Magistrate at Hawke's Bay, an Ordinance passed by the Provincial Council of Wellington, called the Dog Nuisance Act, which had been printed in the Maori language, and sent to be enforced in his district. Any attempt to enforce such an Act in a Maori population would be most impolitic ; but at Hawke's Bay success would not merely be impossible, but the attempt would provoke the hostility so much deprecated, and to provide against which the European inhabitants have been petitioning for military protection. This Act, however, having been once allowed, the Governor has no power to suspend it, but the Superintendent of Wellington has been written to, and should Dr. Featherston be re-elected (which is not yet certain) I have little doubt that my suggestion will be attended to, 7. In conclusion I beg to say that we have been very successful in purchasing land in all the three Provinces of this Island, and that enormous tracts are still under negotiation. I have called for a return made up to the 31st of December next, giving full information as to the quantity of land recently purchased and previously in possession, and will forward it for your information without delay. I have &c, T. Gore Browns. The Bight Hon. Henry Labouchere, M.P. &c, &c, &c.

Appendix A. Governor's Despatch. 9 Nov., 1857.

A—No. 5. copy or a DESPATCH from governor gore browne c.b., to the right hon. LORD STANLEY, M.P. No. 49. Miscellaneous. Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, 17th June, 1858. My Lord, I have the honour to forward an extract from a Newspaper, containing an account of the meeting to which I have often referred as likely to take place on the Waikato. I learn that about 2000 persons were present, but they were divided in opinion : the majority were anxious only for the recognition of Potatau as the head chief or parent of the Waikato tribes, while the remainder desired to have him acknowledged as an independent King. The former acted with great discretion, and were to a certain extent advised by the Rev. Mr. Burrows, of the Church Missionary Society, who attended the meeting at my request. These men returned to the Lower W r aikato where the meeting broke up, and the Chief Tamati Ngapora (whom Potatau has declared his successor) aceonrpanied them, and soon afterwards came to visit me, and report what had occurred. The remainder took the old Chief Potatau (who is almost in his dotage) higher up the river, where there is little doubt they will declare him King, with certain demonstrations ; but this, as far as 'can be at present perceived, is not likely to effect any material change in our relations with the Natives. I have, &c, The Right Honorable T. Gore Browne. Lord Stanley, M.P., &c., &c, &c.

Governor's Despatch. 17 June, 1857.

Extract from Southei n Cross, 11th June.

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