F—No. 3

BEFORE THE WAIKATO COMMITTEE.

1581. Have you noticed that they are accustomed to pay any respect to young Chiefs who may have been instructed in the industrial schools ?—Yes, I have observed that they have taken an interest in them. . ~ 1582. Mr. Fox.] In working out any practical scheme, such as Mr. Fenton s for instance, would not the younger Chiefs, by reason of their greater intelligence, be more efficient co-adjutors than the old ones' 2 —l think not; they have generally neither the influence nor the stability of character necessary for the purpose. I find in any transactions I have with them that the influence of the younger men is very insignificant. No doubt some of them have the practical ability requisite, but they are not possessed of the necessary influence. t 1583. Mr. Williamson.] You said that the old Chiefs do appreciate the information the young men'receive at the industrial schools : would they not, seeing the young men would thereby be well qualified to assist in establishing such institutions, be disposed to confide m them tor that purpose?— The old Chiefs would of course put a good deal of confidence in such young people, while they acted with prudence and consulted with them. 1534. Now would you not look rather to these young and comparatively educated men as being the moving power in the introduction of any new system, regard being of course had and due recognition given to the authority of the older Chiefs-Very much would depend on their character and judgment. The principal moving power must always be the Chiefs who had attained age and position. ... , , .i , •. 1585. Do you think it would be possible to introduce new institutions merely by the authority of the older Chiefs, without the active co-operation of the younger men ?—I think the old Chiefs .would ensure the co-operation of the young men.

D. McLean, Esq. 22 Oct. IS6O,

Tuesday, the 23rd day of October, 1860. PRESENT;: Mr. Do.nett, Mr. Heale, Mr. Forsaith, Mr. Fox, Mr. Dillon Bell, Mr. Hunter Brown, Mr. Williamson, ' Mr, King, Mr. Sewell in the Chair. Mr. Strauss called in and examined. 1586. Chairman.] The Committee understand that you are prepared to give them some specific information as to some of the proceedings at the meeting of Natives at Waikato, and as rto some of the proceedings at Mr. Fenton's Courts?—l can only answer specific questions as far as my knowledge goes. Besides I wish to mention that my first acquaintance with Mr. Fenton was at a trial for a libel at which Mr. Fenton fined me £12. If Mr. Fenton should consider me biassed in my mind I should rather decline giving evidence. , , .' ~ , 1587. What is your name?— Charles Henry Strauss. I have been a settler in the Waikato tor the last 15 years in the lower Waipa, about 25 miles above Mr. Ashwell's. 1588. Have you been present at any meetings of the Kingites?—l was present at the first large meeting at Ngaruawahia. 1589. Were you present at the meeting at Paetai in 1857 ?—I was not. 1590. At what time of the year did the meeting of Ngaruawahia take place?—l cannot recollect. 1591. Did you hear any sentiments expressed at that meeting as regards Mr. Fenton or his proceedings?—No, I did not hear any mention made of Mr. Fenton at that meeting either m ', the public speeches or privately. 1592. Did you hear anything at that meeting about the establishment of a Luropean Magistrate in tnat district? —I having placed myself in a very conspicuous place at that meeting with pen and paper to ;take notes, the Natives were ashamed of making any speeches; besides the weather was very unfavourable. _ . , , 3 1593. Then do you know anything of the sentiments of the Natives expressed at that meeting i —I do not, . . _~ ~ ~ 1594. Did you hear any sentiment expressed privately at the time ot that meeting by liners ol importance ?—Yes ;by Tarahawaiki, Potatau's brother, with reference to a Resident Magistrate. 1595. Was this in conversation with you■?—lt was in conversation with me at my own house. 1596* What did he say ?—He was speaking of the Maori King and his arrangements, and he made an observation to me that a Resident Magistrate would not be recognised by them, and that a nephew of his, of the name of Honaua, would be made a King by the King party. _ 1597. Did he make any other remarks of importance as regards the Magistrates ?—No, he did not. , . . , T . 1598. What he meant was, that they would have law administered by their own Native Magistrates, and not under the authority of the Queen ? —Yes. _ . _ 1599. Is there any other point within your own knowledge which you think it material for the Committee to know?—ln one instance I believe Mr. Fenton could not or would not do justice as between two Natives, and the consequence was that large numbers of Natives joined the King movement by exasperation against Mr. Fenton. The case was between Noa and Powhero on the one part, and

Mr. Strauss, :B3 Oet, 1869,

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