BEFORE THE WAIKATO COMMITTEE.

F—No. 3

The Hon. C. W. Richmond, Minister for Native Affairs, further examined. -S 1659. Mr. Brown,] Messrs. McLean and Smith have stated in writing that Mr. Fenton's omission to visit Potatau at Mangere, on his first visit to Waikato, was looked upon by that old Chief as a personal slight : had Mr. Fenton any instructions to visit Potatau? —Not to my knowledge. 1660. After Mr. Fenton had omitted to visit Potatau, did he receive orders from the Government to return and visit Potatau, or in any way to make amends for that slight I —Not that I am aware of. 1661. The omission having been made in the first instance to gain the co-operation of Potatau in establishing law in the Waikato, was any attempt made afterwards to remedy that oversight and gain his co-operation ?—-I think not. It was well known that the Government was desirous of conciliating the support of the influential Chiefs ; but the Responsible Ministers, having no medium of communication except the Native Secretary's Office, were powerless in the matter. 1662. When Mr. Fenton's proceedings were observed to be arousing a degree of excitement in Waikato, which was held by the Native Secretary's department to be dangerous, did Mr. Fenton receive any fresh instructions, any advice or warning, to that effect?—l do not think that he received any fresh instructions; but I believe that it was intimated to Mr. Fenton in various ways by the Native Department, that the course he was taking was dangerous, as tending to alienate the old Chiefs. [The Chairman produced a Memorandum received from the Colonial Secretary : same read as follows: — PRIVATE MEMORANDUM (ABOUT THE END OF 1857) BY MR, FENTON. Designs of the Kingmakers. The class of Kingmakers embraces many diverse and sometimes conflicting elements. I arrange them according to their importance. 1. Those who have observed that Government have always temporized, have allowed Native quarrels to proceed unnoticed, have introduced no law or protection for life or property : in fine, have not governed. This section merely requires the establishment of law and order. 2. Those who are alarmed at the European advance, and wish to organize a nationality distinct and partially independent. 3. Those who are actuated by the latter feeling, and also by a sentiment of decided hostility to the white race and Government. This class is small, but would receive great accessions of strength if imprudent measures were taken by Government. 4. Those who care nothing about politics or progress, but join any affair that promises excitement. N.B. All haye strong feelings about land. Numbers of each side. I estimate the population of Waikato at 10,000, and believe about half of these tribes to be thoroughly loyal. I know nothing that can be relied upon of the sentiments of the Southern tribes. Present position of matters. — has proved treacherous and encouraged the agitation. One half of the population support him, the other half do not. In the loyal districts court houses have been erected, and all the preliminary steps taken to introduce law, in conjunction with material improvement. and ■ —are anxious to retard civilization, and retain the people in barbarism. Events that will in all probability happen. An independent flag will be erected, and a King's house built. Potatau will leave Auckland and settle at the junction of the rivers. A meeting of as many tribes as can be assembled will then be held and the new dynasty inaugurated. Courses now open for adoption. 1. The proceeding may be denounced as treasonable, and be made a casus belli. 2. The whole district, including loyal and disloyal, may be abandoned ; European residents withdrawn, commercial intercourse stopped, and the Natives told that they will not be again recognized until they have pulled down the flag. 3. The loyal Natives may be directed to oppose the movement, the erection of a house and hoisting of the flag, by every means. 4. The agitators may be told that their efforts i:o obtain order are ill-directed and will fail, the hoisting of the flag remain unopposed and unnoticed, the meeting not attended by Government officers or loyal Natives. * * * 's pension stopped then, not now, but notice be now given to him that it will be stopped as soon as he leaves Auckland ; that the Resident Magistrate and the loyal party proceed quietly and decidedly with their work, not noticing the agitators either with opposition or ridicule, and adherents received as they express their desire to join. 5. To recognize the movement, and confirm Potatau's appointment under another name such as controller, &c. Remarks on these courses, 1. Not to be entertained. The mbvement should be looked at with Maori eyes. They do not netertain hostile notions, as a body.

C. W. Richmond, 24 Oct. 1860.

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