TO NATIVE AFFAIRS.

9

E—No. 3c

as'tbft loyal party, and, on the other, identifying yourself too closely with them as a party,"thu.s perpetuating disunion and mutual opposition. t The Chief Potatau has been invested with a supreme authority by the party who at present assume independence. This Chief has hitherto proved himself loyal, and deserving of the confidence placed in him. His position as the principal chief of the Waikato tribes has always been recognized by the Government, and entitles him to every respect and consideration. I would suggest to you the propriety of your taking an early opportunity of communicating with the Chief on your arrival in the district for the purpose of conveying to him the assurance of His Excellency's continued friendship and confidence, and of informing him of the object of your mission. You will communicate freely with the Chiefs and leading men in the district on all matters concerning their interests, inviting their confidence and assuring them of the anxious desire felt by the Governor to promote the welfare of the Native people and their advancement in civilization by every means in his power, and to place within their reach the advantages enjoyed by their pakeha fellow-subjects in the regular administration »f justice according to the principles of English law. You will also take every opportunity of imparting to the Native Assessors the necsssary instructions with respect to the duties of their office with such advice and direction as they may require. lam directed to convey to you His Excellency's authority to appropriate any fees or fines received by you for any purpose of public utility within the district, forwarding of course proper accounts and vouchers of expenditure. I am further directed to request that you will furnish from time to time for the information of His Excellency the Governor detailed reports of your proceedings transmitting the same to this office. I have, &c, Thomas H. Smith, Assistant Native Secretary.

No. 3. RETURN IN REPLY TO QUESTION 158 OP EVIDENCE TAKEN BEFORE THE WAIKATO COMMITTEE. " Will you be kind enough to furnish to the Committee a Report on the subject of the grass seed, specifying as nearly as you can the names of the applicants, the situation of their lands, and the names of the opponents to the supply of seed ?" Reply :—" I shall be glad to furnish all the information available." Fred. A. Weld.

The names of the applicants are herewith furnished. It is impossible to give the names of all the opponents. The project was generally distasteful to Potatau and the older Chiefs. Many of those who at first fell in with the scheme afterwards stoutly opposed it. Among the names mentioned to me are those of Potatau, Harapata, TarahawaikLParatene Maioha, &c. The correspondence already furnished to the Waikato Committee (vide Appendix C. to Report «f the Waikat© Committee), together with that which I now transmit, completes all the information I am able to supply on the subject beyond what was given in my evidence before the Waikato Committee. APPLICATIONS FOR GRASS SEED. Names given by Mr. Smith in reply to Question 427 ; 1. Hori Te Paki, Ruihana, Rawiri, and all Ngaungau, July 31st, 1857. 2. Takerei Te Rau, August sth, 1857. 3. Wiremu Te Wheoro, July 31st, 1857. 4. Waata Kukutai, April 6th, 1858. 5. Tioriori, June 2nd, 1858. 6. Hetaraka, October 22nd, 1858. CORRESPONDENCE NOW SUPPLIED. July 21st, 1857.—Patena reporting that at a meeting held in the Waikato the Chiefs agreed to his proposal for sub -dividing their lands. August 26th.—The Assistant Native Secretary to Mr. Fenton, informing him that fifty bushels have been purchased by the Government and sent tc> his care. Donald McLean.

EXTRACT FROM LJETTER OF PATENA. Rangitoto, July 21st, 1357. * ** * * * * - * Hearken, O Governor and Mr. McLean, to the regulations of our Council! The first relates t» tfoe land, the second, t© having it dividing into portions, the third, to having each person's allotment