D-No. 16a

would call at his pah for a lad to bring the horse back. Page did not call at the pah, but went on in company with a native (Raihana) going northward ; on the way, Page told Raihana that if Whaneoueone had sent his horse and gone with him as he promised, that he would have given him a good beating and sent him back without his horse, which he would have sold ; it was in consequence of some such remark made by Page at Waimate that Whareoneone did not lend his horse, as he had offered to do. The Chiefs would not admit that the horse was given through fear, as there were many present as well as Assessors, and with them Tamati Waka and Wi Hau ; nor did Whareoneone when he brought the child forward ask for a horse, it was offered by Page. Tamati Waka and Wi Hau objected to Whareoneone's receiving the horse, but all the other Chiefs and Assessors were in favor of it, and said it was offered, and one had been before offered. Tongo's horse was brought back some weeks after by Raihana, who claims for his trouble. Tongo also claims, in consequence of the long detention of his horse ; I am of opinion they should be paid, but Page should be made to refund it. Whareoneone had sold the horse, and it was in a third persons hands at the time of the meeting, but that the wish of the Government might be met " that the horse should be returned", Arama Karaka of Waima (after the decision of the meeting that Page had not any claim to the horse), gave his horse for it, and requested me to say that it was at the service of the Government whenever I was directed to ask for it. The Natives at this season of the year being quite out of provisions, I found it necessary to supply the meeting with flour, rice, biscuit and sugar, amounting to £17 7s. 6d., and request authority to pay the amount. I have, &c, James Clendon, Resident Magistrate. The Native Secretary, &c, &c, &c.

No. 14. MOHI TAWHAI AND OTHERS, TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE OOVERNOR. Ngawhitu, September 13th, 1861. Friend the Governor, — Salutations to you. We, tho Native Assessors, the Resident Magistrate, and the Maori Chiefs, have had a meeting about the horse of the Pakeha, which you said should be given back. We have investigated the matter, and find that he was in the wrong, as it was his own hand that gave the horse into the hand of Pene Whareoneone ; at the investigation at the Ahuahu the Assessors, the Maori Chiefs, and the Government Assessors, all agreed in this decision, so do not say that is trampling on your word ; no, our part was to enquire into the right and the wrono-. From your loving friends, Mohi Tawhai, Hira Pure, Arama Karaka Pi, Hare Matenga, Toti, Hira Te Awa, Tamati Hapimaua, Hikuai, Hare Reweti, Hare Kuri, Renata Whatonga, Hoterene Tawatawa, Te Warihi Kokoai, Ilenare Te Titaha, Mitai Pene Taui, Kuhe, Puariri, Mokaraka.

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OF THE CHILD OF THOMAS PAGE.