E.—No. 4

they said was absent at Mangakaliia. Having expressed a desire to see Arama Kavaka, a Chief I had formerly known, at Hokianga, Manihera and myself were, after some hesitation and delay on the part of the Natives, conducted to a pah in the rear of Matin's. Arama Karaka, as soon as he recognised me, appeared glad to see me and spoke with more freedom than I expected he would on the subject of Mativi Te Aranui's disagreement with Tirarau; he said, in answer to my observation, that the time for an amicable arrangement of the matter in dispute had passed. Two months ago, Matiu might have agreed to have it decided by the Runanga, if it had been held where he wanted it: but Tirarau wished the Runanga to be held at one place, and Matiu at another ; and, as they could not come to any understanding on that point, you see (he added significantly) how the dispute is going to be settled now. After leaving Arama Karaka's Pah, I was told that the Natives at Matiu's Pah had misinformed me, when they stated that Matiu was absent at Mangakaliia, as he was in one of the adjoining huts during nearly the whole of the time I was conversing with Arama Karaka. What was the cause of his not speaking himself, I am imable to explain. From Manihera and others, I learnt that Messrs. Buddie and Gittos, Wesleyan Ministers, had visited Wai torn otomo a few days before me, and those gentlemen appeared to have used their best endeavours to induce the Natives to settle their quarrel in some other way than by force of arms. My own efforts having been attended with the same ill success, and there remaining nothing further for me to do at Waitomotomo, I returned to my station on Thursday last. I may add, for the information of His Excellency's Government, that the place where the Natives are now located is situated about twelve miles to the North of Maungatapere (Mr. Walton's station), and three miles from Warehohe, a branch of the Wairoa Kiver. The distance from my station is nearly forty miles. I have, &c, H. R. Aubrey, Resident Magistrate. The Honorable the Attorney-General.

Enclosure to No. 11. Te Ahipupu, Whangarei, April 30th, 1862. Fbiend Mb. Aubeey,— Salutations to you. This is what I have to say to you. Matiu and all his men have arrived. They have brought guns, and chains to survey the land in dispute. Him and Te Tirarau, Matiu, and party arrived at Waitomotomo on the 24th April; and, on the 25th, commenced to build his pah. Matiu has built two pas. When I heard of it, I went to Waitomotomo, to see and to hear the plans. I went there on the 25th, and saw Te Tirarau and party sitting there, at Waitomotomo. I advised Te Tirarau to retire to Wairoa, and to let Matiu pursue him there (if he chose). But he said, Friend, I will remain here until the men die. Matiu has been many years striving for the men, and for the land. When this conversation was ended, I went to Matiu and party. They were quite close-—probably within half a mile. I went to Matiu's pah, accompanied by Hone Waiti, Maori Minister of Mangawharc. I questioned Matiu. He said, let Tirarau and his party go back. I said, Matiu, you go back, and wait quietly for the Governor and his Runanga. Do not do evil, but be clear. This was what 1 said to Matiu. His reply was, No ; let me get on the land to survey it. The words of Matiu and party were very strong, as were also the words of Tirarau and party. From your loving Friend, Te Maniheba, Native Assessor. Mr. Aubrey, Whangarei.

No. 12. H. B. ATJBEEY, E.M., WHANGABEI, TO THE HONOEABLE THE ATTOBNEY-GENEBAL. Resident Magistrate's Office, Whangarei, 21st May, 1862, 7 o'clock, a.m. SlE,— I have the honor to forward to you, for the information of His Excellency's Government, the enclosed letter which I have just received by the " Petrel," from Manihera, Native Assessor. It will be seen from the contents that hostilities have commenced between Tirarau's and Matiu Te Aranui's Tribes, and that some casualties have occurred. As the " Petrel " leaves immediately for Auckland, I have only time to add that I hope you received the letter I addressed to you reporting my visit to the Waitomotomo and the interview with Tirarau and Arama Karaka. I have, «fec, H. R. Aubrey, The Hon. the Attorney-General, Auckland. Resident Magistrate.

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