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is also claimed by Paikea and his party, which complicates the dispute almost beyond the hope of an amicable settlement of the difference between these three parties. The whole of this disputed territory formerly belonged to tribes allied to the Kaipara Natives, Ngaitahu and others, who were systematically attacked by the Ngapuhi, and the Natives north of tho Bay of Islands. After a number of years, these people were almost exterminated. Those who escaped, fell back on Kaipara, and became amalgamated with Ngatiwhatua. Paikea, Aramn, Karaka, and other leading Chiefs trace their origin back to these tribes of former days : hence Paikea's claim as the Putake, or root of the soil. On the other side, Tirarau and Parore claim the Wairoa, principally because it has been won in battle by their forefathers, and held for four generations. After the Wairoa district and Whangarei were cleared of their former occupants, then followed migration from different parts of the Bay, to Whangarei, Whatitiri, Mangakahia, Te Wairoa, &c. It does not appear that any serious misunderstanding arose between these people until about 1833, when a quarrel arose between Matiu and Hori Kingi's people about some food, which was supposed to have been stolen, and the initiation was taken by the Mangakahia people way-laying and killing one of Hori's men. Tirarau then raised a war party, and the feud commenced. The Eev. Mr. Baker was sent by the Mission body at the Bay, to endeavour to make peace between the parties, and succeeded in entering the pa at the risk of his life, and induced the Mangakahia Natives to cease righting, by offering to purchase a block of land there. Tirarau retired after a time, and nothing occurred of any consequence until Mr. Baker preferred his claim in the Land Claims Court, and obtained permission to have the boundaries of his land surveyed. After the surveyor and party had been on the ground some days, they were surprised early one morning by an armed party (by Tirarau's direction), and the survey was stopped. Matiu's side is supported by the majority of the Natives at the Bay, and Tirarau's, through Hori Kingi, is maintained by Marsh Brown and party. To return to Paikea. After the great battle of Ika a Ranganui, some of the Kaipara Natives retreated to Waikato. Paikea placed himself and some of his followers under Tirarau's protection. After a period, those who were scattered over the country, gradually returned to their own district, and invited Paikea to be their principal Chief. This party has gathered strength within the last twenty years, whereas Tirarau's people have decreased in numbers. This will account in a measure for their desire to reclaim the land of their forefathers. In 1856 or 57, when Mr. Fenton was stationed at Kaipara, a case of cattle trespass was brought before him, which was decided in favour of Paikea's party. Afterwards they openly maintained their right to the land occupied by Tirarau and Parore, and were nearly coming to a collision, when the Government interfered, and invited both parties to meet at Auckland. This question was discussed for a week, with a view to strike a boundary between the tribes. Tirarau gave up all claim to laud south of Tauraroa, but this would not satisfy Paikea. Last year Paikea's wife died. Tirarau paid him a visit to " tangi" over the dead, and ceded the Wairoa to him. This was looked upon as a settlement of this long pending dispute. In due course, Paikea returned the visit, and it was expected that he would make some cession in return. He, however, did not, and returned home, levying taxes on the Europeans under Tirarau's protection. Letters were addressed by these Chiefs to the Government, to the effect that peace had been made between them. After which, followed the offer for sale of an extensive block of land, situated between Whangarei and the head of the Wairoa river, by Tirarau and Matiu separately, and from Native reports it was considered that the difference between these Chiefs was likely to be settled satisfactorily. I was directed to proceed to Whangarei, for the purpose of seeing Tirarau, and to make arrangements for the survey of the exterior boundaries of the land intended to be disposed of; and on the loth October last, reported to the Government, as follows : — " I proceeded to the Wairoa, to confer with Te Tirarau, regarding a large tract of land in the " interior, which has been offered by himself and Hori Kingi for sale, and in discussing the probability " of an interruption of the survey of this land by Matiu Te Aranui, and his people at Mangakahia, Te " Tirarau and Hori Kingi concluded that, as the difference between the Government and the Taranaki " and Waikato tribes was not yet settled, it was as well to postpone for the present the survey of their " land. I proposed to these Chiefs that the only course I saw clear, in order that an amicable arrange- " ment might be arrived at, was for me to call at Mangakahia, and endeavour to strike a boundary line " on the debateable ground now in dispute between these parties. Hori Kingi replied, that as Matiu " stated his intention of coming this summer to survey the land himself, he would wait to see if this " threat were carried out ; in the meantime, he objected to my calling at Mangakahia." My visit to Kaipara with Tirarau, to ascertain the terms of peace on which he stood with Paikea, to which no conclusion was arrived at, has also been reported to the Government. I have, &c, John Eogan, District Commissioner. May 15th, 1862.

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