E.—No. 4,

No. 3. ASSISTAKT NATIVE BECEETAEY, TARANAKI, TO THE HONORABLE THE NATIVE MINISTER. New Plymouth, 12th February, 1862. SlK,— With reference to my letter, dated January 6th, transmitting copy of a letter written by Ihaia, of Warea, to his relatives at Moturoa, I have now the honor to enclose herewith copy of a letter which I have received from the Chief Matiu Kahukoti, of Kawhia, explaining that part of my letter which refers to Tapihana, of Kangatiki. I have, <fec., BoBERT PARRIS, Assistant Native Secretary. The Honorable the Native Minister, Auckland.

Enclosure to No. 3. Ahuahu, Kawhia, 27th January, 1862. Fbiend Me. Paeeis, — Salutations. I have asked Tapihana about his speech that you told me of, and he says it is true that he made that speech, but not lately ; it was some time ago, when Governor Browne was here, and had not left, at the time we heard that Governor Grey was coming on to New Zealand. At that time Tapihana made use of that speech, but we have no such intentions now; we are remaining quiet. Do not pay any attention to the letter from Taranaki, which refers to the communication of Tapihana to Taranaki, which I have enquired into. Friend, Mr. Parris, don't you and the Europeans be apprehensive, for there is nothing intended from below (Waikato). If I hear any news, I will write to you and let you know. From your loving friend, Matiu Te Eahitkoti. To Mr. Parris.

No. 4. NATIVE MINISTER TO ASSISTANT NATIVE SECRETARY, TARANAKI. Native Secretary's Office, Auckland, February 1st, 1862. Sir, — I am directed by the Minister for Native Affairs, to inform you that your letter of the 20th December, on the subject of the lease and mortgage, Eaniera to Hulke, has been considered by His Excellency's Government. They remain of opinion that the circumstances of that case do not call for special interposition on the part of the Government. It is undoubtedly much to be regretted that any such transaction should have been entered into, as the mortgage, which is now shewn to have been duly registered and to bear interest at 20 per cent. But if Raniera chose to sign such a document, notwithstanding his knowledge of a " custom " which you state to have existed that written agreements between Natives and Europeans should be executed in the presence of an officer of the Native Department, the only thing that can be said is that he ought to have known better, and that the refusal of Mr. Hulke which you refer to should have made him more guarded. With regard nevertheless to Eaniera's request that you should use your good offices in his behalf to get the matter settled for him, the Government certainly wish that you should do so. They have no power to annul a mortgage, or to prevent such steps being taken as the law allows, for the recovery of the principal and interest in case the present mortgage is really valid. But there may be reason to doubt whether it has legal force, and should your efforts to settle the matter amicably for Raniera be unattended with success, and the case go before the Court, you are authorised to retain legal advice for the Native, and do all you can to guard his interests in case it should appear that the mortgage is invalid in law, or may be set aside for deception. I have, &c, H. Halse, : ■ Acting Native Secretary. Robert Parris, Esq., Assistant Native Secretary, TaranakL

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