A.—No. 14a,

satisfaction a disposition for peace to be steadily gaining ground amongst them, which finally resulted in the accomplishment of this desirable object, the Hokianga Natives having the honor of conducting the meeting. In consequence of the inclemency of the weather these people did not arrive until the afternoon of the 31st instant, when about a hundred men took up a position midway between tho two pas, receiving shortly afterwards a supply of provisions presented by both pas in token of good feeling. The next day being Sunday, no movement was made until the morning of the sth, when the Hokianga party proceeded to visit the Ngarchauata Pa, and were received in true Maori style, dancing, feasting, ami complimentary speeches being tho order of the day. Early on the following morning, preparations were commenced for the general meeting. White flags waving over the two pas, and volleys of musketry announcing all animosity to have ceased, and proclaiming the day as set apart for one of reconciliation. At ten a.m. the Ngarehauata party advanced from their pa, headed by Abraham Taonui, bearing a white flag ; and after joining the Hokianga party, the whole continued their march towards the Uritaniwha Pa, amidst the waving of shawls and handkerchiefs, and the peace-welcome chanted by numerous women. Here they were met by the Uritaniwha in full force, the performances of the previous day being repeated and conducted with great zest: 500 men were under arms, the largest assemblage of armed Natives seen together since Heke's war. Many interesting speeches were delivered and some valuable presents exchanged, after which came the friendly salutations and rubbing of noses, the concluding ceremony being a general " tangi " (cry) of peace, Haratua and other chiefs of the Ngarehauata, according to Maori custom, remaining to spend tho night in tho Uritaniwha Pa. The dilt'erent scenes enacted were highly interesting to witness, being conducted principally by those who had so lately been engaged in compassing each other's destruction. The utmost harmony and good feeling existed throughout the day, —and thus ended a disturbance which at one time threatened to involve the district in a general war. Before closing these remarks, I would beg leave to bring under the notice of the Government tho course adopted by the Hokianga Natives, and the active part taken by them in forwarding this important meeting. Nor would I forget to mention the two Assessors of the Native Lands Court, Hone Mohi Tawhai, and Bawiri, who having arrived at Waimate for the purpose of attending the Court, visited the pas, and by their counsel and advice assisted in preparing the way for peace ; and if I may be permitted to offer a suggestion, I would recommend that a letter from the Government, acknowledging the services of these chiefs, should be addressed to them. A letter of this kind would give much pleasure, and be productive of good in showing the Natives that such actions on their part are not overlooked by the Government. The following are the names of the Hokianga chiefs who were present: Aperahama Taonui, Hori Tawiti, "Wiremu Waka, To Kaka, Wi Hopihona, Hiini To Aki, Eapana Eihara, Te Whare Toetoe, Rawiri Mutu, Hone Mohi Tawhai, Eawiri, the two last named being Assessors of the Native Lands Court. The conclusion arrived at respecting the disputed ground has been, that for the present no adjudication shall take place, tho land to remain unoccupied; but from remarks I have heard, lam inclined to think that before long Piripi Korongohi, the principal agitator of tho Ngarehauata party will withdraw his claim in favour of Wiremu Katcne, the leader of the Uritaniwha. I have, &c, Edwaed M. Williams, The Hon. the Native Minister, "Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 9. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Fentox to the Hon. J. C. Eichmond. (No. 719.) Native Land Court Office, Sib,— Auckland, 24th August, 1867. I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a letter addressed to me by Mr. Judge Maning, dated the 6th instant, relative to his having adjourned the sitting of this Court advertised to have been held at "Waimate on the Ist instant, on account of the Natives being engaged in activo hostilities, and as to the steps taken by him in furtherance of the establishment of peace among the contending parties. I have, &c, F. D. Furrow, The Hon. the Native Minister, "Wellington. Chief Judge.

Enclosure in No. 9. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Mantn'g to Mr. Fentox. Sin,— Waimate, sth August, 1867. I have the honor to report for your information that I arrived here on the Ist instant, for tho purpose of holding a Court. Finding, however, that almost the whole of the Native population, as well as several other parties from a distance, were engaged in active hostilities, I signified my intention to them not to hold a Court here till peace should be established, as it was obviously inexpedient to do so. The hostile parties offered to make a truce and come to the Court unarmed, and to continue to abstain from active operations as long as the Court should sit. This proposal I could not entertain, as to do so would be indirectly to authorize a return to violence after my departure. I therefore peremptorily adjourned the Court sine die, or until hostilities had ceased, stating also that probably all the Courts in the district would be closed.

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