ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE

9

A.—No. la.

The Besident Magistrate, Whatawhata, to Mr. Whitaker. Sir, — Te Kopua, 21st October. With further reference to your telegram, I have the honor to report for your information that, on inquiry, I find that at every station there are large quantities of arms and ammunition entirely unprotected. I know for a fact that the Natives are aware of this fact with reference to the blockhouse at Harapipi, and even if they could not effect an entrance, there are numbers of Europeans who would not hesitate to assist them for a very small sum. Added to this, the population at Alexandra and Harapipi is daily decreasing, while that of tho disaffected Natives is increasing in a larger proportion. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. E. C. Mainwaring. The Besident Magistrate, Whatawhata, to Mr. Whitaker. Sir,— Te Kopua, 23rd October, 1866. I have tho honor to report, for your information, that I arrived at this post this evening for the purpose of gaining information as to the many reports current of the probability of an outbreak. I found Takerei Te Eau, if possible, more unwilling than ever to give me information, and the only one who appeared willing to do so was a Ngapuhi Native named Bene Tuaea. From his statement, it appears that there are a very large number of Natives at Orahiri, Kereopa, Tahahawaiki (two murderers), and also Beehana Tai Porutu, and a number of Waikato' Natives who recently left Waikato. Their story, on arrival at Hangatiki, was as follows : —They said Mr. Searancke, 8.M., told them that the Government was about to fight and they must leave immediately to go as prisoners to Auckland. That consequently they went in their canoes over Waikare Lake, and when near the bank, they saw the "Bangiriri" in full pursuit of them. They reached the bank first, and the "Bangiriri" immediately stopped her engines and fired big guns at them. It had also been reported to me that Ngatihikairo were anxious to have a portion of their land at Pirongia surveyed preparatory to bringing it before the Native Land Court. Takerei Te Bau, acting as he said on behalf of the King, said that any surveyor who persisted in carrying out the survey would be killed. I explained to him that the fact of the survey did not settle the ownership of the land, but after a long discussion on the subject, he said abruptly : " Herano, ekou o whaka aetiu te ruritanga. Ka whai maaa Te Tugike." " Enough, the survey will not be allowed. The King has the influence." And this is the friendly chief whom the Government pay £50 per annum. I proceed at once to the places mentioned in my letter of yesterday's date. I have to make the same request that your Honor will furnish mo with a copy of this letter, and also forward it to the Civil Commissioner on his arrival in Auckland. I have, &c., His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. B. C. Mainwaring.

* Enclosure 4 in No. 8. The Besident Magistrate, Waiuku, to the Native Minister. Sir,— Besident Magistrate's Office, Waiuku, 18th October, 1866. I have the honor to enclose a letter from Aihepene Kaihau (with translation) in which he mentions having received further intelligence from the King Natives of their hostile feeling to the Government and Europeans, and advises that we should be on our guard, as there may be no further notice given before an onslaught is made on the Europeans in the outlying districts. These fears appear to exist very generally among the Waiuku Natives. I have, &c., Jas. Speedy, The Honorable tho Native Minister, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 4 in No. 8. Aihepene Kaiiiau to the Native Office. [translation.] To the Government, — Takurangatira, Waiuku, 16th October, 1866. Eriends salutation to you. A man from the Ngatimahuta (tribe) has come to me; this is his word: In a little time the rising will be at all places, viz., at Hawaka, Tauranga, Waikato, Taranaki, Whanganui, Tauranga, Whakatane, and the East Coast; all the door of strife will be open, as tho word of Tamati Ngapora has passed that he will not allow peace to be made, that it is only now he will be firm. His reason for acting thus is his anger at the perverseness of Tawhiao and Bewi in adhering to the war and refusing to make peace. This is my advice to you, O friends, be on your guard, presently the day will be when an attack will be made by the Hau Haus ;be wisely on your guard, lest you suffer. My information to you is not what I have seen with mine eyes, but it was sent me by a messenger. One word was spoken by Tawhiao, advising me to go aside that the Europeans may be clear. I answered that messenger : I am not willing to leave them, I would rather die with my European friends. Do not be incredulous although the time may be delayed, their plans are settled, which they are concealing, that the first intimation of it may be when the weapon has touched. I know it is correct that presently the rising will be. Erom your friend, Aihepene Kaihau. 3