IX NATIVE DISTUICTS.

9

A.—No. 10.

There has not been of late any dearth of employment for those willing to work, and but little distress; and I am also glad to be able to state that several of our Waikato working settlers have lately returned from the Thames diggings, and many more are, I hear, anxious to do so, but unable from want of means. Referring again to the Natives, I regret to say that (without being able to give any facts) I am not satisfied with their present attitude ; but at the same time, while taking every possible precaution, I would most carefully abstain from uttering a word that would tend in any way to a feeling of fear or panic in the minds of my fellow-settlers in this district. "William N. Searaxcke, R.M., Waikato and Raglan Districts.

No. 9. Copy of a Letter from Mr. W. N. Seaeancke to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (No. 234.) Sie, — Hamilton, 16th November, 186S. By the arrival of a Native on the evening of the 14th instant, at Kaipiha, where a halfcaste family named Turner reside, about two miles above Alexandra, from Hangatiki, I am in possession of the following" information : —On Thursday evening, the 12th instant, a party of Ngatimaniapotos, about fifty in number, headed by a chief named Eeihana, of the extreme war party, arrived at Otarahanga, where Mr. Lewis Hettit resides, and has resided now for many years, and ordered him at once to leave and join the Europeans; this Hettit curtly refused to do. Reihana then, in a violent manner, again ordered him off, threatening him in case of refusal. Hettit again refused to go, stating that he had the King's auchority for remaining there; that ho would not move ; that they might kill him if they pleased, but go away he would not. Eeihana then said, "In a fortnight I will return here ; do not let me find you here." Eeihana then marched his men away. I am also informed that Reihana expressed his intention to Tawhiao and the Natives at Tokangamutu, while passing through, to drive away Hettit, and to visit the Waikato. To this Tawhiao expressed great displeasure, and desired him not to interfere with Hettit; and Tamati Manuwhiri, at Tawhiao's request, at once sent a note to Hettit, desiring him not to go away, but if made a prisoner by them to go quietly. There is a peculiar significance in this interference by Reihaua and the war party, as opposed to Tawhiao and the leading chiefs of the Waikatos, who are advocates for peace ; and I am led to believe from it that Tawhiao and his party are getting weaker, whilst the war party are getting stronger and more numerous. The unfortunate reverses the Europeans have had South in their encounters with the Natives have caused of late great excitement amongst the Ngatimaniapoto and the young men of the Waikato, so much so that Tawhiao has been called a " kupapa," and even his life threatened ; he is, I believe, in great terror, and constantly moving about from place to place. Reihana's threat to return in a fortnight is also significant; if he thinks he is strong enough to successfully oppose Tawhiao's views, he will, I have no doubt, do so; and if he does, and Hettit is either killed or taken prisoner, I fear for the peaceable state of the Waikato. Great jealousy has always existed between the Ngatimaniapotos and the leading men of the Waikato ; and the step now taken by the former, aided by a great number of the latter, if carried out, will lead to war under another dynasty. I am glad to say that I have been able to reassure the settlers in and about Alexandra, to which place I propose returning on Thursday next, having engagements in the meantime. I have, &c., The Hon. Mr. Richmond, Wellington. W. N. Seakaxcke, R.M.

No. 10. Memoeaitdum of an Inteeyiew with the Rev. Heta Taeawhiti (Mr. Rogan interpreting). 18th March, 1869. The Rev. Heta Tarawhiti has just returned from Tokangamutu. He went thither of his own accord, and had an interview with Tarnati Ngapora* at Orahiri, a small out-settlement at a little distance from that place. Heta thinks that Tamati was more friendly and quieter than when he last saw him. Tamati said that heretofore he was full of and at the point of choking with indignation, but that now lie felt easier, and could see a little light rising. The King had talked of calling a meeting of the Kupapas, and of inviting Europeans to attend, for the purpose of considering the present state of the Maori people, and of determining what was to be done in the future, but that he (Tamati) had not yet agreed to that proposal, because he feared that the recent murders at the White Cliffs might bring on war, and that the Europeans would attack the Maniapoto from Waikato. He desired to know if the Government would allow the Kupapas to attend such a meeting ; and secondly, if an officer of the Government would be sent to the meeting, that he might hear what was said, and see what was done there. He did not favour the idea of having many Europeans, lest discord should arise. I replied to Heta that Aihipene Kaihau, Wi Te Wheoro, and many of our friends, had already asked whether I would allow them to go to the meeting, and that I said to them that if they felt that it was safe and proper for them to go, the Government would not object. 1 said, also, that if it was desired that an officer of the Government should attend, and that if Tamati named the person whose presence would be most agreeable, he would be sent. * Also called Tamati Mauuwliiri. 3