CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

11

A.—No. 17

No. 17. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. D. M'Lean to His Honor the Superintendent of Taranaki. Sir, — Auckland, 25th October. 18G9. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 6, of the 19th October, 1869. and to thank you for your kind assurance to further in every way in your power the road work sanctioned by the Government. I have, &c, His Honor F. A. Carrington, Superintendent, Taranaki. Donald M'Lean.

No. 18. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Civil Commissioner Parris to the Hon. D. M'Lean. Sir, — New Plymouth, 26th October, 18G9. Enclosed herewith I have the honor to forward a letter received from Hapurona, in reference to a report which has reached them, that the Government was intending to make roads in the Waitara District and at the back of Mount Egmont. I have, &c, B. Parris, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure in No. 18. [translation.] Te Kawau, 4th October, 1809. To the Governor. To Mr. M'Lean and Mr. Parris. My friends, salutations to you. Sir, 0 Governor, salutation. Although this voice is a stranger to you, listen patiently. This is what I have to say to you. Waitara is become an old woman, and it is not right that she should return to her girlhood. She is kneeling, and I also am bent. Waitara is invalided, and all her places. I have heard of yoitr intention to make roads, the road to Te Wera (back of Mount Egmont) and other place in the magnitude of your thoughts. You listen, friend be clear ■ I am good and clear. The clearness of my goodness reaches the Europeans, and also the town. A small word to you. Stop !If this is clear answer it. From TUAHUTARANGI HapUKONA.

No. 19. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. D. M'Lean to Hapurona. [translation.] To Hapurona,— Akarana, 13th November, 1869. Friend, salutations to you. I have seen your letter of the 4th day of October, relative to the news that had reached you, that I shall open the road to Te Wera and to some other places. But my word to you is this, that notwithstanding yours is a new or strange voice to some, it is not a new voice to me (i.e.. that we are old acquaintances). Friend you do well to write to me, so that I may understand your wishes and thoughts. Do not be startled by the report you have heard. What lam doing I know to be right. Let your thoughts be clear also. From your Friend, ' Na te Makarini.

No. 20. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Civil Commissioner Parris to the Hon. D. M'Lean. Sm, — New Plymouth, 18th December, 18C9. I am happy to be able to report to you that, from information which I have received this morning, the road work is progressing quietly, and no further obstruction has occurred since my last report. A party of thirty Natives has just arrived on horseback for more tools, such is their determination to carry on the work. If I find they wish me to go to the district, I shall leave on Monday next. Titokowaru is holding a Runanga at his place at Ngatimaru this week, and Hapurona has sent his son to be present, and, on his return, has promised to report particulars to me. I have, &c, E, Pahris, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. Civil Commissioner.

No. 21. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. D. M'Lean to Mr. Civil Commissioner Parris. Sir, — Auckland, 20th December, 18G9. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th instant, in which you inform me that the road works in your district are progressing quietly, and that no further obstruction has occurred since your last report. lam much gratified to hear that the work is succeeding so well. I shall be glad to learn the result of Titokowaru's Eunanga. I have, &c, K. Pai-ris, Esq., Civil Commissioner, New Plymouth. Donald M'Lean.