A.—No. 21

AND MAORI CHIEFS.

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Another word of theirs was, that they wished to see about the Europeans at Taupo. I have replied to their word, the Major and the Captains who are living here at Taupo are carrying on good works at Taupo. They invite the King to come here to the peacemaking, and I also invite the King to come here to the peacemaking. They replied, the decision as to coming here rests with the King. They have returned. Friend, consider this. Let this meeting be held soon ;if not, write to me. If it is to be, write to me also. That is all. Your friend, Te Poihipi Tukairangi.

No. 73. Kerei Mangonui to the Hon. Mr. M'Lean. To Mr. M'Lean,— Bay of Islands, 12th April, 1870. Friend, salutations to you. Great is my regard for you. Your letter has reached me, informing me of the men killed and taken prisoners in an engagement at Waioeka, and the narrow escape of Te Kooti. Friend, lam very much pleased with this information. I have read it out publicly. The Ngapuhi chiefs are much pleased also. Friend, be strong with your thoughts. Friend, make those people suffer, and make them submit. It was they who tried to put down the law. Sufficient are my words to you. Although you yourself might be lost during these disturbances, your memory will always be kept in remembrance by us all. To Mr. M'Lean. Kerei Mangonui.

No. 74. Wi Te Wheoro to the Hon. Mr. M'Lean. Mr. M'Lean,— Te Kohekohe, Waikato, 3rd May, 1870. Salutations to you. These are the words brought to Bangiriri on the occasion of the meeting at that place. All the friendly chiefs of Waikato from Aotea to Waikato Heads came with their tribes ; the people of Waipa came also. The chiefs were : Hone Te One, Ngatihikairo Kawhia, Aotea Hakopa Te Kotuku, Ngatiwhaurua, Whaingaroa Pene Kiwi, Ngatitainui, Whaingaroa, Kaimakariri Wirihana Te Ao-o-te-Bangi, Tamihana Tunui, Hoeta Paerangi, Ngatitahinga, Te Akau Nini Kukutai, Buka Taurua, Mohi Te Kara, Ngatitipa, Taupari, Waikato Wiremu Patene, Hami Ngaropi, Karakariki Waipa Batima, Te Whakaete, Ngatinaho, Waikato ; and others. Some other men came who had been sent from Te Kuiti by the chiefs of the King party to speak on their behalf at this meeting, so that the chiefs of the Government party might hear. On the 27th these men spoke about the road and the telegraph wire, that they were not to go over the Maori land outside the Government boundary. If the said works were extended to that land, there would be trouble for us. They also requested me to speak to the Government about that matter. I said to these speakers—" I have not heard yet that the Government are going to make a road or extend the wire there ; probably that is a Maori report. All I have to say is, do not you, the Hauhaus and the King party interfere to spoil my property ;" that referred to Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Alexandra. If they are interfered with I will rise up to seek payment, even if I have to go to Raglan. All the chiefs assented. Also, with reference to any tribe or kapu going to the King party and remaining there, it is not to be said that such going is right, even though they get there it is still wrong"; all agreed. That is all about that. The flour will be sent in accordance with Mamae's letter—l ton flour, 4 bags sugar, 3,000 eels. Nepe took those on 2nd of May. I have received a letter from Manuwhiri, which I forward for your information. That is all. I then left. That is all I have to say. From your friend, To Mr. M'Lean, Auckland. Wi Te Wheoro.

Enclosure in No. 74. Manuwhiri to Te Morehu (Te Wheoeo). To Te Morehu,— . Te Kuiti, 20th April, 1870. Friend, salutations to you. I have received your letter of the 20th March ;it is right. You know about that trouble. If your meeting is over, it will be well for you to come up here. I wish to tell you that on this day fifteen persons were sent to Taupo. The reason for their being sent is Mr. M'Lean's order that the Europeans are to cease, and that the pursuit of Te Kooti is to be left to the Maoris. So they have gone to say that, if one party cease, all should cease. Also, the word of Te Poihipi, that I should consent that the remnant of Ngatituwharetoa should return to Taupo ; also, about the road for the prisoners, Te Hura and his companions, that they may go in peace. Therefore I have sent them, that Te Poihipi may hear. A town has been completed at Taupo, and the road extends to Taupo. To Te Morehu, Waikato. Manuwhiri.

No. 75. Mr. Halse to Tamihana Te Bauparaha. To Tamihana Bauparaha,— Wellington, 9th May, 1870. Friend, salutations. Your letter, reporting the meeting at Otaki, on the 25th of April, has been received, for which lam desired to convey to you the thanks of the Government. The Government