P.—No. 8.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO HOROWHENUA.

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Ngatihuia. The house in question was about fifty yards of the Ngatihuia cultivations and a mile by road from the pa. It was a very common hut, but said to contain a great number of eel pots and other fishing gear greatly prized by the Natives. The fire occurred (I think) last Friday evening, and first seen by Ngatihuia soon after dark. The next morning they found the tracks of two people going from the fire across a swamp in the direction of the Horowhenua Pa. The Ngatihuia acuse the Muaupoko of having committed this outrage, and are very indignant because some of the Ngatiraukawa tax them of having done it themselves for the sake of precipitating matters. They say that they prize their fishing gear too much to burn it for nothing. They also threaten to shoot any one they find prowling about at night. The Muaupoko declare that they knew nothing about the fire until last Monday, and then they heard it from Mr. H. McDonald. They say it is a false accusation, and laugh at the idea of their going over to burn houses. It appears that some time ago a Ngatihuia Hauhau prophet told his people that some of the Muaupoko had been to a place named by him during the night, and they would find their tracks Accordingly some of the believers went early next morning to look for the tracks (as directed by the prophet) and found nothing; consequently he was accused of being a false prophet. Some say that the same prophet foretold that this house would be burnt by the Muaupoko. AVith regard to the burning of the house, he has proved himself to be a true prophet. If it is correct that the prophet foretold this, I am inclined to think that he knows more about it than any one else. I have, <fcc, M. Claeke.

No. 114. Tho Hon. D. McLean to Major Kemp. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 28th September, 1871. I have spoken to Matene Te Whiwhi and Tamihana about Te Watene. Matene will go to see Ngatihuia and Watene, and will urge AVatene to leave the disputed land till it is setted by a runanga of chiefs as proposed. Ngatiraukawa agree to my request about Watene, but Tamihana Eauparaha does not; but I feel sure that the differences can be settled when the matter is fairly discussed. In a fortnight's time I would be better able to see you and the AVanganui chiefs. Donald McLean.

No. 115. The Hon. D. McLean to Mr. M. Claeke. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 29th September, 1871. Use your endeavours with Ngatiraukawa for Te Watene to remove from Horowhenua for a time. Matene promised to use his influence. Tamihana is hikaka in the other direction. Let me know from you if there is anything going on. Donald McLean.

No. 116. The Hon. D. McLean to Major Kemp. (Telegram.) Wellington, 29th September, 1871. I wish you to leave the Horowhenua matter in my hand until it is adjudged, and that you come here in a fortnight. Donald McLean.

No. 117. Mr. M. Claeke to tho Hon. D. McLean. (Telegram.) Otaki, 30th September, 1871. Tamihana has called a meeting for to-day, which I shall attend. Invited to another on Monday at Waikanae. Everything quiet at present. _____________________ M. Claeke. No. 118. Mr. M. Claeke to the Hon. D. McLean. (Telegram.) Otaki Station, 4th October, 1871. Just returned from Waikanae. General feeling expressed at meeting is of good tendency, but they are not inclined to move Watene. If you approve 1 will see AVatene, and ask him to go to Wellington and see you. I believe he will do anything you ask him. Shall proceed to Eangitikei on Monday, unless you wish me to go immediately, as I would like to visit Horowhenua and Poroutawhao first. M. Claeke.

No. 119. Mr. M. Clarke to the Hon. D. McLean. (Telegram.) Otaki, sth October, 1871. Ngatibaukawa have at last appointed arbitrators, namely, myself, Paerawa, and Hone Peti. Letter to you notifying choice has been signed by principal chiefs, and is being sent round for signature. Difficulty about Watene will vanish. M. Clabke.