g.—i

8

That the Natives had no cause to complain. They were plainly told that if they went into rebellion, and fought against the Queen's Government, their lands would be taken from them. They did go into rebellion, and their lands, or part of them, were taken from them. Therefore, he said that they had no cause to complain. That, with regard to their own grievances, he advised them to lay any cause of complaint they had before the Government through the proper channels, and they would always receive attention. That if they made any application through their aged chief Tupaea it would be respected. But when it was seen that they sought aid through other sources, and tried to bring pressure upon the Government by political influences, they could not be surprised if they could not get the relief they sought. He (Mr. McLean) again stated that he had no feeling against Ngaiterangi. Enoka Te Whanake then said : We are satisfied with your assurance that you have no sort of ill-feeling against Ngaiterangi. There is another subject that is uppermost in our minds, and that is the representation of this district in Parliament. We have been told by a Superintendent that we are not fairly represented. We are aware that it was the intention to create a fresh district, but that it was not carried in one of the Houses of Legislature ; but for what reason we are not aware. What crime have we committed that we should be treated in this way ? All I ask for on behalf of Ngaiterangi is, that we may be informed whether the Government are going to take up the question. We do not mind waiting even for another year, so long as we know that we are not to be neglected. Ranapia said that he thought the General Assembly should be composed of one half Maoris and the other half Pakehas. Mr. McLean explained that, with regard to Native representation, he had taken a great deal of personal interest in the question. He had always felt that the Maori race should have a voice in the laws affecting themselves. That the Act providing seats for four Maori members had been introduced by himself, and, after a good deal of discussion, it was carried. The Pakeha representatives considered, by giving the Natives four members (three for the North Island and one for the Middle Island), they were doing them substantial justice in proportion to the number of the Native inhabitants. It was calculated that the number of Maori inhabitants in the two islands was not over 40,000, whereas the Pakehas numbered some 270,000. That he could give them no hope that the Legislature would give them another member; but that there was no reason, should they be so inclined, why they should not nominate a man of their own choice, and invite the co-operation of the other tribes. Of one thing he could assure them, that so long as he remained in the Parliament they would not want an advocate. (Applause.) Hori Tupaea gave Mr. McLean a hearty welcome, and, amongst other matters, observed that Mr. McLean was now talking and giving the same advice as he used to do; which advice, if it had been taken, would have saved the various tribes from the troubles that had since overtaken them. That, with regard to Ngaiterangi, it was a characteristic of the tribe that they took up ideas without giving them sufficient consideration, which afterwards led them into trouble. Hori Tupaea addressed a few words to the chiefs who accompanied Mr. McLean, which were suitably replied to. After some other chiefs had spoken, Mr. McLean informed the meeting that he had appointments to keep with their Pakeha friends ; but that he would be glad later in the day to see any of them who might have subjects to bring under his notice. The meeting then separated. A number of the Pirirakau came in to see Mr. McLean, headed by Pene Taka; but as they still had a jealousy of the Ngaiterangi, it was agreed that the interview should take place at Te Puna, and the "Luna" the next day steamed to that place. The interview took place, and appended is the report, which shows that the telegraphic intelligence sent up that Mr. McLean had offered them £7,000 as compensation was false. Minutes of Meeting held by the Hon. D. McLean, Native Minister, at Raropua, Tauranga, with the Pirirakau (Hau Hau), 10th December, 1873. Ropi: Welcome, my friend Mr. McLean! Come and see, and come and be seen. We are glad to see you, who are the cause of both evil and good ! Come and see us to-day, we are both human beings. Welcome, the Arawa, Ngatiporou, Ngatikahungunu ! Welcome to Waikato, the origin of all thoughts and actions. My Pakehas, come and see this bad man : however, lam not bad but good. Te Riri: Welcome Ngaiterangi, with Mr. McLean and your other visitors. There is no one here to bid you welcome. Welcome to the tributaries of Tauranga: our land echoes welcome ! Welcome, Mr. McLean and Mr. Clarke. We have nothing beyond this to say to you, Bring back the dead that have passed away during the time of trouble. Welcome, Mr. McLean and Mr. Clarke. When we last met at this place it was as foes : it is a satisfaction to us to see you here to-day. I also say welcome to your visitors, but, alas, there is no one here to wave to them." Hohepa Tamamutu : Thanks for your greeting and welcome to the man who brings sunshine, even to Mr. McLean! [Song, expressing a desire that all differences should cease.] I must put straight the first statement that was made, namely, " Welcome the man who causes evil ;" you should have said, " Welcome to us the man whose deeds are good; come and see us, the doers of evil.' I It is because we are inferior in knowledge to the Pakehas that we accuse