5

G—la,

shall be right because the law is on my side. The Government stole the land. They have made restitution at Turanga. The Government said they took the land for our fault: we never committed any fault. Wiremu Kingi explains the Turanga land question,—how the Court sat on it, and the " deed of cession." He also shows how the Urewera had joined in all the disturbances, and ought to have their land taken. Ngapoti (of Ngaiterangi) makes a rather violent speech against Government, giving his ideas of all the wars from that at the Bay of Islands to the present time. Hira Tauaki (one of the "Seventy/' a sensible, moderate man, and a chief of influence) : It is clear to every one that we are divided. As Tuhoe cannot agree, I cannot ask others to join us. What I say to the chiefs of Tuhoe is this, " tiakina tou arero" (guard your tongues). The chiefs (Kereru) have had their say. We (the "Seventy") have one thing to say to you, Mr. Brabant. Give us a piece of land for the kohuru at Whakarae. Mr. Brabant : I have listened to all that has been said. Ido not see any use in discussing whether the Government were right in confiscating the land, as it is a matter settled long ago. You all know that what Wiremu Kingi said is true —that you owe it to the clemency of Government that the spot on which we stand was not confiscated too. As to what has been said about appealing to the law, and carrying the case to England, that course is open to you ; but if you fail, you would have to pay expenses, which would be very heavy, and I myself believe you would fail. As to your asking Ngatipukeko and Ngatiawa to give over their kuiras to you to take care of, the Government would not allow that. Their land, however, which they hold by Native custom, is different; that lays with them. As you have seen, however, they will not consent. You refuse what things the Government have to give, and what other' tribes covet, such as Magistrates, roads, &c.; however, you may change your minds. As to what Tamaikowha has said of some of you wishing to accept allotments within the boundary, that is for the Government to consider. Government are not stingy with their lands as you are; if they see any one, either European or Native, who wants their land for actual settlement, they, as a rule, give it him. As to Te Hira's request, I have heard something of it before, but I should like to hear further particulars, in order that I may report to the Government. Tamaikowha : Colonel St. John attacked me after peace had been made. My relation was killed. Major Mair said Whakarae should be given as payment for that kokuru. Afterwards he said this piece had been given to Hemi Kakitu, but that he would look out for another. Wepiha and Hoani Ngamu heard this. Afterwards I went to Tauranga to see Mr. Clarke, Civil Commissioner. He said it was a tino kohuru, and promised land, as they had given me food and afterwards attacked me. I say let this land be given at once. Mr. Brabant: It is not for me to remark on your claim. It has been decided, you say, by Mr. Clarke. If he promised that the land should be given, there is no doubt but that it will be. I will ask the Government to carry out their promise at once. The meeting then broke up. Note. —Meetings of the " Seventy " were held every day while I was at Ruatahuna. I was not asked to attend; but I believe they came to no conclusion, the "Seventy" being unable to agree among themselves. Hoani Ngamu attended some of the meetings, and reported the proceedings to me. Herbert W. Brabant, April 2nd, 1874. Resident Magistrate. By Authority: Giouge Dibsbdet, Government Printer, Wellington—lB74. JPrice 6d.}