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place for his meeting with His Excellency who could come there by sea and with greater convenience." After some further conversation the Native Minister and party returned to Hetits. Upon the next day, 4th February, Tawhiao accompanied by his wives and children and several influential chiefs came to Otorohanga for the purpose of discussing with the Native Minister the terms of settlement. Upon this occasion he was distinctly given to understand that he must for ever banish the idea of being reinstated in Waikato, that even the Governor did not possess the power to return those lands that laws respecting them had been made by the Colonial Parliament and recognised by the Home Government, but that if he would pledge himself to use his influence for good with the tribes who own him as their head, he would be supported by the Government and assisted in maintaining a position befitting his rank. Tawhiao while admitting the reasonableness of the Native Minister's proposals and not being pressed for an answer preferred to consider the matter in all its bearings before giving a definite reply and the meeting came to a close. In the evening Tawhiao returned to Waitomo but reappeared next morning for the purpose of wishing the Native Minister good-bye on his departure for Alexandra. During the time that Sir Donald McLean and his party were the guests of Tawhiao and his followers the greatest cordiality and good feeling prevailed. I venture to assert that this meeting of the Hon. the Native Minister and the so-called Maori King is one of the most important events in the entire history of our intercourse with the Maori people. It is true that during the last few years a good deal has been done in the way of reconciliation, but it was left for this meeting to bring about perfect cordiality between the Government of the Colony and a very prominent section of its inhabitants. Tawhiao's application for the restoration of Waikato was made to please his people and for his own credits sake, it was understood that such an application would be made, and the King party were quite prepared for the reply, it is no new thing for people of other races to ask for a great deal more than they are content to receive, and in such a case Maori honour is satisfied when it can be said that " the demand was made " even though made pro forma. It was thought by many persons throughout the Colony that it was too great a concession when the Hon. the Native Minister accepted Tawhiao's invitation to meet him in the native country, and that such a step might prove a false one, but all who are acquainted with the Maori character will, I think, agree with me that when one great chief reponds to the invitation of another to meet him within his own borders it does not accord with Maori etiquette that the guest should go away disappointed. For several years it has been the aim of all the better disposed among Tawhiao's adherents to bring him face to face with either the Governor or Sir Donald McLean, indeed it has been regarded by them as the only solution of the difficulty, now that the desired object has been attained they view it in the light of a final peace-making, and look forward to a more settled state of things than has obtained hitherto. Upon leaving Alexandra the Native Minster proceeded to Hamilton where he held meetings with Ngatihaua and arranged for the purchase of their interest in the " Aroha Block," and with Ngatiraukawa who laid several questions before him respecting the disposal of their lands, and in reply were informed that an officer of the Government would visit them shortly and arrange matters. In conclusion I would remark that both races in Waikato, view with great satisfaction the results of the Hon. Native Minister's visit, and unite in congratulating him upon the success of his "policy." I have, <fee, W. G, Mair, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Native Officer.

No. 20. Major Mair, E.M., Alexandra, to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 22nd June, 1875. Manga has gone on to Kuiti. It was reported that great fault would be found with him by both Waikato and Maniapoto, and he has been waiting patiently; but not a word has been said as yet. Great importance is attached to his having taken my gun, and I am informed that it is to be carried round to the different settlements, even to Tuhua, and exhibited, additional importance from the fact of its being a Martini, and unlike anything that they have seen ; and I cannot help remarking the buoyant, contented spirit which appears to pervade them now. It is a very great contrast to their attitude a few years back. Your meeting with Tawhiao and Manga's trip have a great deal to do with it. Marino, of Tuhua, came to see me yesterday. He is on a visit to Manga and Taonui, who are nearly related to him. He says that a great change has come over the King people lately, and that nothing but dishonest land transactions are likely to cause bad feeling. He says that Topine must not persist in his interference with Tuhua land, or Ngatiamaniapoto will ask Government to stand aside and then take up awns against Whanganui. It being his first visit I made him a small present in your name. The Hon. Sir Donald McLean, Wellington. W. G. Mair.