7

G.—4

call when you desire to be near Potatau's grave. Ido not wish to press you; we shall meet again to discuss these subjects." At the conclusion of the above, Tawhiao and his chiefs remained an hour, during which they alluded to the friendly manner in which the two races mixed at Alexandra. Satubday, 27th Mat, 1876. Present: —Hon. Sir D. McLean, Major Mair, Mr. Bush, Major Te Wheoro, Tawhiao, Takerei te Eau, and Te Tuhi. Sir D. McLean : " What have you to say to-day, Tawhiao ?" Tawhiao : " It rests with me to consider your proposals, and I will do so." Sir D. McLean: " Tes, it rests with you to consider." Tawhiao: " Let the question of Waikato be settled. Let Waikato be mine. That is all." Major Te Wheoro: " What do you mean by your remark of yesterday, ' The land and people aro mine?'" Tawhiao : " That rests with me." Sir D. McLean : " The question of Waikato was decided by Parliament long ago. Neither I nor any other person has the power to alter its decisions, and I should be sorry to lead you to hope that Waikato can ever be returned to you. If I held out any such hope, I should be misleading you. It is quite impossible to do this. The Government may be able to give some small pieces of land, which aro still in their hands. With regard to what we have said as to your position, the Government is willing to recognize you as the head chief of your own district and people, but not of other tribes beyond it. You will be assisted in maintaining order, but you will have to give your influence and aid in repressing crime, and promoting friendly relations between the races, in order that peace may always prevail. The Government would confer with you direct as to leasing and selling land ; if you object, they will not urge it upon you." Tawhiao : " I agree ; it quite concurs with my own thoughts." Sir D. McLean : "I came here to see you at your invitation. I have no desire to press you to any hasty conclusion; you can take time to consider. My proposals will have to be submitted to Parliament, where such matters are settled. It is for you to accept my proposals." Tawhiao : "Ac " [or, Tes]. (After a pause,) "Itis my intention to return home." Sir D. McLean : "I also think of returning to Alexandra to-day." Tawhiao (laughing): " Why, you want to go like a shooting star [meteor]. No, no! you must remain till after to-morrow, so that we may enjoy each other's company ; and if the weather be fair on Monday morning, we can take leave of each other, you for your home and I for mine. There need be no hurry. I will consider what has passed, and we shall soon meet again." On Sunday, the 28th of May, Tawhiao came to the Native Minister, stating that he wished to visit one of his settlements, a short distance from Kaipiha, but that he would return early next morning; and expressed a hope that Sir D. McLean would not leave until he had an opportunity of exchanging friendly salutations in daylight before parting, as he had been disappointed at Waitomo in not meeting the Native Minister the morning he came down to Otorohanga to see him off. On Monday morning Tawhiao came, very neatly attired in European dress, and breakfasted with the Native Minister, after which they took leave of each other; Tawhiao expressing himself to some of his followers as being very much pleased with the Native Minister's visit (which lasted from the 24th to the 29th of May), and intimated a desire that another meeting should soon take place. E. S. Bush. By Authority: (Jeoeqe Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lß76. Price 6d.]