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H.—l4

If the Government will demand Mr. Davis's presence, he can furnish you with the names of the witnesses, and you can call the witnesses to appear immediately after his arrival. I have postponed my journey to Napier for the present, to enable you (if you desire) to hold this meeting as soon as possible ; for I do not want to be hampered in my action by the unscrupulous action of the Native Office any more. My grievance I laid before the Committee, in Wellington ; but the evidence was kept from appearing before the House, for reasons best known to the Native Minister. That is the person that caused all my trouble. The Native told me, through my interpreter, that he sent two telegrams, and advised them, through his Commissioners, to drive my cattle off a run I leased, called Waiharakeke, adjoining a run of Messrs. Firth and Co. and William Buckland. Why were they not driven off ? I leased the run, went back to Napier, drove two mobs of cattle overland, was driving a third one, also a mob of sheep. A short time after I occupied the ruu with the second lot of cattle, I received letters and a telegram from Messrs. Clarke, of Tauranga, and Puckey, of Thames, advising me to take my cattle off; and from the facts of the case (for facts these are), those gentlemen would not have acted simultaneously from two different places, if they were not directed to do so by a superior officer to do so, and I am certain that the Natives told me the naked truth about the matter. I think the Native Minister should be called to give evidence; also, those letters I left at Wellington, of Messrs. Clarke and Puckey's, will bo required again. Sir, I must say I expect the Government will demand Mr. Davis's presence, and he will name the witnesses, for I do not know their names. I have, &c, T. M. Haultain, Esq. . H. Alley.

Enclosure 10 in No. 5. The Hon. Colonel Haultain to Mr. H. Alley. Sic,— Auckland, Ist December, 1875. I have delayed replying to your letter of the 21st ultimo, as I learnt that your iuterpreter, Mr. John Davis, was expected in town. I have not, however, seen him yet; but I purpose going to Shortland by the steamer on Monday next (or on Tuesday, if there is no steamer on Monday) to enter upon the inquiry, and I hope you will make it convenient to meet me there on the following morning. You complain, in your letter under reply, of the action of the Hon. the Native Minister; but I must point out to you that my inquiry is restricted, in accordance with Report of the Petitions Committee of the House of Representatives, to the charges preferred against Messrs. Puckey and Clarke, and it will be for them to refer to superior authority, if they find it necessary for their own justification. ' With regard to the payment of witnesses, I shall refer the matter to Government as soon as I can form an estimate of what the expense may be. I have, &c, H. Alley, Esq., Hikutaia. T. M. Haultain.

Enclosure 11 in No. 5. The Hon. Colonel Haultain to Mr. John Datis. Sic, — Auckland, 11th December, 1875. I have been instructed by the Government to inquire into charges made by Mr. Alley against Messrs. Puckey and Clarke, in a petition he presented to the House of Representatives in 1874, in which he stated that these officers had instigated the Natives to repudiate their engagements with him, and to drive his cattle from the Waiharakeke Block. Mr. Alley informs me that you acted as his interpreter during his negotiations with the Natives regarding this land, and are acquainted with all the circumstances, and with the names of the Natives who can give evidence with respect to the charges which he has made; and I shall be glad to know when you are likely to be in Auckland, and can see me in the matter. .^i If you can give me any information by letter, I shall feel obliged to you. I have, &c., Mr. John Davis, Native Interpreter, Te Kuiti, via Alexandra. T. M. Haiti/tain. k;l§j

Enclosure 12 in No. 5. Mr. John Datis to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. Sib, — Hikurangi, Kuiti, 16th December, 1875. I have received your letter, dated 11th December, 1875, requesting me to give information in reference to Mr. Alley's charge against Messrs. Puckey and Clarke. I cannot say that I know all about the Waiharakeke affair, but I know about the telegrams, and the cattle being removed. In fact, I had the removal of the cattle myself, inasmuch as to see after their safety at the instructions of Mr. Alley. Of course, the Natives drove the cattle off themselves. I believe if telegrams had not been sent from Wellington, arrangements could have been made with the Natives for the cattle to remain at Waiharakeke. Of course, you will understand there is a lot of detail connected with the cattle and land question of Waiharakeke, and Mr. Alley, &c. Such detail there would be no use in attempting to write, as it would be rather too long a letter. There is no probability of my being in Auckland for some time, unless for anything urgent. I have, &c, Colonel Haultain. ■ J. C. Davis.

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