G.—ll.

4

been a slight quarrel with Natives about pigs, and a dog which a European of the party charged Hiroki with stealing. The evidence given against Hiroki was merely hearsay, and to the effect that he had been heard to say (not by the witness) some time previously that he would kill Murdoch McLean, a brother of deceased; and, further, that some Natives had stated to witness's mother that Hiroki had told them that be had gone to the survey camp on the 19th, and had quarrelled with the cook, who had fired at him, and that he (Hiroki) had returned the fire, and had shot McLean dead. lam of opinion that the deed, if committed by the Native at all, is without auy political significance, and was not done with the intention of obstructing the survey, but was probably the act of an individual actuated by personal motives, and carried out without the approval or consent of the tribe. Nothing further has transpired, but I am in communication with the police, and will telegraph as soon as I receive report. Hiroki is known personally to Constable Hynes, who has warrant for his apprehension, and who has telegraphed description of Hiroki to District Officer, New Plymouth, and to chief office, Wellington. Hiroki is reported to have made his escape to King country. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. C. A. Weay.

No. 11. Captain Wray, E.M., to Major Brown. (Telegram.) Patea, 22nd September, 1878, 4.33 p.m. Constable Hynes, who knows Hiroki, telegraphed description to Commissioner, Wellington. Hiroki is supposed to have gone in direction of Taupo or Waikato. I have communicated with Captain AVilson, Hawera, and Captain Kenny, New Plymouth. Major Brown, C.C., Wellington. C. A. Weat, E.M.

No. 12. Hone Piuama to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 22nd September, 1878, 5.30 p.m. Arrived here at 5 p.m. Will leave for Waitotara at 7 p.m. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Hone Pihaaia.

No. 13. Captain Wrat, E.M., to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Patea, 22nd September, 1878, 7 p.m. Constable Htnes, Waitotara, telegraphs that he has interviewed the Papatupu Natives, who say they have not seen Hiroki since day of murder, and that he has fled to Waikato, where he originally belonged. There is a report that Hiroki is in bush behind Papatupu pa, or has gone to a village about twenty miles up Waitotara Eiver. It might have a good effect to send Captain Wilson with some Native police, and Constable Hynes with warrant to search localities indicated. If you approve, please give instructions accordingly. I shall be at Hawera to-morrow, but will accompany police, if expedient. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. C. A. Weat, E.M.

No. 14. Constable Hynes to the Hon. the Native Minister. Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878, 7 a.m. He murder of cook of survey party : The Natives tell me that the native Hiroki has, they believe, fled to Waikato, as his mother lives there ; that there is no political significance to be attached to it. He had no reason for doing it that they are aware of. He is a man of a very bad character :isof a thievish nature. The whole of the Natives came in from Papatupu this morning, and told me they wereverymuch cut up about it, and asked me what they were to do, as they were afraid to live up the river for fear the pakeha would shoot them down if they caught them prowling about. I told them to go home, and have no fear, as Hiroki was pretty well known to Europeans about. They have gone home, and promised to give him up if he attempts to come back ; also, to let me know if he is in the neighbourhood. The Natives here deny all knowledge, act, or part in the murder. Jos. E. Hynes, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. District Constable.

No. 15. Te Wieihana to the Hon. the Native Minister. [Translation.] (Telegram.) Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878, 8.35 a.m. Eriend, —It is true that the European was killed by Hiroki at Papatangi. He was a Government man. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Te Wieihana,