3

G.— lc.

Tawhiao and party rode through the town to the beach, where they crossed their horses, and proceeded to the Tainui Settlement, at the Heads, to open a house there erected for him. There was no speech-making: only one speech of welcome was made by Tipene, on behalf of the local Natives, which was replied to by one of Tawhiao's companions. The house is about 50 foot long and 20 feet wide. Tawliiao and companions all seemed in good spirits, and were most friendly throughout my visits to them. Tawhiao and party left for the coast yesterday morning to visit the Ngatitahinga. Tawhiao talks of visiting the hot spring at the head of the harbour upon his return from the coast, as he has been suffering from pains in his body for some time past. I took the opportunity to ask Te Ngakau about the late rumours in conjunction with his name, about stopping the Waipa Road. He replied that he had no intention of interfering with that work, and that that rumour was entirely false; that he had intended to travel by that road, but upon consideration deemed it better not to do so, lest it be said he did so with the intention of stopping the same. Te Ngakau also denied the statement which has appeared in the papers, to the effect that Tukukino had received a letter from him not to allow the Komata Road to Ohinemuri. He says that he has had no communication with those people since they paid their late visit to Waikato, nor had any communication with any one since the telegrams which he sent you at the time the Kiriwera were in Waikato about two months ago. You will remember the subject of his messages. If I understood him rightly, they did not allude to the stoppage of the Komata lload. He considers Tukukino in the wrong, as his son Hunia has taken money on the land. Should anything further of interest transpire after Tawhiao's return from the coast. I will take an early opportunity of communicating the same to you. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. B. S. Bush, R.M.

No. 4 Mr. R. S. Busn to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Raglan, 2Gfli December, 1878. I have the honor to report, for your information, that Mr. T. G. Sandes, of Hamilton, arrived here on Sunday last, under instructions from Mr. Smith, the Chief Surveyor at Auckland, to lay off the work cm the Aotea Road. Mr. Sandes and myself proceeded early the next morning to inspect the road from Te Mata to Matahoehoea. We estimated the distance from Te Mata Schoolhouse to Te Hue to be about three miles aud a half, and from there to Matahoehoea about one mile and a half. The road as far as Te Hue is almost level. There will be only one or two short sidings required, with two small bridges and two culverts. From here about one mile is equally level, but the last half-mile is rather a steep incline at present; it will, however, become an easy grade when completed. This will be the most expensive part of the work in this portion of the road. There will be a bridge at Matahoehoea, which will be a small one. Besides the above work, there is another portion of the road about two miles to connect it with the Kaoroa or main road. In this portion there will be one or two good-sized cuttings. There is one feature in the road of which I was not aware, and that is that for the last three-quarters of a mile it dodges in and out of the Maori land adjoining Mr. Ligar's original line. This, perhaps, may be more level than on our own side of the line, but Mr. Sandes seemed to think that nearly as good a road could be made on our own ground in the event of the Natives objecting to the line passing over these portions of their land. After reaching Matahoehoea and crossing the creek there is rather a steep ascent to Ligar's pole, which I must endeavour to alter by getting permission from the Natives to take the road through a portion of their land. I took the opportunity of speaking to Major Te Wheoro on this matter, and we arranged that if I had any difficulty about it I was to communicate with him, and he would assist me with his relatives in getting it through. I find that until Tawhiao returns to Kawhia it will be next to impossible to get the Natives to make a beginning. Mr. Sandes and I arranged that he should return to Waikato for a few days, and that I should in the meantime see the Natives, and, as soon as they were ready to make a start at the work, telegraph to him, and he would be here at once to commence the work. The Natives have been much scattered during the Christmas season, but will after the new year return to their homes; and I trust the second week in January will see me fairly started with the road. lam expecting Hone te One to-day; hence my not going to Kawhia, as mentioned. I shall, however, proceed there immediately upon the return of Tawhiao and party. As soon as I ascertain the number of Natives who will be prepared to come I will communicate with respect to the money to pay them with. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. It. S. Bush, R.M.