G.—6.

4

On the 12th, two committees, chosen from all the hapus of the different tribes excepting Ngatihako, sat separately, going through the evidence, and gave judgment at 10 a.m. on the 12th (see Enclosure No. 2). After judgment was given, the Ngatihako were first asked what they had to say for themselves. They, through Timiaha Taiwhakaea and Hoera te Mimiha, said that they were willing to submit their claims to the Native Land Court, as they knew they had a good title to the laud, and, if necessary or called upon, would appear before the Supreme Court. I was asked, as representing the Government, what I had to say. I replied that, the matter having been handed to the runanga, I was content to abide so far by what they decided. Upon Ngatihako being called upon to speak to the judgment so far as it concerned them, Pineaha said that he wanted three things handed to him, in order that his course might be clear, which were the roads, surveys, and Courts. The prospect of an immediate surrender appeared at this moment singularly bright, and every one thought the matter could be easily settled by a little diplomacy. It was thought the roads were roads passing over Ngatihako land, and that the surveys and hearings before the Court affected Ngatihako laud ; but it turned out that Pineaha wanted the matter affecting all roads, surveys, and hearings of land claims in Hauraki handed over to him. This the runanga of course could not grant, and it now appeared evident that Pineaha had asked for things which he knew the runanga could not possibly grant, in order that he might say, "Well, then, I will not give my young men up." The runanga became wearied from constantly replying to the arguments of Pineaha and Tiwia, and the question was referred to Mr. Wilkinson and myself. Mr. Wilkinson then informed the runanga that judgment was given that Pakara arrd Epiha should be surrendered to the law, tlrat until that was done we could not entertain the question of roads, surveys, and Courts. About 4 p.m. the runanga, after deliberation, formally handed back the matter to me, as representing the Government. I told the runanga that it was with great regret I found that Ngatihako would not yield up the offenders to justice, but the law must bo enforced at any cost. I cautioned all against interfering in any way, lest they bring trouble on themselves. Pineaha, in a very dignified way, hurled back defiance. His children, he said, were not little pigs, which one might tie up and carry away to be roasted. The Supreme Court was a deep pool of blood. That the only reason he asked for the roads, surveys, and Courts was so that his way might be clear, as he was determined to bring trouble in the district, arrd would shoot any one interfering with his rights ; but he begged that I would not be hasty. The meeting now broke up, and Tukukino, when I bade him good evening, said iv a significant manner he would come and see me on the morrow. The Natives from Hauraki having expressed a wish to return that evening, I sent them home in the p.s. " Te Aroha " ; but, at my request, Tipa, Wini Kerei, Rota, and some others remained, as I felt certain they could and would bring influence to bear on Pineaha, in order that he might reconsider his decision, as they, with Tukukino, were the only orres who could do so without compromising myself, and the runanga, having given judgment, could not recede from the position they had taken up. At 4 p.m. on Sunday, 14th instant, Wata Tipa and Tukukino came to see me, and told me of the result of their interview with Pineaha. (Epiha and Pakara had at this time returned to their settlement.) Tukukino asked Pineaha if this trouble about to ensue was one over which he expected all Hauraki would be implicated. Pineaha answered, " No." Tukukino, resuming, said, '' I want you clearly to understand that, though I am a Hauhau, since the Government handed this matter over to the runanga, and have acted with so much consideration for the peace of Hauraki, you need not look to me for any assistance whatever; I and my people will stand aloof, aud let the pakeha have a clear road." After a good deal of argument on both sides, Pineaha gave his consent for the offenders to be brought to justice, agreeing that he and Tukukino, who is half a Ngatihako himself, should manage the matter-, suggesting that Tukukino and Tipa wait upon me at once, and ask for time to act. They therefore came, as I have already shown, and, having informed me that Tukukino and Pineaha (meaning Epiha and Pakara) would go with me to the Supreme Court, and asked for one week in which to settle the surrender, telling me also that Pineaha on account of the grief he felt had not suggested the surrender to Epiha and Pakara, they, at the same time, asked mc to show them some consideration, and, upon my asking in what way, they said, "You heard what Mr. Sheehan said about the Court?" To which I replied in the affirmative. They then asked if, when they reached the Supreme Court, the Hon. Mr. Sheehan would carry out his promise : this I guaranteed. Tukukino then left satisfied, upon my agreeing to take upon myself the responsibility of staying any warlike proceedings for one week from that time. I gave him, however, distinctly to understand that, if at that time the offenders were not forthcoming, instant action would take place, as I believed everything was ready. Later in the evening, several members of the Ngatitamatera came in to see me, and, though not so sanguine as Tukukino, were satisfied that Pineaha had changed his position, and would co-operate with Tukukino in endeavouring to bring the offenders to justice. On the following day I left for the Thames, and, when passing the place where the runanga was sitting, Pineaha came on board the steamer to see me, his face having lost the anxious look which it had worn since the occurrence of the outrage. He said, "I have not come to see you to beguile you, or quieten your feelings. I came to say that Mr. Sheehan is a stranger to me, whereas I have known Mackay and you a long while, aud have worked with you in the past for the peace of Hauraki. Tell me now, can I rely on Mr. Sheehan's promise, that he will recollect the peace of Hauraki, and take the wrongs of my people into consideration when lam in the Supreme Court?" I said, " Certainly he will." " Well, then," he said, "my word to you is this :Do not try to trap us ; we will remain quietly in our place—we will not fly. Do not send a war-party to surround us by way of Piako; but let me have time to talk, and come and see me again." I replied, " I have given Tukukino one week after that; I will now go to the Thames, and return on Thursday, and will see you then." That, in brief, is the present position of the case. I will, in conclusion, make a few remarks showing the position of Ngatihako, and what are the wrongs for which they have taken this foolish way