7

G.-6,

No. 3. Mr. E. W. Puckey to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Native Office, Thames, 27th September, 1879. I have the honor to report that on the 21st instant AY. H. Taipari proceeded to Kerepehi, finding there some twelve men who had returned to that place, from Okahukura, the day previous. He learned then that two canoe-loads of potatoes had been sent up to Awaiti (which is the first considerable affluent of the Piako that one passes on going up the Piako River, and is navigable for about fifteen miles, the head of the navigation being about three miles distant from Okahukura, on the Waihou). Taipari learned there, from a young half-caste, that there were two pas in course of construction—one at a bend of the Waihou below Okahukura, and ono at Te Awaiti, as already reported. This information was immediately telegraphed by myself and W. H. Taipari to the Hon. the Native Minister. Copy of my telegram as follows :— " Grahamstown, 23rd September, 1879. —To Hon. J. Sheehan, Government Buildings.—Taipari went to Kerepehi yesterday, and brought back word that two pas were being built —one at Te Awaiti and one on west bank of the Waihou —and that Ngatihako will be assisted by some of the Hauhaus from Piako. Taipari leaves for Upper Piako to-morrow. —E. W. Puckey, Native Agent." [This telegram was sent to the telegraph office, but was not sent through inadvertence of the person to whom it was intrusted ; of which fact I was not aware till yesterday morning.—E.W.P., 27th September, 1879.] W. 11. Taipari also found a letter from Mahoetahi, a near relative of Nikoriua Poutotura, to Tiwai, copy of which enclosure is attached (Enclosure No. 1). The interview Taipari had with the Natives at Kerepehi was anything but satisfactory, as, while they were professing friendship for us, they were supplying Ngatihako with potatoes, a course which from their close relationship with them is only natural. W. H. Taipari left again for the Upper Piako on Wednesday, the 24th instant, and Wata Tipa the same day went to Whakatiwai. On the following morning I received a telegram from Tipa, informing me that Tiwai had sent a letter to Pokai's people, inviting their co-operation, and saying that he (Tipa) would sec Pokai and caution him. I have not heard subsequently from Tipa in this matter. W. H. Taipari returned on Thursday night from To Hoe-a-Tanui, and reported having had a most satisfactory interview with Ngatipaoa. After mature reflection ho now thinks that a good many of the people at Te Hoe-a-Tanui were not sincere in their professions of friendship, and might aid Ngatihako. A rumour has been current here since Monday that Ngatihako intended to prevent steamers passing up the Waihou to Te Aroha, which has not been confirmed: indeed, I do not myself think that they will interfere iv any way with the navigation of the river, or commit any act of violence, unless aggressive action be taken by us. I have, &c, E. W. Puckey. The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Native Agent, Thames. Enclosure 1 in No. 3. Translation by Mr. E. W. Puckey. To Tiwat. Kerepiti, Ist day of Mauri, 1879. Greeting. Friend, I am going inland; the younger people [lit., those children] will go thither. That is all of tlrat. Friend, do not give up the course of action on which wo are both agreed. Enough of that. Friend, be particular iv having a canoe left at the landing-place—one canoe. Enough of that. Friend, I have heard that on the Monday of next week the policemen will go to arrest the offenders (criminals). On Sunday wo shall be there. We arc going to see the place (kainga). Enough of that. Friend, see that all the people are together on Tuesday of this week, and of next week ; do not allow them to be scattered about in the scrub [lit., among the weeds]. That is all. To Tiwai, Okahukura or Te Awaiti. Horomona Mauoetahi. By Authority : Oeobge Didsbuet, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79. Brico 6d.]