G.—lo

2

Mr. W. H. Grace to Mr. E. J. Gill, Wellington. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 27th February, 1879. He Mantthiki's pension—£2lo per annum—l think it should be paid through this office. Perhaps it would be as well to speak to Hon. Native Minister. Will you make out the abstract, should you decide about same, as I do not know what is due, and from what time pension commenced. E. J. Gill, Esq., Government Buildings, Wellington. W. 11. Grack. Memorandum for Major Mair. Eeferring to our conversation respecting the amount paid as pension to the old chief Manuhiri, in which you stated that he had refused to receive such assistance irom the Government, I enclose the records and vouchers on the subject, from which you will see that Manuhiri has signed the usual authorities: (1) for Major Te Wlieoro to receive £105, amount due from Ist July to 31st December, 1878; (2) for Te Iha to receive the amount, Ist January to 30th June, 1879; (3) for Rata Tv Tawhiao to receive the amount due, 31st December, 1879. These sums, amounting to £315, have been paid upon the orders quoted, which appear to be duly signed by Manuhiri; and I shall feel obliged by your furnishing a full report upon the subject at your earliest convenience. Native Office, Auckland, 30th January, 1880. T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary. Memorandum for Mr. Lewis re Mantthiri's Pension. I had a conversation with Manuhiri about this matter on the 26th instant. The old chief informed me that he had never consented to accept a pension ; that, though told that the money was lying to his credit at Alexandra, he declined to receive it until at last, yielding to the importunity of his grandson, Tv Tawhiao, he signed orders enabling his grandchildren to draw the money (£315) ; but all that he had received was some food bought by his grandson Te Naero. He stated also that he was not " marama" (clear) about this money, and he had been thinking seriously of writing to the Government not to pay any more money in his name. I informed Manuhiri that this pension had been conferred upon him in consideration of his age, his rank, and his friendship for Europeans ; but that it was intended for his use and benefit, and not to be squandered by others in the publichouses and stores. He answered that if I would undertake to pay him the money myself he would gladly accept it in the spirit in which it was given to him by the Government. I assured Manuhiri that I would readily do so, and he was much pleased at the solution of the difficulty. lam of opinion that this matter is now placed on a satisfactory footing, and that the official acceptance by such a man as Manuhiri of a pension may have a marked effect upon the negotiations with Tawhiao. 31st January, 1880. W. G. Mair. Mr. T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary, to Major Mair, R.M., Auckland. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 31st March, 1880. With reference to your memorandum of the 31st January on the subject of Manuhiri's pension, I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. the Native Minister, to inform you that the amount can be paid to him in the manner suggested in your memorandum, unless Manuhiri himself raises difficulties about its acceptance, in which case it will of course be withdrawn. I have, &c, Major Mair, E.M., Native Agent, Auckland. T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary.

By Authority: George Didsbtjby, Q-OYernment Printer, Wellington. —1880. Price 3d.]