G.—l

XXXV

The Commission sat again in the Public Hall at 2 p.m. to receive the statements of the assembled Natives upon the subjects set forth in the Commission. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay. Speeches were made by Karanama te Whakaheke, Pepene Eketone (spokesman for the chiefs), Aperahama Patene, Te Rangikarapiripia, Hokiri, Arakatera Rongowhitiao, Hori Patene, Hipirini te Whetu, and Hemopo Hikarahui. Mr. Rees replied to Pepene Eketone. The Commission adjourned at 4.45 p.m. The Commission sat specially at 7.30 p.m. in the Criterion Hotel for the purpose of meeting the chiefs of the Ngatituwharetoa Tribe. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay. Mr. Rees explained in detail the scope and objects of the Commission, after which Tureiti te Heuheu, Tokena Kerehi, Waraki Kapu, Ngakurute te Rangikaiwhiria, Te Rangikarapiripia, Hitiri te Paerata, Hemopo Hikarahui, Takiwa te Momo, Te Roera Herua, Wiari Ngatai, Hauraki Tonganui, and Wereta Hoani laid their views before the Commissioners. The Commission adjourned at 10 p.m.

Kawakawa, Ist April, 1891. The Commission sat in the Star Hotel at 1.30 p.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay. Mary Tautari, Native school-teacher and licensed interpreter, was examined on oath. At 2 p.m. the Commission sat in the Resident Magistrate's Courthouse, in order to meet a number of Ngapuhi chiefs and people. Mr. Rees made a short explanatory speech, and the Rev. Wiremu Pomare, Hori Winiana, Wiki Moehana, Hoterene Maihi Kawiti, and Te Atimana Wharerau were then heard in reply and examined. The Commission adjourned at 3.30 p.m.

Waimate North, 2nd April 1891. The Commission sat in the Resident Magistrate's Courthouse at 10.30 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay. A number of chiefs and people of the Ngapuhi Tribe were in attendance. Mr. Rees fully explained the objects for which the Commission had been appointed, and subsequently Wi Katene (exM.H.R.), Hiramai, Hoani Ngapua Tuhirangi, Karina Puhi, Tareha te Hehe, Hori Whiu, Tane Haratu, and King! te Nahuru were heard and questioned. Hone Peeti, Native Assessor, was also examined at length in continuation of the sworn testimony which he had commenced at Auckland on the 18th March. The Commission adjourned at 4 p.m.

Te Ahuahu, 3rd April, 1891. The Commissioners (Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R., Chairman, and Thomas Mackay) sat in the Travellers' Rest Hotel at 9.50 a.m., and heard a statement from Hiramai, who was accompanied by two other Natives. Hiramai was also examined upon certain points in his statement. The Commission adjourned at 11 a.m.

Kawakawa, 4th April, 1891. The Commission sat in the Resident Magistrate's Courthouse at 5 p.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay. Mr. Rees reminded the assembled Ngapuhi chiefs and people that the Commissioners had returned in fulfilment of their promise to hear the result of the Natives' deliberations. Speeches were then made by Te Atimana Wharerau, Hoterene Maihi Kawiti, Kaka te Hakiro, and the Rev. Wi Pomare, and they were subsequently examined on various points. The Commission adjourned at 6 p.m.

Whangarei, 6th April, 1891. The Commission sat in the Commercial Hotel at 2 p.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay. As the matters brought before the Commission referred to particular cases, no evidence was taken on the questions submitted. The Commission adjourned at 2.30 p.m.

Auckland, 7th April to 12th April (inclusive), 1891. The Commission sat daily in the Customhouse buildings, in furtherance of their work, but took no evidence. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay.

Auckland, 13th April, 1891. The Commission sat in the Customhouse building at 11 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), and Thomas Mackay. Edwin Thomas Dufaur, barrister and solicitor, was examined on oath. The Commission adjourned at 12.30 p.m.