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return to Wellington, I will look into the matter carefully and see what can be done. I think the course to be pursued will be that these people must surrender themselves to the authorities and go before the Court, and the Court, or whoever appears for the Crown, would make a statement as to the wishes of the Crown in respect to the cases. Then, after that, the prerogative of the Crown, through the Governor, can be exercised by simply saying they had been sufficiently punished, that they had promised there should be no further breaches of the law, that Tuhoe had. told me that for the future they were going to be with us and obey our laws, no matter what other tribes did. I would then recommend the Governor to grant the clemency of the Crown. Now, who may I communicate*with after I have looked into this matter in Wellington ? Who shall I send the communication to advising what course is to be pursued ? The Natives To Makirini. The Premier Very well, that is good, that is the only course that is open. Now, I told you earlier in the afternoon that in other places the people had a flag. Since I have been Minister for the Natives I have made a present of the flag of our Queen and country Now, when I hear through one of your chiefs, or from those who come to meet the Government in Wellington, that you have put up a flagstaff, I will, on the part of the Government, find you a flag to put there, and that fact will speak to the outside world against anything else; it will remove that reproach that has been cast upon the Tuhoe that they were never friendly—always against the Government, and against our laws. You have to-day given me words you have passed your words to me , you have told me to-day that from this time forward you will be loyal subjects of the Queen, and obey her law You have given me words that have pleased me. When we met this morning we were a long distance apart, but we have been getting closer and closer until we are now here all together All reservation has gone, the mist has been cleared away, and I am overjoyed to think that such is the case. When Sir Donald McLean came amongst you he was your friend, he advised you wisely I have been amongst you to-day, and Ido not regret it. It has been a day well spent in the interests of both races, and I thank you very heartily on behalf of the Government for the welcome you have accorded to us, and for the confidence you have given us in letting me know your minds. If any trouble arises in the future, and you feel a doubt in your minds, do not hesitate a moment. If you cannot telegraph, send some one down to me, so that I can dispel the trouble as the sun dispels the mist that sometimes comes on your mountain-tops. Men, women, and children of Tuhoe, I conclude by giving you kind and friendly greeting, and I say good-bye. (Loud cheering) At the conclusion of the meeting the chief Kereru presented the Premier with his taiaha, which the chief said was an earnest that there was to be peace for the future, and that the Tuhoe intended to be with the Government and obey the laws. The taiaha once belonged to the ancestor who formerly owned the Euatoki Block, and it is called Eongokaeke after him. The claims to the block will be founded on this ancestor The flagstaff the tribe are going to put up will bear the same name as this taiaha, as also the large house now in the course of erection. The fact of the old chief, the head of his tribe, handing over to the Premier the sceptre of that tribe is in itself very significant. No better proof of the earnest wish of the tribe to conform to the laws of the Queen could possibly be given. From a Maori point of view such a gift means perfect submission, and is symbolical of an intention to abandon all unfriendliness and to live in peace in the future. The chief Kereru informed the Premier that his nephew would accompany him right through the country, so that he might see him safe to his journey's end. He said, " There is the country, you are free to go where you like and do what you like. My nephew shall accompany you, and see you safe to your journey's end, and then return." A Bough Jouenby to Galatea. The weather was now so bad that Mr Seddon was strongly urged on all sides not to attempt the journey onwards. The rivers and creeks were in high flood, and some of the residents went so far as to say that if the party proceeded on its journey they would not answer for the consequences. However, the Prsmier would not be dissuaded. He returned to Mr. Gould's station, stayed there the night, and on the following morning the whole party made a start, Mr. Grant, the manager for Mr Gould, kindly accompanying the Premier for some ten miles. It is impossible to describe the horsetrack to Galatea ■ suffice it to say that the animals were simply crawling, slipping, and floundering amongst roots and mud from the time they ascended the hill till they reached the flat creek-bed. On arrival at Galatea the Natives welcomed the Premier, and performed a haka in his honour. Meeting at Galatea. The following morning the meeting assembled. The proceedings were opened by the Ngatamana Tribe singing a song of welcome. Hare Hare was the first speaker. He said, —Welcome to the Minister, father of the orphans ! Welcome to the territory of Tuhoe, that you may see your people and also see the people of Ngatiwhare and Patuheuheu. We are all your tribes and under your mana. Come and give life to the people of this island. Come and attend to the Ngatimamawa and Urewera. The chiefs here represent them all. They are collected here before you. Come in company with my boy, Tirfrm Kara, He is the one whom I sent to your great House to represent our matters to you. I instructed him to go and bring forth the offspring of our Parliament. (Chant of welcome.) Kewi said, —Welcome, my friend ! Welcome, you who occupy the position of one seeing to the interests of both races ! 0 my friend, heretofore up to the present time your consideration has been stronger on one side than on the other, but if |from to-day you adjust your attention Ccjrefully over both parties, good may come of it. Therefore, you will hear what these people have to say to you. It is well you have come here. As you are visiting other places you should hear what each kaianga has to say Welcome ! Come and listen to what each has to say You need not reply here, you can reply from your Big House in Wellington, after you have heard what you hear to-day. I must thank you for coming to visit us. 10—G 1.

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