Mr. Henare Kaihau, M.H.R.: Inasmuch as we have gone through a reconciliation between the Government and Mahuta, a mutual welcome, and appertaining to that and the good feeling now existing in this Island, I introduce to you the chieftains of Waikato. This place is Tamaki. It is now called Auckland. The proverb appertaining to it is that this is ihu (prow) of the canoe page 82—that is, the nose of the canoe going inland: This is one people therefore they call it one people throughout. When the canoe goes on a journey a person stands to give directions: he is carefully selected for special reasons, so that the paddling of the canoe shall be regular and firm; and it there were divided authority confusion would arise—one would. paddle one way and another is another way. Therefore it was decided that this one person—Potatau—should be called king of this island, because he was the person who gave his consent to hand this Island over to Her Majesty the Queen. That is all I will say about this. These are the resolutions which the tribe have resolved upon: They have been well and carefully considered by the various hapus, tribes, and people who acknowledge the supremacy of Mahuta, for the guidance of the people. We think he would like to review the matters for discussion, so as to afford an opportunity to the various chiefs to give expression to their thoughts, good-will and appreciation of what was said by the Governor and the Premier.

The Premier: I will listen with pleasure to what the chiefs have to say.

Te Heuheu: The chiefs of Waikrato have had time to speak. I believe, Mr. Premier, that you are aware that I come alone as a stranger, and not as one of Mahuta's party. I wish here to express my gratification at being present at this meeting between His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, and Mahuta here to-day. I was pleased at what I heard His Excellency say, and the Premier's reply to what Mahuta has said. From what I have heard I think this is a day [unclear: on] which will begin a new era for the consideration of matters for the benefit of the two Islands and the people contained in them. We have heard the Governor, the premier, and Mahuta expressing their respect and reverence for Her Majesty the Queen. Although I stand here alone as the representative of my people, it is sufficient that I have heard the words spoken to-day, and it is sufficient for me to express on behalf of my people my supreme satisfaction of what I have heard, and also my supreme satisfaction at and my concurrence in what I have heard. This I will be able to convey to my people. I am now furnished with new considerations to convey to my people, inasmuch as I have heard what has taken place here to-day apart from what I heard in North. I was one of the prominent ones who objected to the petition which was presented to Parliament; therefore I shall listen with grave attention to what may be submitted to the Premier by Mahuta and his people. I shall then be able to say what I shall support. All that I wish to say now is that this is a very special day—a day on which Mahuta has met His Excellency, and we have heard all that has taken place.

Tihirahi: Notwithstanding the fact that His Excellency has departed, the Premier remains. I wish to follow His Excellency with a few words for himself, having heard what he has stated. Salutations to yon, O Governor! The Lord of all is protecting you and your household and your family. Sufficient. I wish to say my say my proverb of Waikato. Everything has been left for Mahuta to speak upon on behalf of Waikato. He is the representative of his ancestors, and stands here as their representative to-day. This is the house in which has reposed the affections of the Queen. We heard Mahuta to-day expressing to His Excellency and the Premier his words, [unclear: and] the words of us all, coming from one end of the Island to the other. All I have now to say is this: that I appreciate what has taken place. Let all survive, and let health and prosperity follow.

Te Aka Wharakura: Salutations! I have not much to say. The first thing I rejoice over is the good-will and the good words spoken by His Excellency and Mahuta to-day. It is a very great matter indeed to my mind. I am delighted at the great good which has been laid down and established between the two races. If this was the only meeting it would be sufficient to keep us going. My desire is that no one interfere with what has been done. As has happened when the first word of the Queen was spoken here for the good of both races, so let all support what has taken place to-day, and bring it to a successful issue. I wish you health and prosperity, Mr. Premier.

Mita Kaiaka: I stand up before you to express my gratification at what I have heard from His Excellency, although His Excellency has now departed. We have heard the new Governor express his good-will towards Mahuta and the people. Now I wish to address the representative of the Government of this colony, the Premier. Come to Tamaki. Welcome to Hauraki welcome to Taupo; welcome to Waikato. These are the places in which the principal tribes and people resided in this Island. Although the people of Hauraki are not here to-day, they are represented, and must therefore be mentioned as being present Te Heuheu is here to-day, they are senting Taupo. The reason I mention Tamakj in my salutations is that the person on this land is Tamaki Makaurau, Tamaki of the hundred spouses. I will endeavour to explain. You may have your wife to-day, and to-morrow she may marry some one else, and the next day some one else again. That is the reason this place is Tamaki Makarau (the woman of many husbands). This piece of earth, this Tamaki, is the same as that woman who married many times. She is now the Europeans'. I said, Welcome to the Hauraki; the meaning of that word being "with many avenue" That word still applies to the Ngatimaru Kowan That place is now full of holes for the purpose of getting gold. Those people have become just the same as the people who have married Europeans. I say with reference to Taupo, its meaning is page break

[gap — reason: illegible]
The Meeting between His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, and Mahuta with other Chiefs of the Walkato Tribe, at Government House, Auckland, 18th March, 1899.
Captain Wellesley, A.D.C.
Hon, J. Carroll, Member of Executive Council Representing the Native Race.
W. Crow, Private Secretary to the Premier.
Captain Alexander, Private Secretary to His Excellency the Governor.
Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier and Native Minister. His Excellency the Governor (the Earl of Ranfurly). Colonel Penton, R.A., Commander of the N.Z. Forces.
Te tutakitanga o te Kawana raua ko te Pirimia, ki a Mahuta ratou ko etahi o nga Rangatira o te Iwi o Waikato, ki te Whare o te Kawana, Akarana. 18 o Maehe, 1899

page 83"dejected. Deserted, and broken-hearted husbands, who have divided it into many small portions." It means that it has gone to the persons who married Tamaki. These are three sending salutation to the Premier. The fourth is a Waikato, the representative of Waikato—" Waikato of the hundred taniwhas (alligators). Their offspring is Waikatohoro Pounamu (insatiable). The generation of these is Waikato Maumau Whenua, Maumau Tangata. This is what I meant in my salutations: Waikato that wastes lands; Waikato that wastes men. Out of these people the remaant left is Mahuta. Although he is alone here, he is the true descendant and representative of all these great People. You have now, Mr. Premier, come together with Mahuta. This is a very great day in our history. I shall enlarge upon the goodness and the benefits that have taken place to-day. I shall enlarge upon the great words spoken to-day. I shall give close attention to what takes place immediately following the words spoken to-day Nevertheless, Mr. Premier, what I may put before you may appear objectionable; notwithstanding this, listen and consider it. Give careful consideration to what Mahuta may lay before you, and in saying this I salute you most respectfully as head of the Government of this colony, beneath the sovereign rule of our joint sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen. Let the same great God protect and shield us all.

Mr. Henare Kaihau: Now that the chiefs have given expression to their salutations to you, and knowing that you are full of engagements, and that your time is, therefore, most valuable, I desire to be as brief as possible. I will therefore, put everything I have to say in as few words as possible. As I stated before, resolutions have been come to after grave consideration by those people who represent the western division of the Island. I stand here as their representative. One great thing is the Bill that was read in House during a former session of Parliament. In that Bill was contained the sum and substance of the great matters to be granted to them, and to establish the undefined reunion between the two races. It must he understood that nothing was proposed in that Bill with a view of giving them any separate rights repugnant to the laws of Her Majesty the Queen. The great desire of the Bill is to give the Native race the power of administering their own lands. The Native race consider it right that they should have restored to them certain portions of the revenues which come from the territorial revenue of the colony. The Bill sets forth what they really want. I am aware that there are obstacles in the way of the Government dealing with this immediately. The Government could, however, appoint a time for meeting Mahuta and his advisers with a view of arriving at a decision with regard to the Bill. We desire to arrive at some compromise, so that the Government and the people of New Zealand might see their way to consider certain points in the Natives' favour. Our object is to arrive at some mutual understanding which would be fair to all concerned. I now leave this matter. There is another matter of importance which I desire to place before the Premier. The Premier gives utterance to certain words—that the Government were desirous of returning certain portions of the land to those Natives who are landless. The Premier brought before the House a Bill with this object. It was, however, not carried, but it signified the desires of the Government in that direction. The Government have also given expression to your desires to set up certain councils and committees to have jurisdiction within the Waikato, these councils to administer the land and other matters for the benefit of the Natives themselves and the European residents in the district. Furthermore, the Government were desirous of calling Mahuta to the Upper House. This, in my mind, is a matter of grave importance, and I think this meeting of the chiefs and the premier is a favourable opportunity for me to give expression to such views. He doubtless could explain his meaning and intention to those present. Of all matters, this, I think, is the most important. This is the first time it has been discussed publicly in the presence of the two races. I believe it is owing to the fund of information that the Premier has derived during his travels through the Island that he has arrived at this opinion. It is especially a matter of importance to be discussed this day, because all parties have agreed that is a new era, and is, therefore, a fitting time for the chiefs to listen to the new proposals. Now we come for the first time to set steadily to work, firmly determined to seek out one way in which we can all work for the general welfare. Therefore I say this is a new advent for His Excellency, for the Premier, and for Mahuta. Let them now formulate a plan for us all. This is the person who has held everything back; he alone is the one person, and I, therefore, desire especially to convey to him my heartfelt gratification at what has taken place to-day, the event being one of such great importance for our future welfare. Whatever you cannot agree upon amongst yourselves the House has to consider. Let us all express our gratitude to God for the position He has placed us in to-day.

Mr. W. A. Graham, having expressed a desire to address the Premier, spoke as follows: Mr. Seddon, I stand here to-day as one of the first native-born Europeans in Auckland. My father, Mr. George Graham, is the cause of the action I have taken during the late period of my life. I am very pleased to see Father MacDonald here to-day, for he knew my father and the position he took up with regard to the Native race. I have been impelled by my father, without self-consideration at all, to use every means I could to bring back that good-will and loyalty which he felt sure had never been forfeited by the Native race and the old colonists of New Zealand. I can say honestly that my happiest days have been spent with the Maoris. Never mind what has taken page 84place; never mind what differences there have been; if I know anything of the Native character there has been nothing but misunderstanding. Who was it in the early days that helped my father when I was a child? Who was it who offered to build that wall for our protection? It was Potatau and the Waikatos of Hauraki. To-day is the greatest day of my life. No man in the world will be more gratified in knowing that Mahuta has come forward to-day to meet the Governor and the Ministers than my father, who now lives in England. He will be delighted to hear that the bitter past has been forgotten I wish again to say that no matter what misunderstandings may have taken place there is a general desire to assist the Government in moving ahead. The Natives are not at all unwilling to do their part and to share their responsibilities provided they know how properly to do it. In all that they have been aspiring to, as Mahuta says, there never has been a wish to do anything repugnant to British rule. They are a highly sensitive race, and a noble race. Their religion and language being different from ours, and not having the privileges we have, they feel that they ought to have some way of their own of protecting themselves. I can only reiterate that this is one of the greatest days of my life. I feel assured that this meeting will be productive of good. I do not ask anything for myself, but I do ask that the benefit of the doubt be given to my Native brethren.

The Premier: Friends! Mahuta, Kaihau, Chiefs and representatives of Waikato, Taupo, and other parts of this great Island here assembled to-day, I am delighted to meet you and kindly great you; and in doing so I desire to express to you on behalf of the Government and the pakehas of New Zealand our heartfelt good wishes towards you. You are responsible to your people for your New Zealand our heartfelt good wishes towards you. You are responsible to your people for your deeds and words; and as I feel that they will indorse what you have said, I wish now to pay great attention to those matters you have brought under my notice. Te Heuheu, the first speaker, though he said he was alone on this great occasion, I know represents in person, in mind, and in speech the people of which he is the head. I know that each of the rangatiras before they came here to-day had well considered what was to be put before me as Native Minister and as the head of the Government. For some time past there has been a desire on the part of the Native chiefs and the Native people generally to remove the clouds that have for some little time hung between them and the Europeans, and the meeting of to-day with the representative of our beloved sovereign the Queen has done much in that direction.

The Treaty of Waitangi.

It was through the Treaty of Waitangi that the Native chiefs, on behalf of their people, marked their confidence in the Queen, and placed their lands—which means life to them—under the care of the Government. They called upon the Queen their mother to succour them, and relied upon her to do justice to her children of the Native race. Your ancestors were far-seeing men. They foresaw that in this colony there would be a large European population; that the Europeans would almost be as numerous as the trees of the forest. They also foresaw that those of their race whom they loved so well, unless they had the protection of our gracious Queen, their lands and lives would be in danger. It is with regret that I have to admit that that treaty, which at the time was so well considered, and which was drawn in such a manner as had it been maintained in its entirety the interests of both races would have been safeguarded, has been departed from. I regret there has been a serious departure from it. The younger generations not being so wise, and not seeing the dangers surrounding them, were, I think responsible for urging a departure from that treaty, and the troubles that have arisen therefrom. Impecuniosity and a desire to sell lands privately to get money is partly reponsible for this But, enough, in respect to the difficulties of the immediate past which have arisen. We are here to-day to endeavour to remove those difficulties—to see how we can best give effect to what remains. I have already said that there has been a departure from the treaty, The principal departure was in respect to private dealing with the Native lands. Designing Europeans asked that there should be free trade in Native lands—that the Natives should be allowed to deal with their lands as they liked. The result was that land disappeared from them as the snow before the noonday sun disappeared from the mountain tops. His Excellency was pleased to remark on the discontinuance of the growing of corn and wheat by the Natives, an industry which your forefathers engaged in for food and for export. I know the reason for this. Your lands which grew this corn and potatoes have gone from you. You sold these lands, when you had the right under what is known as free trade in Native land. Knowing the value of these lands which grew the grain, the Europeans, at far under their value, got possession of them. The result is that many of you have now got no land at all. Where is the land of the Waikatos? It has gone. It was owing to the departure from the Treaty of Waitangi that trouble arose between the two races. I am there fore not at all surprised that those who have still some land remaining are very desirous of knowing what will be done with it. The fact that there are so many landless Natives makes it all the more difficult to deal with their cases. The few about that have land are most anxious as to what shall be done; and you naturally say to me, as head of the Government, "Advise us; let us know what to do with the land that remains." It is true that a Bill was sent to Parliament on their behalf page break

[gap — reason: illegible]
The meeting between His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, and Mahuta with other Chiefs of the Waikato Tribe, at Government House, Auckland, 18th March, 1899.
Mahuta Addressing the Governor (Hon. Mr. Carroll Interpreting).
Te tutakitanga o te Kawana raua ko te Pirimia, ki a Mahuta ratou ko nga Rangatira o te Iwi a Warkata, ki te Whare o te Kawana Akarana, 18 o Maehe, 1899.
Ko Mahuta E Whai-Korero Ana ki Te Kawana (Ko Honore Timi Kara te Kai-whakamaori).

page 85by Mr. Kaihau, their member. That Bill had some provisions in it which were good. The principle of having papatupu and unimproved lands thrown open for settlement was sound, but it was over the manner of doing it that the difficulty has arisen. The Government also submitted a Bill providing for dealing with Native lands; and I desire that this assembly should clearly and distinctly know that we cannot allow large tracts of land to remain unimproved and uncultivated; it is not for the good of either race.

Boards composed of Europeans and Natives.

As a means of dealing with that land, we proposed that there should be Boards, and that these Boards should be composed of representatives of the Europeans and representatives of the native race. Some Native urged that the Boards should be composed wholly of Natives. Now, experience has taught us that until they understand better our system, the doings of any such Board would probably result in the land being swallowed up by the costs of the lawyers. As we have teachers in our schools for our children, so we believe that it would be well at the commencement to have the Boards composed of both Europeans and Natives, to enable titles to be given which would not be the cause of endless litigation. Let us submit a scheme which Parliament would approve of. I am prepared to agree to a proposal that Native owning the land should alone send their chiefs to sit with Europeans?the Board to deal with the Native land. If after a time we find such a system working well, we could further extend it in the direction you wish. I speak to you as a father would speak to his children. As the Minister to the Native race, I have taken a solemn obligation that I would perform my duties fairly and impartially towards them. One of the difficulties that we have to meet with now is the providing for those Natives in the Waikato, and in other parts of the colony, who, either from confiscation or the wasting or the selling of their lands, are now landless. I wish the chiefs in the various parts of the colony who have still a large amount of land to gather together and discuss the question of dealing with the papatupu and other Native-owned land. I would like to see them set apart some of this for the landless Natives, and ask the Government, with the chiefs, to allocate that land, so that all of those without means of support? especially those in the Waikato—might be provided for.

Representation of King Natives in Legislative council.

I now come to the question of the Waikatos, and those on the west coast of the North Island, being represented in the Legislative Council. This matter Mr. Kaihau referred to. With due sense of the grave responsibility thrown upon me, I tell you that it is to Parliament that your mother the Queen and your well-wishers would say you that you must go for relief. The Parliament of Great Britain is superior to the Queen herself, and the Parliament of New Zealand is superior to the people: it is superior to the Government. Parliament is the safeguard: it is the protector of your lives and property.

Special Representation: Natives in the House of Representatives.

Parliament in its wisdom gave representation to the Natives race in the House of Representatives. Four members are elected to look after your interests there. Much of the good that has been done in the past to the Native race has resulted from that representation.

West Coast Representative in the Legislative Council.

Whilst representation has been specially provided for in the House of Representatives, I think at the same time it is well within the Constitution that there ought to be a fair representation of the Native race in the Legislative Council. At present the South Island has a Native representative in the Legislative Council, and there is also one there from the east coast of the east coast of the North Island. There is, however, no representative from the Waikato and from the west coast of the North Island. Knowing that to be the case, I intended, through Mr. Kaihau, if the Natives on the west coast and in the Waikato?and the Ngatimaniapotos particularly?desired to be represented in the Council, to recommend accordingly. I further said that there was no one more fitted to represent your people there than Mahuta, the lineal descendant of that great chief Potatau. I wish to have your mind upon the subject, because the representative of the Queen never offers an appointment which will be refused. As the representatives of the Queen we are not prepared to tender advice until we know that those for whose good it is given are willing to accept the position. I say again, that if Mahuta was in Parliament, and in that branch of the Legislature to which I have alluded, he would be able to do great good for the people. Mr. Kaihau is in one House endeavouring to pass through that branch laws for the good of his race, and if he was ably assisted by other great rangatiras in the other branch of the Legislature there would be much better chance of getting the laws passed which they desire. Kaihau will tell you of the difficulties he has in obtaining support in his House. It would be a fitting ending of the Native business to see the rangatiras going to parliament, and, with their pakeha fellow-members, helping to pass laws for the good of both races. Let the chiefs confer upon this subject. Let them well consider it, because it is of great page 86importance to them. It is a matter which the Government do not press; we do not wish for a moment to force it upon you; all that we do is simply to give you our minds, and leave it to your good sense to decide. The honour of being appointed a Legislative Councillor is one of the highest that Her Majesty's representative could confer, and there would be nothing derogatory to Mahutu in accepting it. I have been often asked to give to your chiefs and to the world generally the views of the Government upon the question. One of the great chiefs who was a member of the Council has passed away, and there is now a vacancy, which will be kept open for a little while longer, until the Native chiefs of the Waikato and west coast have had time to consider the matters I have mentioned to you. When you have come to a conclusion let me have your mind upon the subject. I feel sure that with proper representation there the difficulties respecting your land would be dispelled. It would help to clear away the doubts which exist in respect to the rating of land not benefited by expenditure on roads. It would help to assist in bringing about a satisfactory conclusion respecting the dog-tax. I know that you wish to have the responsibility cast upon you, but it is Parliament alone that can do this.

Imposition and Collection of Dog-tax.

As to the dog-tax, there are some districts where there is no settlement of any consequence and where there are no sheep. I will tell you what has been done by the Mongonui County Council. An arrangement has been made between the Council and the chief to the effect that if any destruction of sheep or annoyance is caused by Native dogs, the Natives themselves will undertake to destroy the offending dogs, but if any annoyance is caused by the settlers, then the dog-tax will be collected. In other words, the settling of this question is left entirely to the chiefs. This is the arrangement come to between the local body and the chiefs and though there is no authority in law for it, yet by mutual arrangement it is working most satisfactorily indeed. I am of opinion that if this question were submitted to Parliament, and especially if Mahuta and other chiefs were in the other branch of the Legislature to place their views before Parliament, laws would be passed in the direction of removing the annoyance. The settlers tell me that since that arrangement was made they have never had any trouble with the Natives dogs. As compared with the land question, which is of vital importance, the question of dealing with the dog-tax laws is small indeed. I know that the position in respect to the Native lands and the purchasing of them is not in a satisfactory condition. It is therefore the duty of the Natives themselves to see that they have representation in both branches of the Legislature, which will enable them to pass laws for the good of both races.

Investigation of Native Titles, and Abolition of Native Land Court.

I have been asked that we should not investigate any more title. I have been requested to keep the papatupu land as it is at the present time, until we pass better laws on the subject. I am prepared to consider that as the law now stands, it would probably be in the interests of the Native race to allow these lands to remain as they are until such time as an amendment of the laws affecting Native lands takes place. Some law should be passed which will not permit the younger generation of the Natives to make away with these lands, to the detriment of their tribes and themselves on the question of title being settled.

Reserves for Educational and Religious Purposes.

Another large question which is also of vital importance, and which would be better dealt with if we had direct representations from the Waikato and West Coast tribes, is the reserves which have been given in years gone by for public and other purposes. The children of those who gave those lands for education, for religious, and for other purposes are now landless. Notwithstanding this, they have never reaped any benefit from those reserves for the reason that the conditions imposed have never been carried out. It is very hard indeed to know that the direct representatives of your ancestors who made those reserves have had nothing done for them in return. In most cases the trust has not been carried out. This is a matter which Parliament alone can deal with, and which it certainly ought to deal with in the interests of the trust and in the interests of the Native race. I think I have shown you what should engage your early attention, and if you move on the lines I have indicated, the result will be for your good. It will give you what was intended by your ancestors, and it is a duty you owe to your ancestors, to yourselves, and to your children, that these matters should not be left longer undealt with. The sooner they are taken in hand by Parliament the better for you.

Summary of Matters requiring Attention.

I will now summarise, according to their importance, the several matters which I have submitted for your early and earnest attention. The first is the question of administration by the Native race, and the establishment of Boards intrusted with sufficient powers to properly look after the lands. Then we have the question of Native reserves: these should be dealt with on page break

[gap — reason: illegible]
The Meeting between His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, and Mahuta with other Chiefs of the Waikato Tribe, at Government House, Auckland, 18th March, 1899.
The Premier Welcoming the Chiefs.
Te tutakitanga o te Kawana raua ko te Pirimia ki a Mahuta ratou ko etahi o nga Rangatira o te iwi o Waikato, ki te Whare o te Kawana. Akarana, 18 o Maehe, 1899.
Te Pirimia E Hariru ana Ki Nga Rangatira.

page 87the lines intended by your ancestors when they considered them for the good of your children. The question of the landless Natives and the settlement of the Natives upon the lands, instead of existing as you are to-day, without working, is also of great importance, At present your lives are being wasted. If you had homes of your own, probably the evil that now exists would be for ever removed. Then comes the question of the rating of the Native lands, and the altering of the law so not to inflict hardship upon the owners of land which is producing nothing. As the law stands at present it practically debars land from being dealt with, although, notwithstanding this, rates have to be paid. I will now explain the law, to show you how its bearing upon you differs from the effect it has upon Europeans. If a European cannot let his house in town he applies to the local body, which is compelled to exempt it from rates. Now, the Natives cannot get tenants, and they cannot go on the lands themselves, and though the land is within a certain distance of the road, rates have to be paid, and this means slow confiscation: this is a matter which demands your early attention and the attention of Parliament. The next question is in respect to the dog tax, and to placing the responsibility upon the Natives themselves, so that they can easily make local arrangements between themselves and the local bodies. At present the law is defective, but it must be upheld. What would, in my opinion, best help you to bring about a settlement in this and other matters would be the representation in the Legislative Council to which I have already referred. The representative of Her majesty the Queen, on the advice of his Ministers, can act in this matter. It is in his power to make the appointment. It may be said that this is a matter that should not be discussed—that is responsibility cast upon the Ministers of the day and upon the Governor. That is the constitutional position. It is, however, in my opinion for the good of both races that we should take counsel together in respect to it. You allege that you have well-founded grievances, and that matters have not been done for your good. Parliament is all-powerful, and it lies with Parliament to redress that which is unjust. If injustice exists, Parliaments is open to you as it is open to the Europeans; and my earnest advice to you, therefore, is to look to Parliament, and if you do that, and follow on the lines I have indicated, you will find that good will result. Such a thing would be a fitting ending to this great day—the greatest, in fact, for the Native race for many years. I say it is only right that you should take counsel together on these subjects, felling assured that if you act in the way suggested justice will be done. I heartily reciprocate the good wished you have expressed towards me and towards the Government, and also towards the European people of this colony. Though we differ in some respects, we both conform to the laws of our Queen.

Maoris have no Desire to have Separate Authority.

To-day it was very pleasant for me, as it was also for the Governor, to have your assurance that there was never the slightest desire on your part to set up a separate authority, or that you ignored the authority of the queen or of Parliament. Now that that misunderstanding has been removed—I hope for all time—may this day be the beginning of an era of harmony and love; may we go on together enjoying those blessings provided by Our Creator; may prosperity be ours; and may the difficulties, anxieties, and worries that have surrounded us be for ever removed. May you increase in numbers and become powerful as in days gone by. To-day will be known as the day of reunion; to-day will be looked upon by both races as a renewal of that confidence which existed at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. It can now be truthfully said that there is not a single tribe or hapu of the Native race that is not in harmony with our laws. They all recognise our Queen and earnestly desire to promote the well-being and happiness of both races. In conclusion, I can only express my gratitude to those who have helped to promote this meeting. It has been worth all the trouble and anxiety involved, because the result will more than repay that trouble. I hope you will all return home safely. Please convey to those at your kaingas my sincere and heartfelt good wished and assurance that anything that can be done on my part and on the part of the Government will be cheerfully done. Furthermore, I believe that anything that Parliament does will be for your everlasting good.

Native Chiefs desire to have Reports of Meetings Printed.

It has been suggested to me that the report of what has been done may be printed and circulated in the Native languages, so that those of the Native race may have the report of the proceedings correctly placed before them. I with pleasure accede to that request. I will have the report circulated through the Kahiti as an inset.

I conclusion, may He who watches over both races take you into His loving charge, and preserve, sustain, and keep you.

Mr. Kaihau: It is just as well that I should say a few words with reference to certain of the matters that have been mentioned to-day. It is with pleasure we heard that the Premier consents to certain words given expression to at the end of this meeting—to the effect that the chiefs should set to work in earnest to get some representative of their own appointed to the Upper House, to support those who are struggling in the House of Representatives to have Bills passed. This can be answered very shortly. Consent can, of course, be easily page 88given, but there will be a good deal of discussion before it is absolutely settled. I mentioned that in the past, when Sir Donald McLean was in the Government, it was stated by him that he was desirous of making some return to the Natives who had suffered severely during the waikato war. I will not detain you long. After that came Sir George Grey. In his last message he told them that he was agreeable that they should set up amongst themselves council to take into consideration their own affairs, but that the laws of the colony were averse to it. Moreover, he was desirous of returning certain thousands of acres to those who had suffered during the war; and the only thing that prevented this being done was the existing law. It is the same thing that they are advocating now. These people represent the Waikato people. All our desires are now in your possession. There is nothing outside of what is before the Government. The only thing that was left was that there should be a meeting at which you could meet these people face to face. If through want of authority there is anything in the Bill which you think dangerous to the Natives, that could be considered. With reference to your advice to the chiefs to consider these matters: well, all I can say is that all our considerations are in that Bill; but it is quite right that you should put your views before us as you have done. These Natives are landless because the whole of their land has been confiscated. Originally they were owners of the land. Therefore I say that it is for the person who has got the goods to consider as to the disposal of them. You have got the whole power in your hands. I am standing here naked. I am standing naked, and the sun and the rain are beating down upon me. Therefore I say it is needless trying any one else; the whole thing is in yours and Mahuta's hands. We have nothing to do now but wait result. What I plainly feel is that if these matters are favourably considered these men will set all that straight. This is my reply to you. Let there be good feelling existing between us all.

The Premier: Mahuta and I will settle these matters, but he will require to go to wellington. Both of us desire to see them settled in the interests of both races.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington—1990.