The address was interpreted to Lord Onslow by Mr. Clendon, R. M. The following is the translation:—

February 1, 1890. To you, Onslow, Governor of New Zealand. Greetings to you,—We, the chiefs of the people of the Waikato tribe, Maoris of New Zealand, salute you as a stranger at this time of Jubilee that has been instituted by the Governor, and the Europeans, and our former ancestors, that it should remain ill this land, in this district of the Waitemata, in the year 1840 until now this 50th year of the Jubilee. Now, we are glad of your coming here, and also of the arrival of the other Governors, and of the chiefs and important people of these colonies, and of the Admiral of the seas, who is administering the authority of the Queen, and protecting the seas of our colonies. We are also glad of the coming amongst us of the Ministers of your Government, to prepare for your arrival, that you and your friends might see us here on this day. Welcome, welcome to Waitemata, in the love and affection of the Maori chiefs, of the Governors who wore appointed from the commencement. Welcome also on account of the union of the two peoples—the Europeans and the Maoris—by the naming of the Jubilee of the colony, and on account of the thought of the aggrandisement of our colony by this Jubilee. Let us, therefore, pronounce in your presence our appreciation to the chiefs and Committee of this Jubilee, and also to the people of Auckland who have requested us to come here to carry on the sports for our Jubilee, and also for their kindness to us. We desire that this good feeling should always remain between the two peoples, Europeans and Maoris, and we also desire the health and welfare of yourself, and your lady, and your family.—from Wi Te Wheoro.

His Excellency the Governor replied as follows, Mr. Clendon again interpreting:—"To Te Wheoro and people of Waikato,—To be the first Governor who has received an address of loyalty to the Queen of England from the natives of the Waikato is a great pleasure to me. Englishmen believe their institutions and their forms of Government to be the best in the world; at any rate, it has enabled them, where other nations of Europe, with different forms of Government have failed, to people every part of the globe, and to bring Christianity and civilisation to countless native tribes. In bidding you share with us on equal terms in these forms of government, and by opening to you our law Courts and our Parliament Houses, we believe we are doing page 96 our best to show you that there is to be no difference in the future between our races; that the strife which lasted so long between us is over for ever, and that any good thing which centuries of civilisation has taught us is now the property of the Maori. The Queen, whom we all reverence for her blameless life, and her affection for her people, shall know the part which you have taken in celebrating the fiftieth year of her dominion over New Zealand."

After His Excellency's reply, Te Wheoro uttered some words of welcome, and a war dance was given by the natives. The Whakataua, or principal war canoe, was then prepared; and Lord Onslow, Admiral Scott, Sir John and Lady Thurston, Miss Thurston, and the rest of the party embarked in it to proceed to Paul Tuhaere's settlement at Orakei. The large canoe was followed by the second canoe, the Whakatiwai, in which the Hon. Mr. Mitchelson was seated. On arrival at Orakei it was found that the principal canoe could not approach the shore so near as to allow the party to land from it, and the Governor and the other gentlemen who were with him were taken ashore on the backs of stalwart Maoris, whilst the ladies were carried by natives whose arms were extended in a chair fashion. The Maoris at Paul's settlement welcomed their distinguished visitors, and the Maori? who had accompanied them from Devonport, and all of the natives, then assembled together and gave the war dance with great spirit and enthusiasm. Another address was shortly afterwards presented to Lord Onslow on behalf of the Hauraki natives by the Chief Paul, Mr. Clendon interpreting. His Excellency having replied, the visitors were shown through the settlement by Paul. A number of Maori maidens them danced the "poi" dance, and the vice-regal party returned to the city shortly after twelve o'clock.