Enclosure.
Memorandum by Mr. McLean, C.M.G.

The Minister for Native Affairs is certain that His Excellency will be glad to hear that during a late visit to Whanganni and Taranaki he has been enabled to adjust various points in dispute in connection with land boundaries and other matters which had for some time been a cause of irritation among Native tribes.

The boundaries of the Native reserves made in the Rangitikei-Manawatu Block have been definitely fixed, to the entire satisfaction of the Natives concerned. Arrangements have also been entered into with a view to a more accurate definition of Native rights within the confiscated territory, and for the acquisition by purchase, with the good-will of the Natives, of such portions of land as they hold within it, but do not require for their own use, and which appear desirable for European settlements.

During the Native Minister's stay in Taranaki, William King, the chief with whom originated the war of 1860, emerged for the first time since that period from his strict seclusion in the forest ranges lying between Waitara and Whanganui. The reappearance of this chief and his followers, after an absence of twelve years, has inspired great confidence among both the Europeans and the Natives of the province, who unite in regarding his presence in their midst as the most significant indication and greatest assurance of future peace which has yet been manifested in the west coast district of the Northern Island. The entry into the town was made in a most orderly manner, the Natives, to the number of about four hundred, marching in ranks through the streets to their destination at the Native Office, where, in accordance with Maori custom, they were welcomed, and invited to partake of food. Every spot in the vicinity was crowded with Europeans, many of whom had known William King years ago, and all anxious to see the old chief of whom they had heard so much.

His Excellency will notice in the speeches allusions made to an ancient Maori custom, in accordance with which the march of a chief actuated by friendly intentions along paths hitherto trodden by war-parties only, was a sign of the extinction of all hostile feelings, and of the abandonment of all thoughts of revenge for the dead who had fallen during the war. [A report is appended of the proceedings at the meeting.]

During their stay at New Plymouth, the conduct of the visitors was all that could be desired, and William King himself became a centre of attraction, the old settlers whom he remembered bringing their children for him to see, and the chief evincing great delight at the notice thus taken of him.

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The party set out from New Plymouth on the 26th instant, leaving behind them the impression among the settlers that no better augury could be found of a future state of quiet than the present resumption of amicable relations by tribes for so long a time estranged from both Europeans and friendly Natives residing within the settled districts.