[Translation.]

The tribes that met at Whakatane on the 9th of May, 1876, were the Nagatiawa the Ngatipukeko, the Patuai, the Urewera, and the Arawa, where discussion commenced regarding the Pokohu [a block of land leased by Government at Rangitaiki]. The person who introduced this subject was Ranagi Tukehu, whose thoughts were directed towards advances made to some tribes on the Pokohu and other places. The object of this elderly man in bringing forward this subject was to express his disapprobation with respect to money paid to certain tribes.

The Taweras called a meeting at Te Umuhika for the purpose of subscribing moneys for a flourmill, and there, on the 17th of May, 1876, an inquiry commenced [on land matters]. A proposal was made to Tukehu, relative to the selection of a committee to sit during the investigation [of the Pokohu land], to which he agreed.

The inquiry lasted two days and two nights, and then the committee withdrew to consider its decision in relation to the money advances on which were based the grounds of Tukehu's complaint. The judgment of the committee was, that the moneys had been advanced to the right parties on the lands owned by them [i.e., within the Pokohu Block]. Tukehu was found to be wrong, but right with respect to certain localities which were his own. "Now, O friends! the advances made by Government on those lands as to right have been fully established." There were 300 persons present.