4

to return to their former possessions at Taranaki (when their presence could only increase the troubles that already beset the question in that province), rendered the present negotiation with them one of no small delicacy and difficulty, which might, in any way mismanaged, affect the general tranquillity of the country. I was induced, therefore, to assent to reserves of considerable extent being assigned to them in the various bays they were then inhabiting, with which they appeared to be fully satisfied. A plan, exhibiting these reserves, is herewith furnished for his Excellency's information.

29. To this part of the country, from its past associations, the natives attach great importance, as the scene of many hard-fought battles and of final conquest: the great resort, moreover, in former years, of whale ships from different parts of the world, with whom they carried on a lucrative trade. They could also, at all seasons of the year, resort to its well-sheltered bays and harbours for supplies of fish.

30. As expressive of the national interest felt by them for the place, one of the principal chiefs, Ropoama Te One, the last of several who had spoken, in a most emphatic harangue, in which he alluded to these various circumstances, struck into the ground at my feet a greenstone adze, saying, in their usual style of metaphor, "Now that we have for ever launched this land into the sea, we hereby make over to you, as a lasting evidence of its surrender, this adze, named Paiwhenua, which we have always highly prized from having regained it in battle, after it was used by our enemies to kill two of our most celebrated chiefs, Te Pehi and Pokaitara. Money vanishes and disappears, but this greenstone will endure, as durable a witness of our act, as the land itself, which we have now, under the shining sun of this day, transferred to you for ever." I allude to this incident that it may, if necessary, be referred to hereafter as an evidence of the importance attached by this tribe to the treaty now concluded, and a striking circumstance likely to be long remembered by them.

31. From Queen Charlotte Sound I crossed by the Anakiwa Pass to the Kaituna and Pelorus valleys. At the Kaituna, the extent of reserve which I deemed necessary for the Ngatikaia tribe residing there, was three hundred (300) acres. Out of this extent I have to recommend that an individual crown grant be issued to the chief Hura Kopapa. The position of the reserve has been pointed out in the presence of the natives interested, but I had not then time to have it surveyed.

32. In addition to these reserve, a landing-place for canoes, at a place called Pareuka, was requested by Kopapa; its extent, as pointed out to me, will not exceed ten (10) acres. A very long pa, occupied by this tribe at a place called Motueka, is likely to be the only site available in that locality for a township. If it should really be required for this purpose, the natives agree to relinquish it; if not, then I would submit that it be reserved for them. Should a town be laid out there, I would submit that Huea and Manihere ought to receive, by way of compensation, four (4) of the town sections of fair average value. I trust that his Excellency will be pleased to sanction this proposal.

33. From Kaituna the next visit was paid to the Hoiere, or Pelorus river, to fix the reserves and cultivations for the natives residing there. When these had been decided on, as shown in the plan herewith furnished, the Ngatikain, formerly the owners of the beautiful and fertile valleys of the Hoere and Kaituna, now reduced in number to about fifty (50) souls, were paid one hundred pounds (£100) in extinction of their title, with which sum they appeared well satisfied, it being the first time, since the conquest, that their claims had in any way been recognized.

34. I next proceeded to the Croixelles harbour, but I found that the chief of that place had preceded me to Nelson; where I afterwards decided the reserves to be allotted to himself and his people, the Ngatikoata, and paid them a sum of one hundred pounds (£100) for all their claims.

35. Before going to Nelson I called at Wakapuaka, where a section of the Ngatitama live. These declined to give up any portion of the land held by them at that place; as they considered it not more than sufficient for their own subsistence: they object also to its being sold, without their consent, by their relations in the North Island; and as the land they hold is not of much greater extent than they would really require as a revenue, I did not deem it prudent at present to urge a settlement of this particular question upon them.

36. The only tribe having claims upon this purchase, whom it was impossible for me to visit, are a small remnant of the Ngaitaha, about twenty-five (25) in number, residing at Arahura, on the West Coast, a remote, and, as yet, almost inaccessible part of the country. From a settlement of their claim I do not apprehend any difficulty; but, as a matter of justice, if the district is occupied by Europeans, a revenue of three hundred (300) or four hundred (400) acres should be secured to them; together with a small amount of compensation for their claims.

37. In conducting this purchase through its several stages, involving the interests of so many different and differently disposed tribes;