re-assumed the government of the Colony, visited the west coast settlements, and invited Wi Tako to meet him at Otaki. The rebel chief at first refused to receive the Governor except in his own pah and under the "King's" flag; but through the personal influence of Dr. Featherston, he was ultimately induced to come out and meet his Excellency on neutral ground. Wi Tako afterwards took the oath of allegiance, and is now a valuable Government ally; but for a considerable time both he and his tribe were on the verge of open rebellion. In the Wellington Council Chamber there is a fine painting—paid for by public subscription—representing Dr. Featherston, as Superintendent of the Province, with Wi Tako and the veteran chief Epuni at his side, a picture full of historic interest to those who remember the early struggles of this part of the Colony.
Ihaia Porutu is a young chief of a highly intelligent type, who lives in European fashion and conducts a small farm of his own in the valley of the Hutt. He is the son of Te Rira Porutu, who was a staunch friend of the Colonists in the early days of the Wellington Settlement. He is a native magistrate, and one of the assessors of the Native Lands Court.
Wi Parata and Wi Tamihana are chiefs of the Ngatiawa tribe, the former being now one of the Maori representatives in the General Assembly.
The writers of the other letters are representative chiefs of the warlike clans of Wanganui. Aperaniko's letter recalls the tragic events of Moutoa. In the year 1863, a band of Hauhau fanatics were making a
