Colonel Greer also reported on the return of the people from the ranges (AJHR A5, 1865, pp. 31-32):

Most of the Ngaiterangi people have returned to their settlements. They have only partially given up Pai Marire; those who remain out state they will not interfere with those who have come in, but that they will draw a line from the Wairoa, across by Te Ranga and from those toward Maketu, and that neither Queen ’ s natives nor Pakeha must cross it: of course that would be to undo all that has been done and take back the land.

I have sent Mr Rice up to Hori Tupaea ’ s settlement in the ranges (where I hear there is a prophet, and a good number of Pai Marire Maoris collected) to see what they are up to.

The reports about East Cape natives coming to attack Maketu are, as usual, conflicting. I don ’ t think they will do anything of the sort, but the fact is, the eyes of all Maoridom are on Taranaki - there is the headquarters of their “ Atua ” or God: and if he cannot drive the Pakeha into the sea there, I think they will give up as a bad bargain, all over this side of the Island.

Rice commented further on Pai Marire and the relations with Government (AJHR E4 1865, p. 15).

Since my last communication I have been constantly upon the road in this district, visiting the camp grounds in the ranges of the Pai Marire proselytes.

With few exceptions the whole of the Natives on the western side of this district have already returned to the coast, in some instances willingly, in others with apparent reluctance; they have in some cases brought with them the determination to continue the worship to their “ Niu ” or “ Atua ” , and in one, that of the Piri Rakau tribe, positively declined giving it up, asserting that if compelled to do so, their intention is to return to their mountain camps again. It is now stated that another and a superior disciple of the Atua “ Hau ” will shortly visit them and convince even the incredulous of the truth of this new god and offer further powers to present believers.

Much has been said about the crops now ripe, as to the desirability of allowing those who persist in this worship to avail themselves of them, lest after digging and part consumption, they should return fortified to back up any belligerent movement now in contemplation. The officer commanding this district has however in every instance instructed me to inform these people that so long as they remain peacefully at home, no notice will be taken of them, but in any case, should they attempt anything like preparation for a lengthened stay in the event of their return to the Bush, such preparations will be taken as evidence of an intention antagonistic to the Government. The Natives themselves have stated to me “ Our intentions were not hostile in going out, and we anticipate in future to plant largely inland, as we find the land yields two-fold: we shall, therefore, be sometimes inland and at others on the Coast. ” Whether this is or is not the real reason, or the result of fear, doubts, or some plan not yet matured, at present remains in the dark.

A short time since a report was circulated that Tupaea, Tamihana