THE CORONATION CONTINGENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 77, 2 April 1902, Page 3

THE CORONATION CONTINGENT.

Arrangements are now being- made for *he selection of the twenty-four Maoris who are to form part of fhe New Zealand Contingent for the King's Coronation. Mr Hone Heke, M.H.R., is to choose, the six natives who will fill the quota from the North Auckland district, and Mr Henare Kaihau, M.H.R., is attending to the selection of the six from his district, which embraces Waikato, King Country, Taranaki, and the West Coast down to Wellington. It is understood that each of the principal tribes shall be represented in the contingent. Tlie conditions laid down by the Government are that the members of the Maori detachment shall be between nineteen and thirty years of age, not less than 38 inches round the chest, and not less than sft lOin in height, men six feet in height preferred. They must also be of "rangatira" descent (or of good blood, as Europeans would put it), and of good bearing and character. Mr Heke intends in the choice of the six from his district tq have the Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aopouri and Ngatiwhatua tribes represented. The chosen men are to proceed as soon as possible to the military camp at Trentham, Wellington, to undergo foot and mounted drill, and will be supplied with uniforms, etc., by the Government, and also wdth £20 each as pay and pocket money for their trip to England. A number of Lower Waikato' Maoris are at present in town in connection with. a land case which is now being heard at the Government Buildings by the Native- Commissioner, over which Mr H. G. Seth-Smith is presiding, and which is exercising the functions of a Land Court and a Validation, and Appeal Court, under one of the Acts of last session. The ease in dispute is one in connection with the native title to four subdivisions of the Opuatia block, on the western bank of the Waikato River, opposite Tuakau and Mercer. Karaka te Aho and party, of the Ngati-teata tribe, are applying for the re-investigation of their claims to the land; they are opposed by members of the Ngati-tipa tribe, in whose names the orders for the land are at present. The case will "last a day or two yet.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day

It is officially announced that for the Coronation Contingent four men will be selected from the First Contingent, seven each from the Second and Third, fourteen each from the Fourth and Fifth. The Government will lind uniforms and quarters during mobilisation, also passages, and a lump sum of £20 for each man. The Imperial Government in'ovide free quarters in England.