OHINEMURI. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] February 24

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXXI, Issue 5464, 26 February 1875, Page 3

OHINEMURI. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] February 24

A mf.i i inc of natives u.is held .it Pukatci w.uralu to day. Mi Mackay began l»y saving that theio were two subjects foi discussion — one related to the cession of the lulls for goldmining, which was ai ranged when Sir Donald McLean was hcie, and the other was tho "Papatupu," or native re.seive, about which some discussion had lately taken place. The business connected with the first question was the inspection of a plan of boundary lines and .signing schedule. He was not prepared to go into that question just now, as the surveyors had not completed their plans He was not to blame for the delay. With regard to the " Papatupu " some were inclined to reserve to themselves tho right to (1l.i1 with then icspeetne pieces as they might think best, while othois considered that the "Papatupu" should beheld for the use and benefit of the -\\ holeIt was advisable that they should decide on some definite course now, so that no dissatisfaction might be caused in the future. Wi Hopihona te Popo said that he was opposed to selling, but was in favour of leasing to the Government what was not required for cultivation. Hohepa Kapene wanted to reserve to himself the right to put up a store, but Mi . Mackay told him that anything in the v ay of store-keeping by natives, beyond belling their produce, would not be countenanced. Te Hira was giving his version of the arrangement made between the natives and Sir D. McLean, but Tukukino interrupted, and said it was not advisable for anyone to speak at great length. Let there be few words and to tho point. He did not wish Europeans to erect stores within the native reseive. If that weie done he should blame Mr. Mackay. It might be true that Mr. Mackay would not authorise anyone to act in that way, but he ought to take steps to prevent it. Mr. M vck v\ said he had before suggeste d that some definite course should be decided upon, and an agreement signed, but some were in favour of do ng as they pleased with their own. It was still his opinion that the matter should be settled one way or the other at once. Hohkva te Kauhiiii spoke about certain surveys which had been made, and said that lie considered Mr. Maekay responsible. Perenikt th Kokako was in favour of doing as he like.d with his own, but of coin se did not wish to dictate to others. Te Hira said he could see plainly that they would bring matters into a mess. He then proceeded to givec\eiybody a "dressing-down," and said that theie was not one present but himself who had not taken money and goods. If left to themselves they would get into a greater difficulty, anil yet they would look to him to hold on the land for them. After a few words from Hata Paka, Pereviki te Kokako again gave his ideas on the subject. Te Hira got up and said that he had told them his opinion, and they might talk as much as they liked.it did not matter to him. He did not feel inclined to stop and listen to them, and accordingly took his departure. Te Wikjhiw in ie Hatonoa said ho was in favor of coming to a definite understanding, but would like to have some discretion left to him as to the management of his own affans. If lie had a jug, he would consider that he was best entitled to say when it should be killed, and if others killed it without his consent, he would consider them guilt of theft. Tukumino did not wish to r make any arrangement whatevei. Mr. Mvckw said he wished them to understand that the Government would not allow any private person to lease or purchase any portion of the native reserve. If they did not come to some definite arrangement now, they must not blame him in the future if some resolved to sell thoiv Irnd t') the < 1 > < . nment. Hoiiepv Te Kymumii followed in Tukukino's stiain, and Mr. Mackay said that his previous statement was sufficient, and they must not blame him, whatever might happen. Mataia went in at some length to little purpose, and several attempts were made to induce him to sit down, but he continued till the steam was blown off. Rapata Te Pokiha was in favour of leaving the native reserve in the hands of the Government. It was right they should discuss this matter. Mr. Mackay said that he had laid off certain ground as a reserve, with right of road from Thorp's to the Pacroa, and from Hikutaia to the Paeroa, and from that place onwards. It was not his intention to Jay off a number of roads, but he thought it adrisablo to lay down some fixed plan for dealing with the balance of the reserve. If that were not done, individuals would come to sell the land which had been set apart, and if the Government bought it they would only have themselves to blame. They could think over the matter. • Paora Tiunoa said that he would not agree to make the land outside the gold Held boundary a reserve to be left in To Hira's hands. He wanted each to have power to do as he liked with his own, — either to reserve, lease, or sell, as he might think proper. After a few words from Mataia in explanation, Hohepa te Raithihi said that he would state openly that he would not allow the road from Shortland to be made. He did not wish to stop travellers on foot or horseback, but he would not allow road-making. Mr. Mackay said that he had started the road to the Gorge because he found it necessary in order to convey goods, and when he thought it necessary to moke the road from Shortland he would talk to Hohepa on that subject. Roads were not now the matter in hand, and they had better leave them and stick to the point. Mataia explained why hehadformerly interfered with the survey of the road from Thorp's to tho Paeroa. Kakaitiana said everything in connection with the " Papatupu" was unsettled and it was advisable to discuss the matter in order to arrive at some definite arrangement. Haora Tarkranui said he was in favor of doing as he pleased with his own. He had agreed to give the Government authority o\ er the ranges, and that was as far as he felt inclined to go. Hata Paka said it seemed to him that Mr. Mackay and the Government had some object to gain in attempting to get authonty over the portion reserved. If they had not, tho discussion would not have been piolonged, and they would have left them to tht-ir fate Te Kokonhio said he had told them formerly tli.it he gave up his gold, but kept the land The meeting is still going on. - -Mr. Mackay has chartered the p.s. 'Effort' to take him to Am kl mrl as soon as the surveyors have finished the plans. lie is expected to start to-night. Th(i Ohinomuri correspondent of the Ihnnu -, Star gives the following as the prosent pi leos of provision* on tho goldfield :— "21b loit, Gd ; ateak, peril)., 8d. ; sugar, 7d. pei II). Other things accordingly."

(len. Tooinbes w.-w oncu asked what life thought of the Reconstruction Law. "Sir" he responded, " it fatigues the indignation !"