THE SURVEY OF THE KING COUNTRY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3877, 20 December 1883, Page 3

THE SURVEY OF THE KING COUNTRY.

Auckland, This day

Mr Percy Smith, the Chief Surveyor, met the natiA-es yesterday in front of Rewi's house, Kihikihi.'to explain matters relating to the survey of the King country. Rewi opened the meeting by saying he had agreed with tho Government that a triangulation survey should be carried out. Ho had gii-en that into Mr Bryce's hand. That AA'ill bo paid for by tho Government. Mr Smith: I have already ordered a triangulation survey, Avhich ivill probably be commenced next Aveek, also other surveys. The boundary surveys from Pirongia to Ruapehu is done, but from Ruapebu to tho AVhite Cliffs has yet to be surveyed, also from Pirongia to Kaivhia, and I do not think the Avork can be completed in twelve months. After discussing, the Ngatimanipoto, Avhen the meeting closed, expressed a Avish that the survey should go on at once at the price stated, £1000, which will be done. Mr Cussen stated that, if not interfered Avith, and with fair weather, tho triangular survey would be done in eighteen months. Ilauauru and other natives will meet Tawhia and Major Te AVhcoro at AVhatiAvhatioe, and hold a public meeting to-day. Despite tho opposition offered by a section of the Ngatihauas yesterday the triangulation survey of the King country will be gone on with. The opposition of the Ngatihauas is evidently fostered by surveyors and other interested parties, and it is hardly likely that the good advice given by the Native Minister will bo attended to. The triangulation survey is of course the first step to be taken, and then the application of the chiefs to have tho King country surveyed in one block can be proceeded with. This Avork of itself will be a vast undertaking. It contains 3,700,000 acres, and at say three halfpence per acre, a failprice, would cost something like £22,000. Thou will follow the surveys of tho tribal territories, and afterwards those of SndiAi'duals. As Mr Bryce explained to the objecting parties yesterday neither the first survey nor yet that of inter-tribal could possibly prejudice the claims of individual owners.