TAWHIAO LEVYING A DOG TAX.
PROSPECT OF TROUBLE WITH THE GOVERNMENT. IBy Telegraph, i (Our Own Correspondent. J Taueanga, This Dat. Some tronble iB brewing here with reference to dog tax amongst the natives. The Tauranga Maoris are under Tawhaio's mana, and his representative, Te Mete Raukawa, a well-educated halt-caste of high standing, tells the natives that all dogs must be registered with him, he having receipt books, and he will have collars ready on Satnrday, the fee being below the European one. Should any dog belonging to natives worry sheep or do any other damage, the case must be tried before To Mote, who will assess the damages. Ho hays the matter was thoroughly threshed out by the Maori Parliament, and under the Treaty of Waitangi the natives are allowed to deal with all matters affecting themselves. The local natives agree to adhere to Tawhiao, and refuse to pay dog tax to the County Council, determining to go to gaol first.