THE NATIVE MEETING.

Evening Star, Issue 5041, 1 May 1879, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING.

ALEXANDRA, April 30. Some Europeans here are betting odds that the meeting will end in nothing definite, but your special’s opinion is that they will be disappointed. The construction of a trunk railway to Taranaki may be a matter of years, as at present the Natives will not consent to it. Great pressure will be brought to bear on Tawhia) to prevent his accepting salary from the Government, which the Natives think would undermine his independence and practically render him subservient to the Government. The friends of the Government here' state that they think the railway to Taranaki is not regarded as a sine quA von of the success of the present meeting. The Kingifces are anxious about the truth of the rumor that the land near Haraipapi promised them has been sold. Manubiri says it was distinctly promised to be restored by Sir D. M‘Lean, and that Sir Donald offered Tawhiao a salary, which was refused. It is also said that the land at Haurapapi is only surveyed and not alienated. Your special thinks that any opposition raised by the settlers at the present juncture to the restoration of the land might complicate matters. To-day Mr Von Sturmer, R.M., and Mr Rees arrived, and were met by Rewi, who invited them to see the house prepared for Sir G, Grey and Mi; Sheehan. Major Jackson, who stood by, asked Rewi to stand on the verandah and state whether he approved. of Sir George Grey’s proposals, and what programme he intended to propose. Rewi replied—- “ I have told you before that I invite Grey here; I have nothing to say further than that.” Rewi then took Mr Rees by the hand and led him away. The following is the latest Ministerial programme : —Turning the first sod ; Ministers return to Noarawhea, and take steamer to Alexandra direct and proceed in canoes to Te Kopua on Friday morning. They will have a magnificent reception.