NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1619, 29 April 1879, Page 3

NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

[Press Special Wire.]

PROPOSALS Oft TltK NORTHERN TRIBES,

- Arc.trr.ANO, April 28. A meeting at; which | the terms of the proposals to Waikato were discussed and agreed on, was held at Kawakawa Hall on April 14th. The proposals read as follows : These are the proposals of Ngapuhi and Te Rarewa to Waikato : 1. Tawhio should consent to the seven proposals made by Sir G. Grey to him at the meeting held at Hikurangi on 10th May, 18/8, because old Dakeha proverbs say, “ Half a loaf is better than no bread.”

2. If Waikato persists in demanding the restoration of all the lands confiscated, these are the words of Ngapuhi and Te Rarewa: The great laws of England are open to Waikato, and they can lay their grievance before, the British Parliament. The international tribunals of Europe are also open to them to determine all difficult questions in dispute, such as disputes about land in Waikato and Taranaki, which can be settled in the same manner as the disputes between Turkey and Russia were—by arbitration—by the representatives of European powers by tho Berlin treaty. 3. These also are the words of Ngapuhi, and Te Rarewa to the Maori King and Te Whiti : Neither those two nor their people should attempt to obstruct the construction of railways and telegraphs over lands which have been lawfully purchased, because these great public works are for the benefit of both Europeans and Natives. These proposals will be read at the meeting nt To Kopua, and will be supported by the great body of the representatives of Ngapuhi and Te Rarewa, who have been specially elected by Maori committees. MINISTERS AND NGAPUHI. Sir G. Grey replied to the address presented to him in the North as follows“ 1 thank you very heartily fjr your address. You may depend on it that Mr Sheehan and myself will do our utmost to promote the interests of the district. To-day we shall have time to discuss matters of local concern. I am sure you will find the Government anxious in every way to help you. I hope you will bring before us the matters connected with your welfare,” A long discussion ensued of no general interest. The Natives asked more aid to local schools and a railway to Kawakawa. Ministers promised favorable consideration to tho requests. A banquet was then given by the Natives in the hall, Maihihi Brown Kiwiti being in the chair, with Sir G. Grey on his right and Mr Sheehan on his left. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts wore drunk. MINISTERS AND THE KOPUA MEETING. Auckland, April 28. It is positively stated that Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan will not go to the King meeting until an absolute invitation has been received. It is also reported that the Kingites intend to send an invitation as soon as they have arranged upon their preliminary programme.