NATIVE MATTERS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 5438, 6 March 1886, Page 2

NATIVE MATTERS.

Amongst Tawhaio's suite when he visited England was the chief Hori Ropiha, who since his return has been active in inciting the Natives to keep their lands free from European interference. He, it was, who got the chiefs at Taupo a little while ago to sign a memorial against the sittings of the Land Court there, and he has always been averse to Government having any dealings wnatever with the Natives. Ropiha appears to have changed his views, for he is now said to be anxious to promote the unify of the races, and this morning he led a deputation of twelve Maoris to interview Ballance. The natives came from various parts of the Island, but mostly from Taupo district. The meeting was a preliminary one, and will be continued to-morrow morning, when the real business will be entered upon. Ropiha made a very friendly speech, and was followed by Huia Tahi, from Tongariro, who presented the Minister with a white whalebone mere, a greenstone ear ornament, and £20 in notes. Ballance of course returned the notes, but the natives refused to take them, or at any rate the question of their disposal was put off till to-morrow. Ballance in his reply expressed gratification at the natives coming to Wellington to see him and talk over matters. He referred tothevisit of Tawhiao and Ropiha to England, and stated that the natives had been misled respecting it, as there could be no interference by the Home Government in New Zealand, — that the Government of New Zealand was in fact as much a Government of the Queen as the Government of England. He expressed satisfaction at the desire of Ropiha and his people for the unity of races, and said he had evidence of its sincerity by the meetings of natives to talk . over their grievances, a statement which those present received with approbation. At the commencement of the interview, and after every speech, the Maoris knelt down and chanted prayers. Among the questions they intend to bring before the Minister are the system of dealing with native lands and the North Island Trunk Railway.