NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 901, 17 December 1867, Page 3

NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

(From tho 'Southern Cross,' Deo. 12.)

The Maoris have been very busy planting at Raglan. They have endured great privations both from want of food and raiment, and they have had no means of purchasing cither. Rumours from Kawhia state that "nuggetty gold" has been found by the Maoris at Taupo ; the nuggets were picked out of a land-slip. Upwards of thirty petitions have been forwarded to the Government from settlers and natives of Poverty Bay, praying that a Compensation Court may be opened there for adjustment of claims without loss of time.

Our Upper Thames correspondent reparts that grim Death has been busy of late amongst the Maori residents in that district, and the resources of the natives have been stretched to the uttermost extent to provide the requisite extensive supplies of provisions to meet the wantsof the large assemblages expected to take part in the tangis. A grandson of Taraia, and nephew of'Te Hira, died of consumption on November 25 ; and on December 1, Taraia's wife succumbed, after a long illness. The assistance of Te Moananui appears to have been expected in supplying food for the feast : and should this not be forthcoming, it is probable the crying will not be alone for the departed ones. The principal article of diet now remaining for consumption is stated to be fernroot, their potatoes having been consumed some time ago. As the natives may bo said in some measure to have reduced themselves to sucir extremities by their perverseness in keeping their lands closed against gold-prospecting, it is to be hoped that the comparative affluence of the Lower Thames native landowners will have its effect iii inducing Te Hira and his followers to withdraw their absurd objection to the Upper Thames being thoroughly prospected and worked to the advantage of both races, if found auriferous. We have a very gratifying indication of the onward march of civilisation amongst the Queen and .King Maoris, when we find it recorded in our Upper .Thames correspondent's letter that the fTerviees of land surveyors are in demand, in order that Crown titles may bcproQiired, and which, it would appear, are esteemed at their full value. The Ngatihaua tribe have expended, within the past year, close upon two thousands pounds in the payment of surveyors for this work ; and some of the most violent Xingitcs arc now on the point of having their lands surveyed. It is also stated that they are now disposed to lease, but not to sell their lands.