TOKAANU.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 176, 15 April 1896, Page 2

TOKAANU.

The- Native Parliament was opened on the 2>';fh ultimo ;ind adjourned :it on<x> until the 7th instant owing to the al of many natives, gome of whom were detained at Parihaka annual March meeting. The numbers have been angmi at | by arrivals from all parts, representative, arriving from the Ngapuhi tribe in Qu far North. The Botorua (Ohinemutu) Native Band were expected, as also the famed Otaki Brass Band, but up t . tin present have not vet put in an appearance The "bye-law" which the "Executive" passed prohibiting reckless riding along the Queen's highway near the a •" tlement was, it appears, enacted, owino to the large number of children whoselives were thus endangered. After Constat)! Berriman's protest' the "Cabinet" me( and on the arrival of Inspector Emerson thev appeared before him and af tcrexplaii.-i! i, m were made promised to repeal and offend no more. The offence was the inflicting of a 5s fine and in default of payment the forcible seizure of the horse, thus causing much irritation. Owing to further delay in the arrival of several leading chiefs, the " Parliament" has been further adjourned until the 16tfa inst., when it is fully expected business will be commenced in earnest. At present they are in earnest over the baj business, several mobs of sheep have already succumbed to their needs and there is an ample supply of flour and potatoes. The sanitary arrangements are nil and the present state of the place, owing to the number present and want of projxt fall for drainage, is very bad, and if any very hot weather ensues it will be a fever hot bed. The mud and slush are inches deep already. The dining hall is just completed and is seven chains long. The present caucus meetings are in (Indirection of procuring signatures to a monster petition to the Queen prayino to be allowed to govern themselves,' tin" is to be sent home by ambassadors, fir which purpose funds are to be raised. There is ample accommodation for the purchasing capacity of the visitors. The local stores, well-stocked, are augmented by several "canvas" merchants and hawkers, the former having to pay an entrance fee to the settlement of about £0 for a lengthened term, while hawkers an only permitted to exhibit their wares on the payment of a fee of 5s per dieni. To Heuheu, local chief, is thepresent leading light and Secretary to the Parliament. If wet weather continues it will doubtless cause many to seek their feiangas The great majority of natives belonging to Taupo are present, with the exception of Reweti and Papanui.