THE MAORI PEISONEBS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 9, 12 May 1880, Page 3

THE MAORI PEISONEBS.

(From the Press.)

As Visiting Justice, Mr. Watt, the Besident Magistrate, on the sth May, visited the Maori prisoners at Dunedin awaiting trial, and told them that winter clothing would be supplied to such of them as required it, at the same time repuesting them to inform Mr. Caldwell of their wants. Subsequently Mr. Watt learnt, that the men were dissatisfied with the arrangement proposed, and that all wanted to be supplied with like clothing, without reference to what articles they then had. Accordingly he again visited them the next morning at the shed on the reclaimed ground, where they are employed during the day. The conversations were carried on in Maori.

Mr. Watt shortly addressed the prisoners, to the effect that hearing they were discontented with the proposed arrangement, he desired to hear what they had to say, telling them that he would not hear anything upon the political or legal question of their detention.

Tamahuki spoke at some length, demanding that all should be dressed alike. He then p oceeded to talk about their detention, but was not permitted to speak on this subject.

Mr. Watt said he had nothing to do with the question of detention ; he simply desired to see to their bodily welfare, and , that they had sufficient clothing and exercise. The Government had provided j exercise as a means of h alth for them, in the shape of supplying greenstone, to become their property when cut up. Tamahuki, attended by Te Wiremu Kingi and Te Rangipoapoa, said as they had been supplied with overcoats, the rest also required to be supplied with them. Mr. Watt said he had personally supplied these articles, but that was no reason why he should furnish 137 men with OA rercoats. He now appeared before them on behalf of the Government, and not personally, and desired to know what were their necessities for the coming winter. Te Bangipoapoa and Wiremu Kingi briefly addressed those present, pointing out that Mr Watt was then present on behalf of the Government, to learn their wants. Kingi complimented Mr. Watt on the attention he had bestowed on the prisoners. Before leaving, Mr. Watt promised to see the men again on Saturday, when each man would be provided for according to his wants.

for . remainder of beading matter, see Fourth Page.