WELLINGTON ITEMS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXV, Issue 7792, 24 February 1886, Page 2

WELLINGTON ITEMS.

[from our own correspondent.j WELLINGTON, Jan. 29. Mr Ballance received a telegram this afternoon, stating that the Natives at Taupo had held a large meeting to celebrate the decision of the Land Court, which settles the boundaries of the Taupo tribes and secures to them their lands. There have been great rejoicings since the decision of the Court, and at the feast Taonui and Eewi vere present and expressed approval of what had been done. It is said that there has never before been a decision of the Land Court which has met with approval on all sides. Taonui and Rewi represent the Maniopoto tribes who were at first opposed to the sitting of the Land Court, and their approval now of what has been done is indicative of an easy settlement of the Waikato lands. When it is considered that a month ago the bulk of the Taupo chiefs signed a memorial against the sitting of the Land Court, and against, the Government interfering in any way whatever with the lands, some estimate may he formed of the great tact of the Native Minister, and the wonderful confidence he has engendex-ed in the Native mind to achieve such unprecedented success. At first the Taupo Natives wished to hand over the management of their lands to Tawhiao; they would not hear of putting them through the Court. When Mr Ballance went up the coast and reasoned with them, the whole thing was talked over quietly, and a very few days after the very chiefs who hadsigned the memorial against the Land Court, almost to a man signed a counter memorial in favour of it, and Tawhiao’s influence was at zero from that time among the Taupo tribes, and it has since been waning in other directions. The Taupo Land Court opened on Jan. 14, and in 12 days the whole of the tribal boundaries of the Natives in that country have been finally settled. The area dealt with was 1,500,000 acres. This achievement speaks for itself. Its importance cannot be over-estimated. Feb. 11.

A very happy state of affaires appears to exist in relation to the Natives on the West Coast. The latest authentic account which has to-day been furnished to me, gives them credit for being peaceable and law-abiding to a degree, and shows that the alleged hostile march of some of the Natives under Titokowaru, which was reported some time back, had no significance in it beyond being connected some harmless Biblical idea originating _ in the fertile imagination of Te Whiti. Te Whiti says. Do this, and it is done. No one under his domination dreams of disobeying his instructions, which, happily, are not inimical to the peace of the country. He recognises the law and, in a negative way, helps to put it in operation; that is, he says that if one of his people offends against the law he is amenable to punishment under the law, and he will permit all information to be o-iven respecting the offenders. If, however, he is asked to aid in the_ arrest of an offender, he says: “ No, that is for you to do, not me.” As showing the disposition of the Natives, I may relate an incident which recently occurred near the Coast. |A noted Maori was suspected of horse stealing on a somewhat extensive scale. After dim enquiries and patient pursuit, he was discovered by two constables among a number of other Maoris., On being approached he took out - a knife, which he would doubtless have used effectively if he could, but he was made to drop it.

When he was arrested- his companions looked on calmly, though when he called to them for assistance they shook their heads and walked leisurely away. The Natives are, l am told, frequently found willing to point out an offender who may be wanted, and generally show a desire to put down crime in their midst. At Parihaka they are making a road through the village, and effecting sanitary improvements. The last time Mr Ballance was there he pointed out the unsatisfactory condition of their settlement, and urged them to construct a road through a certain locality. This they are now doing, and it is a significant fact that one of the most formidable of the Native fencers during the crisis at Parihaka, was a few days ago seen “ working like a nigger” on the road. These are satisfactory indications of a change in the Native mind, and that change may be attributed in a large measure to the firm but gentle rule of Mr Ballance. It -is expected that the Wellington Woollen Company will start operations in June next. A large quantity of wool has already been purchased. The machinery is due here next month, and the buildings at Korokoro are in a fair way towards completion. At an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders last night, to confirm a resolution giving power to borrow to the full extent of the capital, there were some stormy scenes, and some of the Directors were accused of not having paid their calls, but as the Press was excluded while the discussion was going on no report has been published.