THE NATIVES.

Marlborough Press, Volume II, Issue 104, 27 December 1861, Page 3

THE NATIVES.

The last overland mail from Auckland brings no favourable account of the disposition of the Upper Waikato tribes. They have refused either to visit the Governor, or to meet him in Lower Waikato, whither his Excellency was proceeding by appointment They add that if the Governor has any proposal to make, he knows the road to their district, having visited it during his previous administration of the Government of the colony. In the face of these discouragements, his Excellency is industriously circulating his proposals amongst the natives of New Zealand for their future government. It will be observed that all reference to the disturbing causes which have led her Majesty and himself to desire peace between the races are avoided; and that even the question of roads, on which so much depends the future of the colony, is left wholly to the discretion of the natives. Compensation. The Lord Worsley brought the appointment of A. A. Atkinson, G. Hi Burton, and W. Halse, Esqrs., to conduct certain enquiries connected with the Taranaki Relief Fund, previous to its distribution. The Board commenced its sittings yesterday. The examination appears chiefly to be directed towards ascertaining who are the parties entitled to the relief, with due regard to the relations of landlord and tenant, and the interests of third parties; and also what (if any) stock or other property has been recovered since the claims were investigated by Mr. Sewell. It is rumoured that Lieutenant-General Cameron, C. 8., and Staff, may be expected at Taranaki almost immediately on a short visit.