TAUP0.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1671, 23 April 1862, Page 3

TAUPO.

[From the “ Maori Messenger, ’’ April 15th.] The Resident Magistrate of Taupo, Mr. Law, reports most favourably of the Natives of his extensive district, there being a general willingness to accept the civil institutions of Sir George Grey, and an honest admission that they are suitable to the present circumstances of the Native people, giving them a voice in the government of their own affairs. Mr. Law was solicited by the Chiefs ot Tokaanu, Tahataharoa, and other places, to form his judical establishment at their respective settlements, but he deemed it advisable to locate himself at Oruanui, where arrangements are being made for the appointment of assessors, and for the election of presidents and members of thp now realized Runangas. The Taupo Natives are said to be more moral than their neighbours, and are extremely hospitable. They are industrious too, notwithstanding the remote distance of their country from the market towns. There are a large number of cattle, and each village, we are assured, has an abundant supply of milk, though at the present time they make no butter. They have 2000 sheep, and at present on hand four or five tons of wool, which they are unable to convey to the sea ports, there being no road. They have resolved to weave their wool into blankets, the spinning and weaving machinery having arrived from England, in Auckland, some time ago; and will, we are informed, shortly be set up at the Taupo Mission Station. Ploughs, and other farming utensils have been procured from Cooks’ Straits and Napier, at great cost, and no ordinary amount of labour and perseverance. Relative to roads, Mr. Law informs us that “ the Natives of Oruanui and other villages” decided to recommence the line of way they were “making on their own land prior to the breaking out of hostilities at Taranaki;” and on the occasion of Mr. Law’s "visit, many of the Maori “ from the East side of the lake were at Ahuriri, making roads for the Provincial Government.” This state of things is very pleasing, and reflects great credit upon the exemplary Missionary of the district, the Rev. Mr. Grace. There are several tribes located in the Taupo countiy. The Ngatituwharetoa is the dominant one; its principal Chief is Te Heuheu Iwikau, a Maori poet of celebrity, and a man of large influence, even beyond the limits of his tribal boundaries, being a great political leader amongst the land-holding section of the Native population. The next people in importance, are the Ngatiraukawa, “ a very powerful tribe inhabiting the country extending from Maungatautari to the West side of Taupo.” A portion of it is at present residing along the shores of Cook’s Straits. Mr. Law was cordially welcomed by Matewaia and other leading Chiefs of the Ngatiraukawa; and though they profess to be one in politics with the Upper Waikatos, they would have gladly accepted his services as Resident Magistrate, but he was obliged to decline their pressing invitation. “ I think I'was successful,” says Mr. Law, “in dispelling the doubts expressed by some of the old men here. I was asked by an old man why His Excellency did not give these good things before? and the Maori ended his speech with the following expressions:—‘lf these things (i.e., the civil institutions) had been granted to us before, there would not have been a King Native in Taupo.’ However, he continued, *we believe that the Governor means well, and we accept the new system.”'