THE HON. AIR. McLEAN AT OHINEMURI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1846, 14 December 1869, Page 5

THE HON. AIR. McLEAN AT OHINEMURI.

The following official report lias been handed to us for publication :—

The Hon. the Native Minister and party, consisting of H. T. Clarke, Esq., Civil Commissioner, E. W. Puekey, Esq., accompanied by Te Moananui and several other chiefs, left Grahainstowu on the morning of the Bth instant, for Ohinemuri, reaching Rapata's settlement late in the evening of the same day.

Shortly after the arrival of the steamer, a message was received by Mr. McLean from Te Hira, requesting that the contemplated meeting might cake place at the house known as "Te Whakahaere o Hauraki," whither the steamer proceeded on the following morning. The house had been prepared forthe reception Of Mi-. Maclean and L"s party. Bapata a>;d his frieuds were first on the ground. Te Hira and his following (about twenty-five in number), advanced with a Hauh.au tlag, and with the usual welcome of " Haeremai, haeremai." After repeating a ilauhau prayer, and some short time having elapsed, Reihana, on behalf of Te Hira, welcomed Mr. McLean.

Speeches of a friendly nature were made on both sides, in which, however, no allusion took place hi reference to the question of opening up the Ohinemuri country for gold mining purposes. After a considerable time, Reihaua, addressing himself to Mr. McLean, inquired whether the only object he had iu view in coining to see them was to renew their old friendship, or whether there was not some other subject on which he wished to speak to them. Mr. McLean replied that there was another subject on which he wished to speak to them, and one which was very closely allied with the peace of Hauraki—an object which they had expressed themselves as so anxious to attain. He alluded to the goldfield alleged to exist in that neighbourhood. Opinion being divided between Te Hira and other chiefs as. to the advisability or otherwise of throwing open the land at Ohinemuri for gold mining purposes, he (Mr. McLean) was anxious to hear what each party had to say on the subject. Te Hira, after several had spoken, in a very temperate speech, represented that the southern boundary of the goldfield at present opened, viz., Omahu, had been determined by the pakehas and the chiefs favorable to gold mining, but not by himself or any of his followers ; that a very small portion of the laud had been left to him ; that he was not favorable at present to the opening up of Ohinemuri, but that he wished to look around him for awhile and see the light break. He complained of the Europeans ranging over Ohinemuri and requested that they "might be ordered back. °

Mr. McLean, iu reply, said that he was assailed iu all quarters about the opening up of that portion of the district for gold-minin" purposes. Feeling contideut thaUdie welfare of Hauraki depended on it, he was anxious to promote the peaceful and beneficial occupation of the district, and to develop the riches supposed to exist there, and which were unknown to their ancestors. That the pakehas did not desire their lands save for the purpose of developing the resources, which were of no value if not worked. A proposition to divide the laud equitably between the claimants was rejected, as they wished for time to consider the question. I Te Hira's tone is much altered, and he I seems inclined to concede. Tho prospect of ! opening up the country is better than ever, but any undue pressure brought to bear on the opposing natives —many of whom are to be found amongst those professing to be friendly must inevitably damage the present favorable aspect of matters, and frustrate the object in view. It is known that many of those natives who outwardly profess to be in favor of openin" up the field, arc, in truth, instigating Te Him to hold out. The meeting terminated late in the afternoon, and Mr. Puckey visited Te Hira in the evening. Next morning Mr. McLean had a meetin<* with Rapata and his people, who promised to be guided by Mr. McLean's advice. The old chief, Taraia, spoke strongly in favor of opening tho field. Mr. McLean then took leave of the natives, amongst whom were several of Te Hira's supporters, who were very cordial. By agreement, Mr. McLean then met a party of diggers at Mr. Cashel's. He explained to them frankly the exact position iu which his interview with Te Hira had left the question. He hoped that they would not retard the prospect of opening up the district by any vasU, illegal, or premature aotion on their parts, and returned to Shortland on Friday afternoon. Mr. McLean arrived iu AucUland on. Saturday. And now for a word of advice: If the diggers persist in hanging about the place, or if an attempt is made illegally to prospect,

the successful termination of the negotiation for the throwing open of the field may be indefinitely postponed. In their own interest, therefore, and in that of the country, let them wait, relying upon the efforts which will bo made by the Government to effect the object in view. "With regard to the Shortland beach t[uestion, the statement which lias been going the rounds of the papers, to the effect that Mr. McLean informed a deputation, which waited upon him at Shortland, that the titles to lauds be'ow high water mark, and included iu (lie sehedule'to the Sliorlland Beach Act of last session, were to be decided by the Native Lands Court, is quite incorrect; Mr. McLean made no such statement. The title of natives to lands below high water mark has been recognised —first, by section l> of Gohlllehls Act Amendment Act, ISISS ; second, by Mr. Mackay on behalf of the Government; and, subsequently, by the shortland .Beach Act, 1S0S). The Government is bound to recognise and adhere to the law as it stands ; and this is practically what Mr. McLean told (he deputation of' Kuropcaus who waited upon him, and the native chiefs in their different interviews with him.