LARGE MEETING OF NATIVES AT OHINISMURI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1899, 16 February 1870, Page 4

LARGE MEETING OF NATIVES AT OHINISMURI.

i Yesterday's " Times" says':— "We were informed by a person who came down the river yesterday, that affairs at Ohinei muri are assuming a moat threatening aspect. The late action taken by Mary Kuru and other native women lias the full approval of the men, who are determined to pursue the same course. The natives—that is, a section of them—are decided not to allow any more I surveying on their land, and refuse to recognise tho claims of those who have already made arrangements for the purchase of some of the blocks. A very large meeting was held yesterday morning, and warm words were made use of by some of the speakers, some advocating the opening of the '.and to the diggers, as the Government refused to treat with them. Tliey put foward that as To Kooti is now away from the district, their land should bo either bought by the Government or allowed to pass the Native Lands Court, so that they might dispose of it to whom they liked. The opposition party contended that neither the Govern meuf. nor private persons had any riirht to interfere with their land. Kepa, one of tho owners of land about Ohinemuri, came down to Shortland yesterday, and says lie is willing to give his block to either the Government, or, if they will not accept to the miners. He ofibrs, if the miners will give lihn their minors' rights' fees, he will give them liberty to mine 011 his land."