OPOTTKI AND BAY OF PLENTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2519, 21 February 1872, Page 7

OPOTTKI AND BAY OF PLENTY.

The Hue schooner Opotiki, the property of .vl r. Kelly, Jtf.G.A. for the East Coast district, which arrived on the 22nd nit, carried a full cargo of whale oil and maize, the produce of native labor. There were about 15 tuas of oil and 170 ba<*s of maize, which Mr. Kelly purchased from the Maoris, and disposed of in Auckland, partly for export, aud partly for home use. Of the whale oil, five tuns, we believe, havu been bought by Air. Gittos. We mention, these tacts thus prominently, because they illustrate the altered habits of the -Maoris in the Bay of Plenty district. Some years ago, as our readers are aware, the natives there wholly abandoned industrial pursuits, and gave them--selves up to war. Gradually," however, ••he\ r have returned once more to the cultivation of the soil and fishing. Jhrough Mr. Kelly they have already purchased several ploughs and harrows, and sets of harness, and the greater part of the money which they receive lor the oil and maize on board tho Opotiki will be spent in procuring lidclitious to their {'arming plant. They are anxious to purchase a combined reaping, mowing, and threshing machine, if it can be bought cheap. For the last two cr three years a native hiipu at Kaha Point, about 30 miles south of Opo'.iki, in the Bay of Plenty, have successfully followed whaling, and the oil has been brought to Auckland and sold. The present season has been tho best. i:'our boats were employed, and the total oil saved was about 20 tuns. Their example is becoming generally followed, and ten new whaleboats are being built for the natives along the coast between Opotiki and Te blaha. Three or four new whaling stations will be occupied next season. The whales appear to be more numerous along our coast than tormerly, and substantial results are anticipated.

Between Opotiki aud the East Cape the produce of maize for this season will be about 15,000 bushels. About 9000 bushfls have already passed, through. Mr. Kelly's hands, aud lie has over 3000 bushels to di.-posa of. The import duty on maize lias not benefited the producer, as liiuli prices being realised before its imposition as since.

The supply of wheat will be considerable. The natives were large growers.

"x lie European settlers (chiefly the remnant of the two companies of the VVa;kato military settlers), are growing wheat, muizi', and potatoes. The farm sections are gradually becoming occupied.