OHINEMURI. — MAIL, TELEGRAPH, AND GOLD.

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

OHINEMURI. — MAIL, TELEGRAPH, AND GOLD.

A meeting of natives at Paeroa, on the loth instant, at which Dr. Pollen and Mr. James Mackay, jun., were present, is reported at considerable length by the Thames Advertiser. The proceedings do not appear to have been vevy satisfactory, .is our readers are aware, telegrams were stopped crossing by messenger to Tauraugy, by way of Ohiuemuri, and the meeiiug was partly in consequence of this action by Tukukino. .Vlr. Mackay, during the interview, said that he was simply concerned in tho telegraph; Dr. Pollen would talk to them about the mail and gold. He also read letters from JNgatikoi, relating to tho telegraph construction, when Te Moauanui aud other natives ridiculed the writers, aud said that Tβ llira alone had control. Mr. Mackay is reported to have said that "he aud Dr. Pollen hat. come, having heard some rumours about gold prospecting. He read a letter he had received, and said that they cams at once to ascertain the truth. On their way they had called on Te Hira at Te firau, aud heard what he had to say, and informed him that what had beeu formerly decided upon would be fully carried out, namely, that if they wished to open the land or keep it closed to diggers, well and good ; it lay with them to d'j as they thought best." The report then continues : " Mntaiii said there were two questions he would like settled—one was as to Europeans going in the bush, whether for gold prospecting he did not know ; the other was the mail.—Te Moanauui said that the mail was an eld sore. The telegraph question cropped up afterwards. He had explained to Mr. Puckey and Wi Hopihona his ideas as to the mail service. With regard to the telegraph he might say that it had been understood that if anything underhand were attempted the arrangements would be upset. However, he thought this mail was, with the gold, a Government question, and it was therefore right that Dr. Pollen should come and let them know what his opinions were on these subjects.—Tukukiuo stated he had heard about the carrying of telegrams from certain parties, aud went on to relate what had happened when he stopped the native messenger. —Dr. Pollen said he was not going to say anything about the telegraph ; that was in Mr. Mackay's hands. With regard to the land and the gold, lie might say that they had already iieard from him that nothing would be linne in these matters without their consent ; but before proceeding further, he would like to know how '.hey knew that diggers were out prospecting.—Tukukiuo replied that both, he and Te Moana had seen four men carrying swags and mining tools (dishes and shovels). —Dr. Pollen then said that on his return to Bhortland he would request the diggers to keep away from the district, so as to avoid trouble. With, regard to the mail service, he might say that he had appointed Mr. Austin as postmaster, to receive letters for natives and Europeans in this district. The letters which had been sent over to Katikati and Tauranga were telegrams, and uot ordinary letters. He had thought that, as the telegraph was being constructed, there would have been no objection to the sending of telegrams. However, it was for them to decide.—Te Moananui thought that the wire and mail had better go by the same road.—Mataia asked what Mr. Mackay had heard about the gold prospecting. Had he heard that any particular person had given his consent ? —Mr. Mackay said what he had heard turned out to be false. He read some letters he had received, and the answers he had given. H e thought that certain jealous individuals had been at work trying to cause confusion. He gaye an account of what he had done, and said he had not attempted to do things in aa underhand way."

It is plain that matters are not so very satisfactory at Okinemuri as could be wished, but there is some satisfaction in knowing that the telegraph coiisiruction will not be interfered with. We trust all well-disposed persons will aid the Government -Agent in his eflbrts to conciliate the natives. Nothing can be gained by " teasing" them; and interference with the plans of the authorised agents of the Government will only end in confusion. If Ohinemuri tan be opened, Dr. Pollen and Mr. Mackay are not the men to throw obstacles in the way,'