THE TAURANGA DIFFICULTY SETTLED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5494, 26 June 1879, Page 5

THE TAURANGA DIFFICULTY SETTLED.

[BY TELEGRAPH, PROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] Tacramga, Wednesday. The Hinemoa arrived at S o'clock yesterday morning, bringing the Hen. the Native Minister; Mr. Lewis, Under-Secretary; Mr. J. C. Toung, Land Purchase Agent; with a number of chiefs. The steamer anchored off Whareroa settlement, where all the principal chiefs, including Tβ Pirirakau, had already assembled. The party were met by Mr. Brabant, K.M., Major Koberts, Judge Wilson, and Mr. Hopkins Clarke on board, and the whole party immediately left for the shore, and, on landing at Williams's Wharf, were received by Mr. Warbrick (who had proceeded early in the morning to make suitable arrangements with the chiefs Enoka and Ngatai for the reception), with the whole of the natives, who had assembled together ia the usual Maori custom on such occasions. Speeches of welcome were delivered, after which, food was berally distributed to the guests. Immediately after, the party again assembled, when questions affecting the Ngaiterangi proper were fully discussed betwixt themselves and the Minister — Mr. Hopkins Clarke acting as interpreter ; after whieb, the Pirirakau people were allowed an opportunity of explaining the cause of their recent hostile attitude towards certain settlers at Tβ Puna. After full explanations on both sides, and the discusaions lasting till 7 o'clock, the obstructionists informed the Native Minister that they would leave the adjustment oE their troubles to Parliament; and, in the meantime, there will be no aggressions on their part, and they hoped the settlers would act in the same conciliatory spirit; but in the event of any difficulty arising, that both parties should refer the question in dispute to the District Commissioner, and, if necessary, to the Native Minister, for final adjustment. Everything appears now to bo on a satisfactory ba&is, and it is to be hoped that thie Pirirakau bubble his for ever exploded. After the meeting, the Ngaiterangi chiefs presented Mr. with a valuable kiwi mat, and other flax mr.ts of equal value. The whole affair wan a great success, and discloses the fact that .f native affaira are treated in the way they should be, as is now the case, the so-called uativo difficulties of to-day would, long ere '•. iis, have ceased to exist. Late in the even! ig, the Hinemoa, with the party, loft direct for Wellington, Major Roberts being added to the party. The fallowing telegram was received by thePren. rsr to-day :—"Tauranga, June 25 : "I hav* seen the Pirirakau, and think I have set led all things fairly. They have agreed t>i refrain from all interference with private persons, and abide inquiries made by the Go> irnment as to any cuuse of complaint which they may have. I met them at Wn-xreroa along with Ngaitorangi; they very friendly and civil, and parted with me on the very best terms. I made minute inquiries as to the report of the threatened burning down of settlers' houses, and it was fonnd that only one man had said that : he had spoken under excitement and great anger. I will give you full information on my return to Wellington.— J. SnEKTAX."