NATIVE MINISTER AT OTOROHANGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8530, 2 April 1891, Page 5

NATIVE MINISTER AT OTOROHANGA.

[BY telegraph.—own CORRESPONDENT.] Otorohanga, Wednesday. The Native Minister and party arrived ab Otorohanga at half-past four. They were met by a largo assemblage of the principal natives and cordially welcomed. Soon after thoir arrival a meeting was held in the Public Hall, eighty , natives being present. Tho welcome was repeated, according bo the native custom, as Minister and party approached the building. The principal chiefs present were :—Wahanui, Taonui, 'JCe Kanawa, Te Aroa, Te Naunau (Ngatimaniapoto tribe) Hone Kaore Taenua (Ngatihikairo tribe); Hitiri Paerata, Hauraki Ha pa pa, Kere : kelia, Te Heuheu, Ngatiraukawa (Te Wiiaretoa tribe). Te Kooti was also present. Mr. John Ormsby first addressed the meeting, and strongly urged the removal of all restrictions from land held by the natives in the King Country as passed through the Native Lands Court. ' This means the Government's withdrawal from pre-emptive right to purchase, and practical reversion to free trade in native land. He also strongly urged the desirability of the simplification of the native land laws generally, and a large reduction in the stamp duties payable on native lands sold. Several influential chiefs followed, entirely endorsing Mr. Ormsby's views. The Minister took copious notes, and will postpone his reply until all the natives have spoken. A concert is to be held here to-night in aid of the organ fund of the native school, and the Minister decided to adjourn until to-morrow, at ten o'clock, and will attend the entertainment. He has arranged a private interview with To Kooti previous to to-morrow's meeting. It is rather a coincidence that this is the anniversary of the Governor's visit here last year. Mr. Eraser, caretaker of the Waitomo Caves, has ridden down to invite the party to visit the caves. The visitors will decide to-morrow whether they can accept it.