THE MAORI "PROPHET."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13709, 27 March 1908, Page 6

THE MAORI "PROPHET."

INFLUENCE IN THE UREWERA.

NATIVE MINISTER'S FIRMNESS

[BY TKLKGRAFJI. — OWN CORRESPONDENT! ]

Wir vkatane, Thursday. An* important conference was held at iiuatoki on Wednesday between the Maori chiefs of the district and the Minister for Native Affairs respecting the mining rights of native lands in the Crewera district. The Hon. J. Carroll drove to Ruatoki from Whakatane, accompanied by Te Hetiheu Tukina, of Taupo, and Taupe and Met'ito, chiefs of the Ngatiawa. The Minister received an enthusiastic welcome at Kianga from the chiefs and about 500 natives, assembled for the conference. The wily .Una was absent from the gathering, withstanding his statement to his followers, on the Whakatane beach, after his conference with "the Prime Minister on Monday, to the effect that he did not intend to go against the Government any longer, but would " fix it all up on Wednesday." A telegram from Mr. Carroll to the Prime Minister yesterday stated that Rua cleared out just before he (Mr. Carroll) got there. "They tried to detain him,*' wired Mr. Curroll, "but he would not stay, and has apparently left for home. He left his principal men behind and a section of the people, and we had a great, korero. . There is very bad feeling between the two sections, which 1 did my best to allay.'' The division in the natives referred to by Mr. Carroll was very apparent at the gathering. The loyal fCererus formed one large group, and the followers of Rua, distinguished by their long hair, comprised another. The Minister for Native Affairs was welcomed by Rakuraku, Kereru, Jlaiihari, Paora Kingi, Penetito, To Wliakanua, Te Wharekotua, and other chiefs. At the outset of the proceedings the strange influence of the absent Rua made itself 'felt. Huriinui, a leading chief, who had been left behind by Rua, presumably as his mouthpiece, claimed for Rua. that he was the brother of the Saviour. The loyal chief Kereru sprang promptly to his feet, and Waftnly threatened to adjourn the gathering if such foolish talk were indulged in. ■■ It was evident that things had reached such an acute stage between the rival factions that but for the visit of the Native Minister serious trouble might have arisen. The leading chiefs eagerly seized the opportunity of laying before Mr. Carrol) their grievances, displaying a good deal of feeling towards one another. The Minister, in a strong, but kindly speech, called upon Hurunui to give tip Rua, who was bringing misfortune upon them. If they had grievances, as they alleged, and ventilated them in the proper way, they would receive the full consideration they merited. Returning later for their decision, the Minister found the views of the Ruaites greatly modified, and in pressing the matter home obtained a promise from them to consider falling into line with the law. This has paved the way for dealing with their land matters, and explaining recent legislation and the proposals for opening up the country for pros-. pecting. A further meeting will take place on Friday, when it is expected negotiations will be completed. ; .