Native Affairs.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 385, 28 June 1879, Page 9

Native Affairs.

THE NxVTIYE DIFFICULTY. (per press agency.) Hawera, June 21. No Maoris have yet returned from Parihaka. It is rumored that they are on their way to plough land here. The settlers are determined to cart them back if they attempt it. It is also rumored that the Coast Road has been stopped, and that Titokowaru has been detained by Te Whiti. The Maoris still persist in saying that there will be no fighting, but at the same time they are willing to give a very large price for powder. A lot of natives have been ploughing here all day in the most cool and unconcerned manner. They say they will come and plough again to-morrow, and that afterwards they will plough at Patea. The settlers say that they will turn them off. Okato, June 21. The meeting at Parihaka is now over. It has been the largest hitherto held. Te Whiti and Tolm have instructed their people not to shed blood, but to scatter themselves over the country, aud plough all lands found vacant. A messenger is now here from Sir George Grey with letters, the purport of which is unknown. The natives are obstinate and firmer, aud believe in Te Whiti more than ever. Many new houses have been erected, and the settlement is increasing considerably.

SIR GEORGE GREY AND THE HAWERA SETTLERS. We are indebted to the Government for a copy of the following telegrams, which have passed between the settlers and Sir George Grey, and also between Major Brown and the Premier : TELEGRAM FROM THE SETTLERS TO SIR GEORGE GREY. “ Hawera, June 21. “ To the Premier, Wellington. “ The settlers are very much excited, and talk of turning the Maoris off to-morrow. The settlers meet here at 10 a.m. Please have the telegraph wire kept open for committee. “ Thos. Middlemas, “ Chairman of Committee.” TELEGRAM FROM MAJOR BROWN TO THE PREMIER, WELLINGTON. “ Hawera, June 21. “ I have been asked to attend a public meeting. The settlers are very excited, and are determined to take some action. I think they will either oppose the natives entering on the lands of the settlers, or cart the ploughmen and their ploughs across the Waingongoro. There were fifteen men and two ploughs at work on Livingstone’s land to-day. Some of the natives there have warrants out against them for theft and other offences. I recommend that these warrants be executed. There are reports that the natives threaten to plough nearer Hawera and Mopokoia. “ C. Brown, “ Civil Commissioner.” TELEGRAM FROM SIR GEORGE GREY TO MAJOR BROWN. “ Wellington, June 22.

“ Thank Mr. Middlemas for telegram to me. Am sorry to hear that the settlers are excited. This is unnecessary, for I understand there are men of singular courage and determination amongst them. Anything done under excitement, in times of disturbance, is badly done, and something takes place which always leaves reason for lasting regret. I believe also there is such strength at Hawera that the place can protect itself against any immediate danger without difficulty. Had I been able to travel I would at once have gone up there. From ignorance of any circumstances, I cannot now pretend to give complete directions to those on the spot. Much responsibility must, therefore, rest upon the authorities there ; but the best interpretation shall be put upon all they do. I understand there are warrants out against some of the natives ploughing, for theft and other offences. It must rest with the authorities on the spot to determine whether their strei gfch at Hawera, and other circumstances, render it prudent to 'execute these warrants, and whether it is most advisable to do that, or simply prevent the natives from going on the land, or to warn them off the laud ; aud if they do not go, to move them and their ploughs without insult, and quietly, from the land. I have no doubt that your own judgment will, with the full knowledge that you have of all the circumstances, point out what is the best course for you to take. But you should let the settlers understand that the great thing is to bring ou no unnecessary disturbances, and that measures will be taken to secure the permanent peace of the country ; and that if this can he done without bloodshed, and the evils which follow from an unnecessary war, all we can desire will be gained. —Some of the natives represent that what they are doing is only to call attention to wrongs which they state they have for years suffered in reference to lands promised them as compensation. Others undoubtedly are doing it under the orders of a fanatic, and there is no telling to what length the fanaticism will proceed. This is no new thing. Nearly similar circumstances took place in the County of Kent iu my youth, aud resulted in much loss of life.

“You should let them understand that there are no negotiations whatever going on with Te Whiti, and that we are quite free to take any course we think necessary ; that they may rely that evervthing possible shall be done to secure their safety ; and that I feel sure they will act with calmness, with a view to their own welfare, and to the good of the colony generally. “ The wire will he kept open all day, so that tlie settlers may keep me advised as to matters.” “ G. Grey.”

FROM MAJOR BROWN TO SIR GEORGE GREY. “Hawera, June 22, 10.30 a.m. “ To the Premier, Wellington. “ The settlers have removed the ploughmen and their teams and carts from Livingstone’s to the other side of the Waingongoro River, with only a slight tussle with one of them. The natives say that they will come back. “ C. Brown, “ Civil Commissioner.” “ Hawera, June 22, 2.15 p.m. “To the Premier, Wellington. “The report that the natives were ploughing at Normanby is incorrect. The ploughmen, carts, and teams that were moved across the Waingongoro River were increased in number to about 50, aud then the natives dispersed. The settlers used no more force than was necessary for their removal. The warrants, I think, had better not be executed yet against the ploughmen guilty of theft, &c., “ C. Brown, “ Civil Commissioner.” (PER PRESS AGENCY.) Hawera, June 23. We understand that if, after Government has done all that is possible to prevent bloodshed, hostilities should take place, it is the intention of Ministers at once to send the flying •column of Constabulary, now over 300 strong, to break up the Parihaka settlement, leaving the protection of the Taranaki frontier and the Waingongoro to the settlers in the respective districts. Major Roberts, who covered the retreat at Okatuku in the last war, has been sent for to take command of the Constabulary. Major Noakes will control affairs on the Waingongoro boundary. The Ngapuhis have offered to furnish a contingent if the Government wish it. Rewi has also said he would send five hundred Ngatimaniapotos if required. Even without the Ngatiporou contingent the Government calculate on being able to place nearly a thousand friendly natives in the disturbed district should occasion arise. It is understood that Te Whiti lately received a communication from Government containing certain proposals, which he has declined to entertain. His reply is generally unsatisfactory. When the news of the Maoris ploughing Livingston’s laud reached Patea the settlers determined that they could not allow it. At ten o’clock the Volunteers paraded, 200 being present. A meeting was held on the ground afterwards, and decided that if the Government would not give a satisfactory reply the settlers would turn the Maoris off at twelve o’clock on Sunday. The meeting having seen a telegram to Wilson, from Major Brown, instructing him to proceed to Hawera and report, resolved that as the Government seemed to dobut their statement through Captain Wilson to telegraph to the Governor the state of affairs and the action intended to be taken—that a party be formed to turn off the Maoris, and that Mr. McLean, the owner of the land opposite Mr. Livingston’s, be the leader of the party. At half-past nine on Sunday morning, when the settlers saw the natives wilfully destroying lawn, they could not wait till twelve. They therefore took the ploughs, yoked bullocks to them, and carted all off to the Waimat® Plains.

There were about 200 Europeans present at the time. The Maoris were very sulky, and said, “ Wait, you will see.” They also threatened to come back at once, saying that the land was theirs aud they intended cropping it. The settlers waited to see if they would return, determined to put them back. Returning to the Hawera meeting, Major Brown received a telegram from Sir George Grey, who advised the settlers to warn the natives off the land, and if they would not go, to cart them off without violence. Sir George Grey would never have sent this telegram if he had not beeu aware that the settlers had turned the Maoris off. The settlers are tired of the rebuffs of the Government. It was resolved at the Hawera meeting to ask the Government to send reinforcements at once. It was also decided that any future aggressor should be treated in tlie same way as those of yesterday, and that friendly natives be warned to come in within a certain time. Further, the meeting having heard that Captain Finnerty could raise one hundred men, Government be requested to accept their services. It was also resolved to request the Government that work be found for the settlers and others in building redoubts, aud that they lie ordered not to leave the district. The meeting expressed its surprise at the report of Major Noakes’ removal from the district, and requested the Government to retain him in the district. A vote of thanks to Major Noakes, for his prompt action in organising the volunteers, and his general efforts to restore confidence in the district, was carried unanimously. Livingston’s house was guarded last night by thirty volunteers, and the settlers are prepared to meet a large force of natives this morning and turn them off if necessary. The settlers are determined to protect each other to the utmost, and throw the result on the Government.

There is a large assemblage of natives at the Katemerae side of the Waingongoro, and a party camn over to resume ploughing, but were bundled off the same as the previous party. Several were, however, detained as security that none of the outsettlers should be injured. New Plymouth, June 23. The bullocks of Te Whiti’s ploughmen were impounded at Oakura during the absence of the ploughmen at Parihaka. On Saturday Wi Kamakomo demanded their release both of the poundkeeper and the commanding officer. Being refused, he threatened to tomahawk th® poundkeeper and break the pound. In the evening, during a fracas, Kamakomo was put in the mud by some Arawa members of the Armed Constabulary Force whom he had insulted. Yesterday he paid the fees, and ob*

Lined iu's bullock-:. Jit: will pioijably rtsvnue ploughing to-day. I 'atuA, June 23. There is Home excitement in L’atea. Tlie settlers are anxious, ami anticipate the worst; but are unanimously bent on supporting the I lav.era settlers, ami are extremely gratified ah the action taken, by them in carting the natives over the bridge at Waingougoro. Titokmvaru has not returned from Pariliakn, and is awaiting instructions from Te Whiti. Tliis is ominous. Te Whiti has said that his mat must be swept clean, meaning that the settlers must he swept off the land. Several of the Paten settlers role through to Hmvera this morning, ready to assist in any emergency, but were too late to join in tiie fun, as the settlers at Hawera could not wait till the time given (12 o'clock), but at halfpast 10 carted them e ver the other side of the Waingongoro with only that force that was absolutely necessary for the oco.t, ion. A further contingent of natives arrived a little later, and were for foiciug the ploughing once again, but were warned by Commissioner "Williams that the settlers were not to lie played with. They then dispersed, but it is presumed they will return in great force and attempt to go on with the ploughing. Every preparation is being made for any emergency. Patea, June 23.

There was immense excitement at Hawera yesterday when the Maori ploughmen resumed ami re-commenced ploughing on Mr. Livingston’s land as they did on,the previous day. They were again removed, however, and Major Brown escorted them over to the other side of the Waingougoro bridge. Major Noakes was about to return to Wanganui, but was stopped by a telegram with fresh orders to proceed at once to Hawera and take command of the district. A resolution was passed at Hawera to remove all native ploughmen from off the settlers’ land. Mr. Beamish, of Oeo, has been ordered to come into Ilawera, and is expected there to-day under an escort. A Kakaramea native boasted to-day that the Maoris would plough up Mr. Patterson’s laud when all was ready, and they were only waiting Te Whiti’s orders to commence. One settler said that if any native came to plough on his laud it would be the last sod he turned, as he would assuredly shoot him. The native replied that European bullets could not hurt him. Hardly any of the Patea settlors that went to Ilawera have returned yet. A party of ten natives passed through Waitotara yesterday, with cart, horses, and two bullocks, on their way to Parihaka. New Plymouth, June 24. Yesterday a party of twelve Maoris returning from Parihaka entered Loveridge’s store at Oakura, and commenced pulling the things about. They were very bouuceable, and the Constabulary had to he called in to eject them. Patea, June 25. The natives have as yet not returned to Livingston’s to resume the ploughing from which they were so summarily ejected ; but a messenger was despatched to Parihaka to consult Te Whiti and receive his instructions how to act. It is assumed that Te Whiti, in order to keep up his prestige, will instruct them to proceed with their ploughing. It is also thought probable that he may send a fresh contingent in order to assist them in their work.

Affairs are very quiet just now, but how long they will remain so is doubtful. The natives were to have ploughed at Omikia today, but there is no appearance of the ploughmen as yet.

The Kakaramea Maoris will to-day plough Patterson’s land, which is situated at a distance of some four miles from Patea ; consequently there is a party already formed to remove them, in the event of their carrying out their threats. They are already on their ivay to carry out their intentions, but it is very probable that ,tlio ploughing will be but little, as the settlers will remove the Maoris with more haste than they will be prepared for. Ten Maori men and five women passed through Patea yesterday on their way to Parihaka, with horses and bullocks. A rumor was current that telegraph communication was interrupted between Opunake and Hawera, the wires having been cut by the natives, but there is no foundation whatever for this anard. Kihikihi, June 25. Rewi desires it to be published that he knows nothing about 500 Ngatimaniayotos having been offered to the Government. It is a false statement, which he requests may be contradicted. Rewi says :—“ Y/iiy should we fight ? I and Te Whiti are one.” There is not the least probability of the Ngatimauiapotos fighting against their own people, nor assisting to oppose Te Whiti. The Ngatiruaniapotos do not want to fight with Maoris nor with Europeans. Te Whiti is evidently much sympathised with by the Maoris throughout the colony.

New Plymouth, June 25. The Maoris resumed ploughing on Mr. Courtney’s farm, atTapuae, with four ploughs, this morning. . A number of Maori bullock carts, laden with flour, are about to proceed to Parihaka. Auckland, June 25. At Cambridge, Waikato, on Saturday last, several Maoris made a raid on the Mayor of Hamilton and the engineer of the district, Mr. Breekle, owing to some dispute having arisen between Mr. Breekle and the Maoris at Hewitt’s Hotel. To avoid a disturbance these gentlemen left and went to Walker’s Hotel, but the Maoris were in full chase after them. On arriving, the Maoris found the room that contained the Mayor and Mr. Breekle locked. They then commenced to break the doors and locks. On the occupants seeing this they made a retreat through the window, and thence for refuge in a hay-loft. The Maoris kept full chase after them, and only for the sudden arrival of Reuben Parr, from Te

Awaiuutn, in cavalry uniform, some serious outrage would have been perpetrated. Fie made the course clear for the Mayor and Mr. Breekle to proceed to .Hamilton in safety once more. The Maoris then strolled down the street, with the full intention of assaulting the first white man they met. Unfortunately it occurred to a recruit of the A.O. Eorce, who, however, on seeing what was likely to happen to him, took leg-bail round Hewitt's corner and down Duke-street, with the Maoris after him like a pack of bloodhounds, when he rushed into Camp’s shop for protection. Immediately afterwards the Maoris rushed into the shop, and caught him before he got to the back of the counter. Camp had to sot to, and get the Kuropean out of doors, but not till ho bad received some severe blows. .During this time the European got away at full speed, running iuto John Houghton’s store through side door, and into the back yard, where be was followed bv the Mauris. A miner named Douglass put a stop to their further advance.

GOVERN MEIN T TE 03 Git AM. The following telegrams have been placed at our disposal by the Premier : 11.50 a.m. Much the same party—about fifteen men—havegone to Livingston’s to resume ploughing. The natives are collecting on the other si le of the bridge. The settlors are removing the ploughing party. 1 lave received telegram rc Major aoakes returning here. I will let it be known. It will satisfy everyone, give confidence, and bring everything into order. 12.30 p.m.

Ploughmen not armed. It is only rumored that natives collecting on the other side of the bridge are armed ; but cannot ascertain. 1.24 p.m. Ploughing party were removed. “ Hawera, June 24. “ Captain Good arrived from Oeo yesterday. He met the ploughing party after they had been turned off. They looked ‘ pouri ’ and crestfallen. Indirectly, I learn that they have sent a messenger to Parihaka for instructions, and will not resume ploughing this day. They have not put in an appearance at any of the places threatened as yet.” “ Hawera, June 24. “ The great majority of the natives on the Plains appear to bo keeping aloof from the ploughing policy of Te Whiti. “C. Brown.” “Hawera, June 25. “No sign of any ploughing parties. The settlors have nearly completed re-laying the turf by hand that was turned over by the ploughs on Mr. Livingston’s lawn. After being rolled, it will not show much sign of damage. Home ten men, four women, and cart and horses, are now passing through from Wanganui to Parihaka. “C. Brown.” “New Plymouth, Wednesday. “ Four natives are ploughing at Tapac. The natives say that Te Whiti lias told them to plough away till the place is full ot soldiers, then his power will appear. “ W. Rennell, for Civil Commissioner.” “Tauranga, June 25. “ Have seen the Pirarakau, and think I have settled all things fairly. They have agreed to refrain from all interference with private persons, and abide inquiries made by Government as to any cause of complaint w-hich they may have. I met them at Whararoa along with Ngaterangi. They were very friendly and civil, and parted with me on the very beat terms. I made minute inquiries as to report of threatened burning down of settlers’ houses, and it was found that only one man had said so, and that he had spoken under excitement and great anger. Will give you full information about it on my return to W ellington. “J. Sheehan.”

THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO THE NORTH. (per press agency.) Auckland, June 21. The Governor proceeded to Cambridge yesterday, and was welcomed by 260 natives. Two thousand people were present, and an address was presented by the Town Board. Tana Te Waharoa, sou of the late William Thompson, presented a Maori address. The Governor, in reply, expressed a hope that he would be able to pay a future visit to the Maoris. The following Hauhau address was presented to the Governor :—“ This is a welcome to you from behind the mountains. Friend, — Salutations. Come and see the King of this Island, and hear whether liis doings are good or bad, whether they are for death or for life. This is all.—From all the Ngatihauhauhau here at Cambridge. (Signed) Te Temuiiuta Whakeratai, Tangimoana, Horori, Hone Wet at.”

While Rewi was in the carriage with the Governor, a Hauhau chief called out to Rewi insultingly —“ Go, go, go, ray brother, go. As you see good for yourself, go. You will not get me and others (meaning the King party.) Go, dog, go. I won’t think much of you now, as you find tiie European food so sweet to your tongue.” Rewi, who sat behind the Governor, rose in the carriage and said : I was hospitably entertained by pakehas, it is true ; but I had a greater object in going down to my European friends than you make out, and not the object attributed to me [meaning he did not go to be bought]. Ac Kihikihi the whole community turned out, aud Itewi’s wife welcomed the Governor. A valuable ancestral heirloom, supposed to be a hundred and tiftv years old, was presented to the Governor by a Ngatimaniapoto chief of Te Kopua, and a relative of Rewi’s.

The Governor was well received at Te Awamutu, where he inspected the Waikato Cavalry under Major Jackson. His Excellency complimented the troop, and paid a tri.bat - t f praise to the spirit of self-reliance evident throughout the colony, llis Excellency said he did not know anything which so much

gratified him as did the spirit manifest' : ’ the willingness of the men to come f->nv : : end lie trained for active service on b<T..i’t . * their country. Self-government mi rht 1 landed, but in the self-reliant spirit exhio";-.-d lie beheld the true foundation of a r ill :i\-: greatness, arul in New Zealand he v ' h basements of a great country. The Gov.-m r concluded with a tribute of commend itinn t the efficiency and soldier-like behavior of file men. Major JACKSON responded, thanking the Governor for his kind remarks, and called for cheers, which were given heartily. Rewt, whose words were interpreted by Mr. Grace, said : Officers and men, I have simply to say that I hope fighting and all this sort of thing will bo put aside, and that we, the two races of this island, will be one. His Excellency then proposed three cheers for Rewi Maniapoto, which were given heartily. The Governor lias left for Ohaupo. THE GOVERNOR AND REWI. (PER PRESS AGENCY.) Auckland, June 20. At the first interview between Rewi and the Governor the latter asked Rewi if he would not like to visit the South, where the population was greater aud the industries on a larger scale. Rewi replied that it would be a nice thing to go, but he would only do so when the Europeans aud Maoris became united. Rewi also said he was iu a delicate position between the Europeans and the Maoris. Ho was anxious to work, with the Government, but the Maori King must be dealt with as a wild or timid animal.

A conversation then ensued respecting a visit by the Governor to the King country. Rewi said he would be willing to meet the Governor at Taupo after conferring with his own people. Rewi subsequently wrote the following letter :

“Auckland, June 19, 1579. “ To Governor Robinson—salutations. My first word to you relates to the boundary of space of the grounds belonging to me aud my child Tawhiao and our tribes [meaning the tribes belonging to Tawhiao aud Rewi]. That line is being decided upon by me aud my assemblage of chiefs aud .Sir George Grey aud John Sheehan. They have the papers of that line. I and my rangatiras say ‘ Let there be no departure from your words, or let the word which is spoken remain. Agree to Sir George Grey and Sheehan.’ My word is, let no Maoris or Europeans generally come and make confusion relative to the space within the proposed boundary, so that what we may do or have to say may go smoothly along for good, without anything interfering, and so that the great things may be arrived at, which are contemplated to be done.

“ Mangarewiiuia Maniopoto.” It is understood that the Governor will formally reply to-day. His Excellency, with Mr. Sheehan and suite and Rewi, proceeded to Waikato to-day by special train. The Governor, after visiting Hamilton, proceeds to Cambridge to review the cavalry, returning to towu on Saturday. Rewi goes to Kihikihi, where he will probably call a meeting with the King to decide as to future steps. 10 p.m. Rewi has sent the following address for publication in the Star :—“ Salutations to the Europeans of Auckland. Having visited your town after the absence of so many years, I was much pleased by the hospitality shown me. This is my word to you all : Be careful in assisting the Government and my people in the administration of affairs, and then the settlement of our difficulties will be the certain result. I wish you to know the Governor and my party have come thus far on our journey (Mercer) in safety, and I am pleased to come with the Governor through this once isolated country. We are now on a new line of railroad, and we have also struck out a new line of policy [meaning a pacific one]. Let us go in future hand in hand together.—From your true friend, Rewi Maniapoto.”

MR. HOBBS ON NATIVE MATTERS. (PER PRESS AGENCY. ) Auckland, June 24. Mr. Hobbs, in his speech to the electors at Otahuhu, said his main impression had been that Sir G. Grey was to accept the portfolio of Native Minister as well as acting as Premier; and he might say there was no one more fitted to administer the Native Department. lie was undeceived, however, when the Hon. Mr. Sheehan went to Parihaka and demanded the surrender of Hiroki, the murderer, and coming back afterwards looking rather foolish. He was satisfied that Sir G. Grey would do nothing like that. The war, which now seemed inevitable, and which he believed would be the last Maori war, might be traced to that Parihaka meeting, for there could be no doubt that the efFect of it was to give Te Whiti an inflated idea of his own importance. He had gone to the native meeting at Te Kopua in order to see and to hear for himself, and lie was obliged to admit that it had a very depressing effect upon him. He could assure the Government that they ought to place a person on the frontier to give them reliable information and to act with fidelity. True Mr. Grace had beeu recently sent there. He was a good native scholar, but then his time was taken up iu giving orders upon the different storekeepers for goods of all kinds, and he thought if the vouchers could be got they would find that the native meeting was a frightfully expensive affair. He believed Sir George Grey did quite right in breaking it up, for there was no option. They never recognised him until he went away, but treated him with contempt, especially the more fanatic of the l •'animus. They seemed to think that Sir i.!corgi* (Frey was the cause of all their troubles, and of the injustice of which they complained. Ho had spoken to old Manuhiri, who used to live at Mangare, and when ho asked the old

'ho cause of bis animosity towards the • ••••. '-ament, Manuliiri pulled out from his : • ■ - =t a copy of the Government Cazcttc of . iwhich contained a notification by Sir ' • ;r g * Grey, ordering the natives to leave ' > mgare. Te Wahauui was one of the finest 1 eiuions of a Maori chief he had ever seen, •o: I at the meeting ho spoke with great feel- . i .‘. i hough in a subdued tone. He said Grey wa : their friend aud the Queen their mother ; but who parted them ? Te Ngakau also blamed .'sir G. Grey, and the feeling seemed general. Nahauia had applied to Sir George Grey one of the most insulting epithets in the Maori language, “he land inn toto ” (a blooddrinking dog). His hearers knew that the accusation was not true, that the Premier had sought to prevent bloodshed between the two races, and endeavored to conciliate the Maoris. The wisest step taken by the Government was in bringing with them the Ngapuhi chiefs, whose loyal expressions had the effect of moderating the utterances of the Hauhaus. He (Mr. Hobbs) was pleased to find a good feeling existed between the settlers on the frontier aud the natives. He believed the day was not remote when the latter would abandon their isolation. He had a long and interesting conversation with Rewi at the Northern Club with respect to that chief’s interview with the Government, and it was with .the greatest surprise that he had seen the conversation between Rewi and the Governor reported almost verbatim in the ,S '/nr the same evening. Me did not know where the information was derived from, but bo could vouch for its correctness. Rewi said he was. like a bush pig, and that Majors Mair and Jackson had taken him and laid brought hiui to the Governor. The speaker went on at some length to defend Major Muir and Major Jackson from the accusation of attempting to thwart the Government. He was strangely impressed with the sobriety aud decorum preserved amongst the Hauhaus, aud especially so when he contrasted it with the drunkenness aud what not that was going on all the time at Alexandra. It was his firm conviction that no man should hold the portfolio of Native Minister, or, in fact, hold any important office iu the Native Department, whose political, social, and moral character was nut suelx as to be a worthy example to the natives. Mr. Hobbs thou went on to deal with the question of native lands, and iu doing so expressed an opinion that tiie Government was acting wrong in determining to be the sole purchasers. The natives should not be made the subjects of exceptional legislation in this matter, but should be placed on the same level as European landholders. Of course the contingeucv of their becoming paupers might be guarded against by making a certain portion ui the reserves inalienable. This was the feeling of the natives themselves, and it was the sore point with all of them. It was on the promise of the Native Minister not to interfere with private purchasers, hut would assist them, that his support had beeu secured ; for he had strongly condemned the action of the late Government in acquiring what was considered a land estate for this island. He disagreed with the practice of proclaiming blocks of land, for it inflicted a peculiar hardship upon settlers. A case in point was narrated of a Tauranga settler. Facilities should be given to honest and respectable men for the acquisition of land, for free trade in these matters was his belief.