NATIVE MEETING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 889, 15 March 1889, Page 20

NATIVE MEETING.

(per press association. ) Auckland, March 13. Tho Native meeting, attended by 800 Natives, was opened at Waitangi, Bay of Islands, to-day. Several visitors from Auckland were present, including Sir Frederick Whitaker (who represented the Government), Mr Hobbs, M.H.R., Mr IT. Williams, M.L.C., Sydney Taiwhanga, M.H.R., and a number of settlers also attended. The meeting was opened in the Treaty Hall, Heta Te Jiara being appointed chairman. It was decided that the question of the Whangarei or Paroti land dispute be referred to the meetiug to be held at Orakei. Sydney Taiwhanga spoke of the right of-.the Natives to deal with their own lands, and alluded to the protests made last session by the Native chiefs at the bar of the General Assembly. Sir F. Whitaker said that the Bill passed last session enabled the Natives to deal with their own lands, and the measure had been framed on the lines lequested by tho Natives throughout New Zealand. Several chiefs spoke strongly against tho imposition of the dog-tax, but further consideration of this subject was also adjourned to the Orakei meeting, which is to be held shortly. No definite business was transacted. Pomare Kingi thanked Sir F. Whitaker for his attendance. The Attorney-General, in reply, said it was the desire of the Government to do all they could for the benefit of the Maoris.