NATIVE PEACE AND PROGRESS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4208, 15 September 1874, Page 3

NATIVE PEACE AND PROGRESS.

The “Notices and Answers to Correspondents” are not the least interesting portions of the paper written in the Native tongue, and published under the name of Te Waka Maori. In the last number there are several notices which indicate the prevalence of “peace and progress” among the Native population of both islands. The following appear among the translations of the notices in the last number : We are requested by T. Tautuhi to say that a public meeting of the Hast Coast tribes has been called by the chief Iharaira Houkamau, to be held at Makeronia, on the 21st day of September instant, for the purpose of considering the best means of advancing the people generally in the civilisation of the Europeans. Two large houses have been erected for the accommodation of those who attend, one being 22J fathoms in length and 3 fathoms wide, and the other 30 fathoms by i fathoms. A flagstaff 50 feet in height has been erected for the largo flag used by Major Ropata at Mataahu on a similar occasion. Baniera Erihana writes that the Natives have erected at Otago, a house 62 feet in length, and 18 feet wide. The side walls are eight feet high, and the ridge-pole is entirely unsupported by pillars. The house is built with boards, and the lining is planed smooth. The cost of material and building was £lB2, of which sum Hori Kerei Taiaroa contributed £io ; Korako Karotai, £2O; Timoti Karetai, £ls ; Timoti Bapatini, Baniera Erihana, and Wircmu Potiki, £lO each ; Taihu Hape, Tiaki Bapatini, and Ei Kipana, £5 each; Mold Ngatata, £3. The rest of the money was collected amongst the people in smaller sums. Eighteen pounds were spent at the opening ceremony, in addition, we are told, to some assistance afforded by the Government, Baniera Erihana provided a fat bullock towards the

feast, and Kerei Taiaroa eight sheep, and Teone Topi expended £lO in “lights.” We are not informed for whom the house was erected, or for what purpose. The very interesting and amusing letter from Te Wehi, of Waikouaiti, on the destruction of forests, and on other matters, will appear in due time. Manalu Te Karawa, of the Native Contingent in Wellington, writes a long lettex*, for the information of his friends on the East Coast, describing in favorable terms the drill and discipline to which the force has been subjected in Wellington. Raniora Erihana, of Otago, in a letter of date 25th August last, informs us that certain Natives of Waikouaiti are the possessors of 3200 acres of land ; that they have 3500 sheep; that they have this year cultivated 350 acres of wheat and oats; and that they have 30 draught horses, 13 ploughs, 10 carts, 3 reaping machines, and 2 threshing machines. It is very satisfactory to hear that these people arc so industrious. It would be well if other tribes of New Zealand were to follow their example, and talk less of their “grievances.” If they would direct their energies to the cultivation of their land and the raising of crops, they would very soon have no grievance to complain of. We consider it unjust that those who do not pay up their subscriptions should continue to receive the Waka the same as those who do pay regularly, and they are many. Fresh subscribers are sending applications by every mail for the paper, and paying in advance. __