NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1267, 29 April 1880, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Auckland, April 28.

Mr. Bryce has received a telegram from Rewi stating that he was not able to com© to Auckland, but had sent his kinsman Tupotate to pay his respects. Tupotate had an interview, but it was not long, and little more than complimentary. Rewi is very anxious that Mr. Bryce should go up to Kahikihi, when his house is finished, to be present at the opening ; but it is not probable that this will take place. Mr. Bryce had an interview with a number of natives in reference to the withdrawal of the prohibition of the survey of a block of land at Patere of 90,000 acres, which ia being negotiated for by Mr. Jas. Dilworth and Mr. Howard. This block is entirely distinct from the Patetera block, under proclamation by the Government, and upon which moneys have been paid. Upon being assured that the completion of the survey would not cause any disturbance or be resisted by any natives, Mr. Bryce agreed to allow the work to go on. The survey will therefore be resumed immediately, and probably the block will be brought before the Native Land Court, which is to sit in Cambridge on the 10th May. As to Patetera block the Government claim to have paid L 15,000 on the land. The natives deny having received anything like this sura. The Patetera Company, or those who claim to have; made payments on the land, are urging theGovernment to withdraw the proclamation, and are willing to repay the Lls,ooft deducting the amounts from the payments they have still to make to the natives.