THE TAUPO NATIVES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 166, 28 May 1862, Page 5

THE TAUPO NATIVES.

The following interesting statement of the condition of the Taupo Natives is taken from the Maori Massenger, April 15th:: — " The Kesident Magistrate of Taupo, Mr. Law, reports most favorably of the Natives of his extensive district, there being a general, willingness to accept the civil institutions of Sir George GrtSy, and an honest admission that they are suitable to the present circumstances of the Native people, spying them a voice in tlio government of their own affairs. " Mr: Law was solicited by the chiefs of Tokaanu, Tahiitaharon, and other places, to form his judicial establishment at their respective settlements, but he deemed it advisable to locate himself at Oruuiini, where arrangements are being made for tlie 'appointment of. assessors, and for the election of presidents and members of the now realized Runangas. "The Taupo Natives are said to be morc_mor.il tlian theK- neighbors, and are extremely hospitable. They are industrious, too, notwithstanding the remote distance of their country from the market towns. There ar- a large number of cattle, and each village, we are as.uired, has an abundant supply of milk, though at the present tiinfe they make no butter. • "They havo 2,000 sheep, and at present on hand four or Jive tons of wool, which they are unable to convey to the sea ports, there being noI, road. They have resolved to weave'their wool into blankets, the spinning and weaving machinery having arrived from England, in Auckland,, some time ago, aud will, we are informed, shortly be set up at the Taupo Mission Station. Ploughs and other faiming utensils have been procured from Cook's Straits and Napier, at great cost, aud no ordinary amount of labour and perseverance. . " Relative to roads, Mr. I.awJnforms us that tile Natives of Oruanni and otber villages' decided to recommence the line of way they were ' making on their own land prior to the breaking out of hostilities at Taranaki;'and on the occasion of Mr. Law'ti visit, many of tlie MaoriTfdin. the east side of the lake were at Ahuriri making roads forthe Provincial Government.' " This state of things is very pleasing, and reflects gieat credit upon the exemplary Missionary of the district, the llev. Mr. Grace. ■ ■■ j "There are several tribes located in the lnupo country Ngatituwharetoa is. the dominant one; its principal Chief is Te Heubeu Iwikau, a Maori poet of celebrity, and a man of large influence, even beyond the limits of his tribal boundaries, being a great political leader amongst the land-holding section ot the" Native population. ,-.-,.• . " Tho next people in importance are the Ngatiraukav.a, 'a very powerful tribe inhabiting the country extending from Maungatautari to the west side of Taupo.' A portion of it is at present residing along the shores, of Cook's Straits. Mr. .Law was cordially welcomed by Malewaia and otber leading chiefs of the Ngatiraukawa ; aud'though they profess to bo one in politics witli the Upper'Waikatos, they would have fladly accepted liis services, as Resident Magistrate, uthVwas obliged to decline their pressing invitation. *.."'.

'' 'I think I was successful,'says Air. Law, 'in dispelling the doubts expressed by some of the old men here. "I was asked by an old man why His Excellency did not give these good things before 1 and the Maori ended his speech with- the following expressions:—'lf these things (i.e., the civil institutions) had been granted to us before, there Would not have been a King Native-in Taupo.' However, he continued, 'we believe that the Governor means well, and we accept the ne\v-systonl.'"- -■ -