MAORI RESERVES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1602, 5 August 1882, Page 23

MAORI RESERVES.

TO THE EDITOBi

Sir, — I forward, with a request that you' will insert it, a telegram which appears in the Western Star of 19th July from itß Parliamentary correspondent. I may state that so far as Centre Island is concerned the Natives never negotiated for or reoeived any compensation for the same, objecting to negotiate about it because it was the place of interment of many of their ancestors. Incontestable evidence can be given to this effect by Tamera Te Hauotu, Horoinona Patoa," and others. Mr Mantell was the gentleman who endeavoured to negotiate with the Natives for the island a number of years ago, but no negotiation was effected;- I hope you will favour myself and others concerned in this matter by inserting this. — lara.&c, - Thomas Pbatt, N.A'Z Maori Kaik, Puketeraki, Waikouaiti, July 31st.

The following is the extract referred to :—

The report on petition of Horomona Patoa and others re reserves on the Murihiku blook was brought up by the Chairman of the Native Committee this afternoon, and was as fol« lows :— v That the evidence of Mr A. Mackay is to the following effect : That the petitioners have no legal claim to Centre Island, Pahia, Waimatuku, Te Anau, and Popoti ; thai; they are entitled to Crown grants for New River, Aparima, Colac Bay, and Wakapatu ; and he recommended small fishery reserves to be given them at Otautau and the mouth of the Waiau. The Committee recommends these recommendations to the favourable consideration of the Government." The member for Wallace at once called the attention of the House to the fact that no evidence had been take"n except that of Mackay, and urged that the petition should be referred back for reconsideration, and that the expenses of bringing up the necessary witnesses should be provided by the Government, This was strongly opposed by Major Atkinson, who moved an amendment to the effect that the witnesses should bear their own expenses, forcing the matter to a division, which resulted in a tie, 42 voting on each side. The Speaker, in accordance with custom on a money question, gavo his casting vote for the Government.