A NATIVE MEETING. WANGANUI, January 7.

Otago Witness, Issue 1977, 14 January 1892, Page 32

A NATIVE MEETING. WANGANUI, January 7.

At the Native meeting at Parakino, up tho Wanganui river, chiefs were present from Wairarapa, Manawatu, Taupo, East Cape, Napier, Tauranga, Bay of Islands, Wanganui. An exchange of compliments took place between Major Kemp and Te Kooti. Mention was made of the fact that during the war Kemp had chased Te Kooti, and was anxious to catch him, but they both hoped all that would be forgotten and they would henceforth be friends. The number present is estimated at about 1600, besides children. Te Kooti alone was accompanied by 240 mounted followers. Te Kooti has icept very close all the time, rarely showing himself outside of his tent until after tho Europeans had left. The meeting to-day has partaken more of the nature of a feast, but this morning a discussion of the Government Native Lands policy took place. Every speaker was dead against it, and decided unanimity was shown in expressions of disapproval. Te Kooti did not speak. A private committee meeting will be hold to-night to decide the course to be taken. The attitude of the meeting is regarded as significant of the passive resistance which will result in the shattering up of the Native Lands policy by the refusal to sell. The business of the meeting is understood to be ended, and the tribes will be returning home in the next few days. The river steamer brought tho first batch down to-day.

The Wellington Press gives currency to a rumour to the effect that' the Government intend to bring down to Wellington on the 15th inst. 150 of the men now engaged on various works in the Eketahuna district, but whoso names are on the electoral roll of this constituency, they having until a short time ago resided m the city. This, the Press adds, may bo a mere catwd, but at the same time them are people who. are really well informed who believe in it.

— The Mohammedan year is shorter than ours by nearly 11 days,