OPENING OF MOKAU.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 4464, 5 October 1883, Page 2

OPENING OF MOKAU.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I notice a paragraph in your issue of Wedesday last, stating that Mr. Joshua Jones had called at your office and made some statements in reference to Mokau and the visit of Europeans to that place. I wish, sir, to challenge the whole of the inferences which Mr. Jones wishes to convey, and to emphatically deny that Wahanui has written to Government complaining of the action of " certain Europeans." The only European Wahanui complained of is Mr. Joshua Jones ; and, in confirmation of this statement, I forward you a copy of Wahanui's letter— not for publication but as a guarantee of good faith. Perhaps Mr. Joshua Jones can produce the reply of the Government to the natives saying that "the Ministry see no grounds for interfering with his lease." If ho cannot, I will supply all information necessary on the subject by simply stating that Welere received a telegram from Mr. Bryce to the effect that he know nothing of Jones' lease, either good or bad — sorry confirmation this. Sir, in conclusion, let me state that it is now time that all misapprehension in regard to Mokau should cease ; and, in furtherance of that object, it is necessary for the public to finally scout the idea that Mr. Joshua Jones jias the confidence either of the native owners, or of the Government he libels by associating with himself. — I am, &c, E. S. Thompson. Normanby, October 4, 1883.