EAHOTU.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7174, 18 September 1886, Page 2

EAHOTU.

DEPUTATION TO NATIVE MINISTER.

[kbom otra own correspondent] September 16.— The place presented a more lively appearance than usual on Wednesday, when the Ministerial equippage drove up to Mr. Brown's hotel. A deputation of the Parihaka Road Board and a concourse of natives wished to interview the Miuister. The natives seemed dissatisfied at the amount they received for the various blocks, and many, especially ';he lady members of the deputation, spoke more or less forcibly of their grievances. In all cases the Minister promised to look into the matter, and should it be right to redress he would do so.

At about 12 o'clock the Ministerial party adjourned to the Road Board office, accompanied by Messrs. Chapman and Gane. Mr. A. Anderson, the chairman of the Board, in a few well chosen words, congratulated the Minister on the successful working o£ his policy in the district, instancing the quietness o£ the natives and the feeling of security which is enjoyed by the Europeans. He stated the Board wished to consult him about stveral matters, which he enumerated.

Mr. Ballance thanked the Board for their expression as to his policy, which was to enforce the law as it existed, and to maintain permanent peace throughout the district. The roads, he knew, required a large expenditure to open them, but he could not hold out hopes for further grants. The Public Bodies Loan Act would meet the case of the district, and it would bo necessary for the Board to avail themselves of it. Mr. Ballance explained its provisions with regard to native rents. Mr. Ballaace said that it would take 2\ yeara longer to recoup the outlay for roads and surveys already incurred, and that till than there would bo dissatisfaction. Ho was cODsidering whether the time could not be extended, so as to give them larger present money, and also whether tho Government would not buy out tho claims oC those who received less than £2 per annum in rent. He noticed that the amount of some shares went as low us one penny. A Land Court would sit within a month at OpLnako, and as many titles to lands would be individualised as possible. Natives would then be able to let their lands or otherwise, as they thought fit. The dog tax was removed from the Parihaka block as a matter of policy. He was convinced ho had done right, and he did not intend to alter the exemption. Mr. Ballanee explained the Village Settlement Act, and stated that he would bring Buitable blocks under its provisions. The sections of tho Warea township he would try to get amalgamated with larger blocks, and would consider whether they would not be suitable for tho purposes of that Act. Ho recognised tho destruction caused by native pigs nt largo in ths district, but considered the present laws sufficient to meet the case, at any rato in a year or two as settlement advanced the nuisance would decrease. He recognised that there should be more facilities as to getting information on lands, &c, and would consider how to arrange to have some office in Opunake where these matters can be attended to. lie would reserve a suitable block of bußh land so that Bettlers at Ruhotu may obtain necessary firewood without trespassing, Mr, Balkaoe enured freely iato discussion,

with the various members present, and appeared very desirous to obtain authentic information as to the wants of the district. After tho usual compliments, the party adjourned to lunch at the hotel, and at 1 p.m. " Jacob " sounded " all aboard," and the well-pauked waggon started on its journey to New Plymouth.