THE KOMATA ROAD.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XI, Issue 3183, 2 December 1878, Page 3

THE KOMATA ROAD.

THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN'S INTER-

VIEW WITH TUKUKINO. Odiveb Wakefield, Esq,, Under-Secre« tary for Goldfields, with Mr Brodie, the County Chairman, Mr E. W. Puckey, Native Agent, and the County Engineer, left here on Friday last per steamer ' Te Aroha' for Ohinerauri. Messrs Puckey and Brodie were landed at the mouth of the Komata Creek, where they were met by Cr. Porter, and proceeded together to tlie settlement to visit the chief Tukukino. On arriving at the village very few natives were visible, and it ivas suggested to the visitors that they should rest themselves in the large runanga'whnre, which they did. After wailing nearly iialf-an-hour Hata Paku came in, but not a word was spoken about the business on hand. Shortly after, two natives brought in bis« cuits and tea; and another half-hour was passed in small talk and smoking, when a messenger said that Tukukino was waiting outside to hear what the visitors wanted. The strangers then went outside, where Tukukino was seated on the grass, surrounded by his people. Messrs Brodie, Porter, and Puckey seated them* solves on the ground about twelve paces from them. After waiting some minutes, Tukukino said : I thought it better that you should explain the object of your visit in the open air, so that all might hear. The following then onsued, Mr Puckey | interpretingi

Mr Brodie: Tukukino and people of the Komata, I have two objects in visiting you to-dny. The first is to introduoo to you Mr Porter, who has been elected one of the representatives of the Ohinemuri Riding for the County Council, and tho second to hear the result of your visit to Tawhiao, in accordance with the arrangement made during ray last visit to you.

Tukukino: Hata Paka told you at Shortland.

Mr Brodie: I have heard two versions of what transpired at Hikurangi, and I now wish to hear your version, because this is a matter between you and me. Tukukino: I am uot a good speaker, and will, therefore, request this young man from Piako to inform you what Te JNgakau and Tawbioa said. Mr Brodie: Ido not know thi3 person. Was he present at the interview with the King? Tukukino: He was, and was deputed by Tawhioa to assist me in this matler. Mr Brodie: I shall listen to tho statement he has to make; and, if he makos a mistake, I trust that you will correct him, as I shall consider the statement yours and not his. Tukukino: Let Tawhiao's words be produced. (One of the youn? men then entered one of the whares, and returned saying that tho book containing the words of the King had been sent to Cape Colville. Search was then made for another book, and at last one was produced; but, as it contained other matters of interest to themselves only, Tukukino thought that only extracts should be brought forward which had reference to tho matter under consideration.) Mr Brodie: I do not wish to pry into your private affairs, but hope you will state everything in reference to Komata road. Let there be no reservation. 'I he Piakoite: I was present at Hikurangi with Tukukino. Hohepate Rauhihi, Hata Paka, of the Komata, and Taurananui, of Ohinemuri. The first day we saw Te Ngakau, and explained matters to him. The next day we saw Tawhiao, who said that the road was not to be made. Mr Puokey: You are talking about another road, not this road. The Piakoite: In regard to this road Tawhiao said that Tukukino was to hold on to the land and to protest against the making of the road. Mr Brodie: Is that all ? Piakoite: Yes. Mr Brodie: I should now like Hata Paka to ropeat, in tho presence of the people, what he told mo at Shortland regarding what took place at Hikurangi. {Hata Paka hero made a statement which did not harmonise on all points with what he had said at Shortland.) Mr Brodie: Tukukino, I have now heard what has been alleged the King has said regarding tho Ohinemuri road. 1 now wish to hear what you have to say on the matter. The Piakoite then began to talk on behalf of Tukukino. Mr Brodie: Ido not know you in this matter, and therefore decline to hear what you have got to say. Do not interfere in what does not concern you. Tukukino: He is interested, and has a right to speak. Mr Brodie: This is a matter between you and myself, this foreigner I am unacquainted with, I know the chiefs of Komata, Hohepa to Rauhihi, Tini Pohaka, have tongues and can speak, why should this stranger come between us. I shall take no notice of what this stranger says. Let us sottle this affair with our own mouths, as chiefs of tho people should do. (I he Komata people evidently enjoyed the manner in which Mr Brodie snubbed the Piakoites, as they felt to a certain extent slighted, and their ability to negotiate proceedings underrated. Pleasure was manifestly observable in their countenances at witnessing tho chagrin of the Piakoites when the County Chairman would not listen to them.) Mr Brodie: My interpretation of Tawhiao's speech is that you are to hold on to tho land until your differences regarding Komata have been amicably settled, and that you are to permit the road to bo made; but, while doing so, protest against it in the manner pakehas frequently do, so that you may not be embarrassed in any future proceedings that may be undertaken. If my rendering bo correot, then, I say, tho advice iB good, because an injustice has beon done to you regarding your land, and the law permits you to take the action you are noiv taking regarding it, and tho same law approves my action respecting the road.

Tultukino: Do not persist in this evil work of making the road, or it will cause trouble. Let mo livo hero with my people in quietness. Mr Brodio: I must have the road. It is the people who ask for it.

Tukukino: The road is in your hands. If you say to the pakeha the road is not to be made then the road shall not be made. Let the matter stand oyer for a

considerable time. I am afraid if this evil work is bogun Mr Grace's words will be carried into effect, and I shall bo taken to Shortland by two policemen and placed in irons.

Mr Brodie: Tultukino, you know I havo been your friend, and have delayed this matter for nearly two years. The time has now come when I cannot postpono it any longer. Tho most of the lands in this district havo been alienated from the natives, settlement is advancing, and tho road has become a necessity. The people must have tho road; you havo been using my roads and have felt their benefit.

Tini Pohaka: Yes, you were re-elected to office, and Mr Porter was elected a Councillor for Ohinemuri, on this road ticket.

Mr Brodie: lam pleased to learn you are so well versed in looal politics, and hope that the time is not far distant when the Maoris will bo eligible for election to the County Council in the same manner as they are to the House of Representatives.

Tukukino: I shall not consent to the road. When you attempt to make it I shall be there, and 'should trouble arise the blame will fall on your shoulders. If you bring pakehas I shall bring Maoris. If you are too numerous I shall bring more. I shall resist your making the road.

Mr Brodie: I am not afraid of any trouble arising when road works are initiated. I shall endeavour to bo there also. I shall oonduct proceedings according to law, and should trouble arise you will bo responsible. I shall begin the work when the sun is shining brightly. I shall compensate you for the land taken for the road; and you may depend upon this, that when the work is once commenced it will be prosecuted with the greatest vigour until completion, Tukukino: When you attempt to make tho road our friendship must cease. Hohepa to Eauhihi: When Mr Brodie begins the road he forfoits tho friendship of the Komata people. Mr Brodie: lam sorry to hear you express yourselves in that manner, If I lose your friendship I shall know it will be through attempting to benefit you and your people. My friendship shall still be tho same for you, and my warmost advocacy will be used in your behalf in trying to obtain justice for you. lam suffering severely from neuralgia, and must leave, for Paeroa. If you wish further to consider matters I shall be there until tomorrow morning to hear what you have got to say.

Tukukino: Wo have nothing new to say, only do not make the road.

Mrßrodie: You evidently misunder* stand me. Ido not mean to discuss the question of making the road. Aty mind and that of the County Council is quite made up on that matter, the road will be made. What I would concede, is that you should point out to me the direction in which you would like the road taken through your settlement. If you do not do this then the matter must be dealt with by the Oouuty Engineer. Good bye to you all.

The party then shook hands all round, and the visitors left for Paeroa.