THE PREMIER'S TOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4904, 20 March 1894, Page 1

THE PREMIER'S TOUR.

[Pee Press Association.! - • ■-. AUCKLAND, . March 19. The Premier returned to K&wakawa on Saturday evening after interviewing several Natives at Waimate. The size of the meeting was rather disappointing, but rain and the short notice accounted for the meagre attendance. Mr Saddon explained that when one* he promised a vtait.rain oranythiug else would not deter him from fulfilling his pledgn. The Natives ventilated several local grievances, including the doe tax, which tho Premier said he would enquire int •. Taey reserved more important rnaiteri for a b : g meeting at Wanna, four milts d'stant, ac which it was expected two hundred Maori? would be present. They expressed gre*t pleasure at the visit of a Minister. Owing to the weather having broken and there being floods ia numerous rivers between Xawakawa and Kaiha, the Premier had to abandon the northern portion of his trip to Mongonui, although pressed Vy Mr Houston to go os. Important business needs the Premier's return to Wellington before the end of the month, and he therefore would not chance the possibility of being blocked by floods. He promised to visit Mongonui soon if the weather permit. The Premier's movements are :— Monday, meet Natives at Waima, stay there at night; at Eawene Tuesday, steamer to Mapero, and stay at night at Kaweiu; arrive at Dargaville Wednesday. The Premier and party are expected to reach Auckland from their northern tour, via Helena ville, about Saturday. Next week they will visit Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, in order to hold a meeting with representatives of the Uriwera people, near Whakatane It is understood that the question of gold prospecting in the Uriwera country, surveys, and other subjects of importance will be discussed.