ANSWERS AND NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Waka Maori, Volume 10, Issue 13, 30 June 1874, Page 157

ANSWERS AND NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Aperahama Patene, of Ngaruawahia, Waikato, in answer to our inquiry in the Waka of January 27th last, informs us that the "Raglan and Waikato Maori Company" was organized by the Maories themselves, some three years ago, in imitation of European Companies, and that it is " progressing favourably and extending its operations." He says they were induced to make the attempt in the hope that it would prove a profitable means of investment for the large sums of money continually being squandered and wasted by the Maori people. The idea is a praiseworthy one, and we trust the anticipations of the company may be fully realized, but much caution and prudence will be required in conducting their operations. Aperahama has not yet told us what the object of the company is—how they intend to invest the money of the shareholders. If he will do so, the Native public, as we said before, will be in a better position to judge of its merits, and we shall be happy to give the directors, from time to time, any advice which it may be in our power to offer. Horomona Hapai, of Tokomaru, East Coast, in answer to the letter of Paora Poutini and others, of Whanganui, commenting upon the value of education, and urging the Natives of other districts to be energetic in erecting schools, that their children may be educated as the children of the Europeans are, says they have a school at Turanga, one at Uawa, one at Tokomaru, one at Akuaku, one at Waiapu, and one at Wharekahika, and that they are very anxious for their children to be properly educated. He says they urge their children to apply themselves to their studies, but he fears it will be a long time ere they acquire a good knowledge of the English language, as they are no sooner out of school than their parents and friends talk to them in Maori, and they forget what they had learned in school. He thinks they cannot learn so long as they reside with their parents. There are some adults too who, in his opinion, ought to take lessons in the English language, so as not to expose their ignorance when they " get drunk." These individuals, men and women, chatter away, when drunk, in some gibberish which they call English, but when they get sober not a word of English can be got out of them. Others listen attentively to

the Pakehas conversing amongst themselves, and when anything funny appears to have been said, which creates a laugh, they join in with the laugh, as if they appreciated the joke. Ha! ha! We have received a letter, signed "Newspaper Reader," from Waiapu. The writer must send his name, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. The Mahia Natives should apply to a magistrate in reference to the conduct of the two " incorrigible thieves " spoken of by " Scotchman." The paper will be sent to Eaniera Erihana, of Otago, as requested. He can send his subscription (10s.) by post, as others do. Hamiora Tupaea, of Matapihi, Tauranga, writes that the Natives of that place have a high appreciation of the superior knowledge and ability of the Pakeha in works of art and industry, which they have vainly endeavoured to imitate. They have however, he says, succeeded in erecting very superior fences in their district—fences which are a pattern for all other tribes. Hetaraka Te Tawhero, of Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, informs us that, on the 21st of May last, the Natives of that place completed a beautifully carved house, 61 feet long by 32 feet wide. The walls are 8 feet high, and the posts supporting the ridge pole 17& feet. The following are the names of the skilled artizans who executed the work:—Paniora, Te Hata, Mihaera, Hira, Wi Taopuku, Heremia, Te Matenga, and Te Tatana of Te Whanau-a-Apanui Tribe. We think Maika Pikaka must have been misinformed respecting Native Councils for the Middle Island and elsewhere. We do not clearly understand his meaning. A Bill was prepared by the Native Minister to provide for the establishment of Native Councils, but it was thrown out by the Assembly during the Session of 1872. Hetaraka te Tawhero writes that twenty Europeans and some 200 Maoris attended the interment of his daughter at Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, on the Bth of June instant. He complains of having to bury her in his quarter-acre town section, and thinks the Gtovernment should lay off a piece of land as a public cemetery.

Subscriptions received:— £ s. d. From R. W. Woon, Esq., R.M., for— 1874.—D. Monro, Esq., Whanganui (No. 13) ... 0 10 0 „ Matiu Tukaorangi, of Whanganui 0 10 0 „ Komene Papanui, o Whanganui (No. 13) 0 10 0 „ Charles Smith, Esq., of Whanganui ... 0 10 0 1873-74. —Penetaha, of Whanganui 0 10 0 1874-75. —S. Manson, Esq., of Whanganui 0 10 0 „ John Dustin, Esq., of Whanganui 0 10 0 „ Pepe, of Hawera, Whanganui 0 10 0 „ Paramenaof Kailwi, Whanganui(No. 13) 0 10 0 £4 10 0