NATIVE MINISTER AT WANGANUI.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 15000, 15 May 1900, Page 2

NATIVE MINISTER AT WANGANUI.

INTERVIEWED BY LEADING CHIEFS

The Hon. Mr Jas. Cairoll, Native Minister, met a large number of the principal Wanganui natives yesterday afternoon in Iho Native Land Court Hall.

Tho following chiefs weie among the speakers: — Takarangi Mete Kiugi, Wcraroa Kirigi, Wi Puuro, Waata Uipango, l.aih'inin Takapa, Tainhati, liaugiwiiakiite.ka, Hawira, Ria Poma, Hori Pukekika. Her.areTe.Aro, H..|..nif JMutuku. Poiokoni rai::pu, Hv. Rawed, Te Aoli.ni Nckctini, and Tiaki Pipi. The various speakers offered Mr Carroll a very hearty welcome, and expressed their great satisfaction that one of themselves had by his own unaided merit- reached such an exalted and responsible position as that of Native Minister. One thief compiir.d him to their great ancestor Tawhaki, who had ascended to heaven by a spiderweb and on acocunt of his noble deeds attained imiftortality. They hoped his administration would „e of lasting benefit to their common race, and reminded him of the last words 'of Major Kemp and other of their elders, that they mast make a better use of the little land remaining, lest tliey pass into oblivion. They urged that the Obotii Block be dealt with immediately, that a, medical man bc appointed to care for their sick, that facilities be given to foi ming Maori Volunteer corps. They also asked that a school be istablshcd al Taumarunui, and that assitance be given to help tbem to repair a mill far up the river and so encourage wheat-growing. Mv Carroll, in replying, thanked thn natives for their very complimentary refeences lo himself and for their good wishes. Passing on to the question of their land, he recognised tbat tbey should sell no more, that the Government did not wish to purchase more except for very speci.il purposes, that facilities would be given enabling lhe lands to be leased aud settled. Tiie Government were prepared to help them in every way towards attaining tbis end, and with that object in vie-.v intended to introduce tho necessary legislation next session, particularly with regard to developing the large and valuable Ohotu Block. He reminded tlicm that this could not be done unless Government came tc. their assistance ond acted as their friend and counsellor. He urged them to lay aside all unnecessary contentions and to unite as one ■people in tbe future, to follow ths ex.-im.-i_ of thrift ivhich Europeans set them. To earnestly support the sohools, a* their verjexistence as a people depended upon tbe education and careful bringiir. up of the young generation. That a veiy great deal depended upon them living uuier betlei sanitation, and for this purpose the Goi eminent were prepared to assist, in evenway. The, hon gentleman concluded a speech of an hour's duration amidst veiv hearty aplaus., and it was evident that bis hearers were greatly impressed by tlie kindly offers of assistance nnd good advice so freely tendered. Mr C'li'i oil's particular object in coniimr to the district at thitf juncture was for the purpose of settling some alleged grievances and disputes of long standing in.the'TJpuer Wanganui. ''

• Mr Carroll made particular inference to llic woiido.ful progress made, by .Mr Arthur Gaco s pupils at the Koriniti Native School which showed that he is a teacher of great ability.