INTERVIEW OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE TAURANGA

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2344, 5 April 1866, Page 6

INTERVIEW OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE TAURANGA

(From the Correspondent of the Southern Cross.) Camp To Papa, March 26. The p.s. Sturt, Captain Fairehild, which arrived here about three hours after H.M. s. Eclipse, Captain Frcmantle, with His Excellency on board, 9 p.m., being, as I understand, about to leavo here in a few minutes, I simply write these few lines to acquaint you that His Excellency Sir George Grey landed at 10 a.m., undor a guard of honor. Colonel Hamilton, commanding officer of this district, was in attendance (o receive him, along with Colonels Lyons and Harrington, and His Honor the Superintendent, Mr. Whitaker. I The Governor at once proceeded to Colonel Hamilton's quarters, and precisely at 11 a.m. met tho natives, about 400 in number, in the paddock adjoining Archdeacon Blirns's residence. I shall not attempt to give you the particulars of what then took place, contenting myself at present until I have more time to correct my manuscript, which is all in Maori, until the next mail. Suffice it, however, in mo to say that His Excellency, in conjunction with His Honor the Superintendent, after about three and a half hours, succeeded in obtaining 50,000 acres of land, being about onefourth of tho Tauranga block. This in itself is very satisfactory, particularly bo after all the bounce which the natives have shown, nnd were inclined to show at the meeting. Tlie (lou'rnor,

however, after he had been worked up to the* highest pitch, plainly told them that, if they did not quietly and peaceably assent, ho would seize tho whole of Taumnga. The Colony is indebted to His Excellency and His Honor tho Superintendent for this achievement, which will placo this interesting and promising district open for settlement. I cannot write you another lino until the next mail, as tho steam is up, and I know that you will be anxious to receive even the news of the assent of the natives to this 50,000-acro block. Tauranga is now open for settlement.