THE DEFENCE MINISTER ON THE EAST COAST.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3123, 14 February 1871, Page 2

THE DEFENCE MINISTER ON THE EAST COAST.

. *-. [From the New Zealand Herald.] The Native Minister arrived recently by the Luna from the Bay of Plenty. Mr McLean has heen on an official visit to Tauranga, Opotiki and Whakatane, &c. His purpose was to settle the lately surrendered rebel natives on certain lands, and to decide some land: disputes. The Arawa at Tauranga cl&i plained that they could get no food whilst in attendance on the Court, which was being held, and asked for the ad- ; journment or removal of the Court, on account of their provisions being all eaten up by the strangers attending it. The Court was eventually adjourned.. The Ngaiterangi prayed that a school might be established under the Act of 18(37, and appeared very anxious to give

their children the benefit of an English education. News arrived on the following day from the Resident Magistrate at Maketu that a disturbance was likely to break out between the Ngatiwhakarie and Ngatipikiao sections of tho Arawa with regard to a question of land, and Mr M 'Lean, attended by Mr Clarke, went to Maketu. Here tbey saw first the Ngatipikiao, aud after tbem the Ngatiwakano, and eventually each hapu, after listening to the Native Minister, decided upon not having resort to arms, and the rival chiefs made tbe mutter up. Mr M'Lean next visited Opotiki, and it .-AvYas cheering to observe the progress which had been made in the settlement lately. The settlers bave been very busily at work on their land, and the results arc very evident. Maoris and Europeans seem to be getting on together thoroughly well, and quite an entiente cordiale appeal's to exist. Hera Te Popo (the chief of the lately surrendered Whakatoheas) has given proofs of his sincerity, and has begun to cultivate with bis followers, whom he keeps in excellent order. All the leading chiefs in the district made their appearance, and cordially received the Native Minister. From Opotiki Mr M'Lean proceeded to Wakatane, and there a large assemblage of natives was found, amongst whom were a number of our recent foes, the Urewera. Among them were Haparo-na-Kohi, Era Tamaikoua, Hoeoni Pai, Raku Raku, &c. These all scouted every idea of fighting, and said their country was open to tbe Government to pursue an enemy. The speeches of the chiefs of the Arawas of Ngatiawa and Ngatipukeko were in favor of supporting the Government and putting down disturbances, Tbe Luna anchored off Matata in hopes of getting in, but the surf was far too heavy, so after a short stay in Tauranga she left for Auckland. The visit of M r M'Lean may thus be said to bave had good results. He has been well received, and has succeeded in removing some discords which might have had unpleasant consequences. The late rebels seem to be j in earnest in cultivating the arts of j peace, and tbe East Coast settlers hope- : fully regard their future prospects.