KAWHIA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1802, 24 January 1884, Page 2

KAWHIA.

Observing that a difference of opinion exists between your Alexandra and Te Awacorreppondents, with regard to the feeling of the Maori mind, about the survey of their lands, and the laying out of roads through them, I may be permitted to state what I consider to be the judgment generally pronounced by the natives here on our action. In passing, I may say that the Kakepuka outrage was viewed with much disfavour by the majority of the Kawhia tribes ; among the minority are the Ngatimahutas, who, whatever else may be said against them, are free from the deception which is the usual characteristic of Maori policy, and candidly avow their dislike to what, in their estimation, they consider to bo European encroachment. The leading chiefs are, however, in this instance free from the responsibilty of this outrage ; and, consequently, except as tending to show that the Europeans may yet expect to meet with some .slight opposition, it can be deemed to be of little political import. Speaking of the survey of road lines, it is beyond contradiction that they have been, and are utill threatening to offer obstruction to the surveyors. Their opposition will, however, in my opinion, never assume very great proportions. It is but reasonable to expect that they would look with disapproval on what in their philosophy is thought to be the thin end of the wedge of pakeha occupation, and ultimately ownership. They do not reckon as we do, and hence cannot deduct the same conclusions. Kawhia and the country surrounding it is amongst the last of the inheritance of their fathers, which has escaped the work of the theodolite, and "the wish is but father to the thought," when they admit that they would like to see the survey hindered. It is, however, to the presence of an armed force in Kawhia and Alexandra that for the present we must ascribe our exemption from native trouble. Without them I would not say much for the safety of the lives and property of any Europeans who may be occupied on their territory. At present we need fear no violence from the Kawhia or Aotea tribes, but let us relax in our watchfulness and our security may then be questioned. NATIVE MEETING. A large gathering of natives is now being held at the Makaka, with the object of making arrangements for having the block of land known by that name put through the Land Court. The block, although not large, comprises some land of excellent quality. Some of the best crops of grain raised here have been grown upon it. I have heard that it is the intention of the native owners to offer it for lease, aa soon as such ownership has been properly defined, and from the well-known character of the soil, they will soon be able to do so advantageously. SALE OF TOWNSHIP. By the time this correspondence is published, the sale of our township lots will have been held. The Government have done wisely in withdrawing some of the sections from sale, as it will effectually prevent any monopoly of right being acquired. After the sale we may expect to see business matters assume a more settled condition. Several persons intend building if they are successful in acquiring a section, •o that plenty of work will soon be forthcoming for carpenters and other skilled labour. RAGLAN AND KAWHIA ROAD. A party of A.C's. are at work on the Kawhia end of this road, and a gang of Maoris are employed on it near the shores of Aotea harbour. — (Own Correspondent, Jan. 23rd.)

Tenders are invited by the Kihikihi Town Board for a supply of gravel. Messrs Puton Bros, warn the public that they h*vc laid, poison on tfwir f»rn\ %t U^ut^pt,