MAJOR ATKINSON AT OAKARU.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1547, 4 June 1885, Page 2

MAJOR ATKINSON AT OAKARU.

(By Tklkgrath.) New Plymouth, To-day. _ Major Atkinson addressed his constituent* at Oakaru on Tuesday night. Speaking on native affairs he said the Native Minister appeared to be ooming back to the old flour and sugar policy. Taking away the A. O s from Pungarehu caused the natives to believe in Te Whiti mure than over, for it helped to bring true his prophecies, tie thought that Pungarehn should hare been the last A.O. station which should have been broken up. The natives had full confidence in Mr Bryce, but found Mr Ballanoe's word not to be retied on. If the Native Minis-

ter said “1 will do this," the Maoris replied, "No ; you must do that." A vote of confidence was unanimously passed. Major Atkinson met a number of the Want Coast settlers at Kohotu at noon

estsrday in order to discus-* the state of iai ivs affairs in the district Mr Mills

(tale of Canterbury) opeued the proceedings by stating that he hoped he would receive better treatment than from Mr Ballanoe. If he had been the greateat reprobate under the aun he oould not have been treated with greater disrespect. He than related how the natives in the past interfered with the settlers. Major Atkinson said he entirely failed to understand the motives Mr Ballanoe had in removing the Constabulary. His onjeot should be to weaken Te Whiti’s influence, but their removal from Parihaka apparently increased it. Major Atkinson promised to use bis <nflu enoe to get equitable administration ef the to the ifinropoan and Maori, One policeman was evidently insufficient. He thought the meeting might expect an additional force. Major Atkinson was well; received and thanked by the Settlers for I his courtesy tq thfofe I