NATIVE MEETING AT WAITANGI

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2087, 14 March 1889, Page 3

NATIVE MEETING AT WAITANGI

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, March 12. A Native meeting, attended by 800 Natives, was opened at Waitangi, Bay of Islands, to-day. Several visitors from Auckland were present, including Sir Frederick Whitaker, who represented the Government, Mr Hobbs, M.ti.B., Hon. H Williams, M.L.O , Mr Sydney Taiwhanga, M H. 8., and a number of settlers also attended. The meeting was opened Id tha Treaty Hall, Heta Te Hara being appointed Chairman. It was dsoided that the question of the Whangarei or Poroti Land District be referred to the meeting to be held at Orakei. Taiwhanga spoke of the right of the Natives to deal with their own lands, and alluded to protests made last session cy Native ohlefs at the Bar of the General Assembly. Bir Frederick Whltaker tald that the Bill passed lait session enabled Natives to deal with their own lands, and the measure had been framed on lines requested by the Natives throughout New Zealand. Several Chiefs spoke strongly against the imposition ol the dog tax, but the farther consideration of this subjeot was also adjourned to the Orakei meeing, whloh is to be held shortly. No definite business was transacted, Pomare thanked Sir F. Whitaker for his attendance, The Attorney-Genera), In replying, said it was the desire of Govern' meat to do all they ouuld for the benefit of the Maoris.