OHINEMURI.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 575, 13 November 1871, Page 3

OHINEMURI.

VISIT OF DR. POLLEN AND MR, MACKAY.

GREAT MEETING OF NATIVES

i"_"KOJi OUR OWN COBEESPONttJSNT.I

November 9. 'On Monday last M "uckey, native agent for this district, vis cd Roberts' settlement, but returned the following morning, without transacting any business of a public nature, so far as lam informed. On Tuesday evening, near midnight, Dr. Pollen and Mm Mackay arrived, and on Wednesday and to-day we have had great meetings of the native-, relative to tha long debated question as to whether the telegraph wire should, or should not be joined in from the two ends—Katikati and Shortland. Up to this afternoon, nothing appeared more improbable than that the natives would concede this point. As I advised you in a former despatch, a willingness had been expressed to allow it to run by way of the East Coast. Ac that time I stated my conviction that while the line would be longer and much more costly in construction, it would not be so available for this country whenever it should be opened. A very angry discussion has been continued here amongst, the nati.es themselves since the last visit of Dr. Pollen, a discussion which at one time v C \ y seriously threatened to end in a general fight. The principal owner of the land through which the wire would pass by way of the East Coast, it was well known here, had placed the matter in Mr. Mackay's hands to be dealt with at his discretion. On finding this the Eiriweras declared they would make it a cause of fight, iug with Wiremu Unahi, the chief in question Fortunately Mr. Mackay has set this matter at rest, and if the public will not thank Dr. Pollen, we, at least, who are residents of the district, will do so, for his having come here and, by his presence as representative of the General Government, aided Mr. Mackay in bringing the whole matter to a satisfactory issue. The result of to-day's meeting was that all opposition was withdrawn, and that telegraphic communication can now be continuous between Auckland and Wellington so soon as the Government shall think fit to carry out the work. I hope, however, that this is but the first, step to the opening up of what I am inclined to believe will be even a yreater goldfield than tho Lower Thames. Probably in a short time the country itself may be thrown open, if the General Government does not interfere to prevent it. I observ* an enquiry in your weekly issue as to the state of the native peach groves. All that I have had an opportunity of examining are in the most healthy and satisfactory stateI have watched closely to see whether the little blight bird or the furiously stormy weather which we have had during the winter in any way affected the blossom, but I could not see that they have done so. Those whom tke subject interests, however, must recollect t at I am speaking of ungrafted peach trees, and not grafted ones, and trees that are neither dng about nor in any way pruned, al lough several pruned trees are quite as heavily loaded with fruit as the uupruned ones. Of news of any other sort have not a single line.— Herald.