TAUPO.—NATIVE MEETING.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume IV, Issue 320, 2 October 1875, Page 3

TAUPO.—NATIVE MEETING.

(pßOil OTJB OWN CORHUarONnvNT ) Taito. September 22, The Maori mooting was resumed tl is morning. Ihe natives present stated they had not sufficient time to fully consider tho various points raised, and asked for further time, suggesting that after due consultation amongst tin insolves that each section ot tribes should resolve what replies were to ho made, and then submit them in writing to Major Scannoll. The proposal was acceded to, and on tho application of certain natives, resident on the south and western shores of the lake,. Major Scannell agreed to hear what they had to say respecting a disputed block of land at ’Waihi, which was claimed by To Ilonlicu and party on one side, and by To Tnhi, Ilammki, and others on the other. The latter belong to tho llauh.au dement. It was radar amusing to see the grotesque dresses of several of their number. Te Tuhi wore a shawl round his loins, si British ensign round his hotly, a hell-topper hat of ancient fashion, known as dm celebrated stove-pipe, finished his attire. After considerable discussion it was decided that the Major should call to his assistance-two native assessors. AVi K.epa te Huriimi, of Tnhorangi, and Arekaterate Fmd, of Ngaterawhawa, being the ones chosen. The ease then proceeded, and after the examination of several witnesses, Hie Court adjourned till tho following morninn.

Thursday, Sept. 2a. The natives present stated that they were prepared wit h, their several replies to the questions .submitted for their consideration. The representatives of each hapu then read out their decisions. The following summary may To taken as expressing the foolii g of the meeting :—That no strange tribes shoidd exorcise any authority in the administration of affairs in Taupe; that the. Native Lands Act should come into operation in the district, and the invi stigallon of title should take place before the survey of lands; that the lands first to he dealt with by the Court should he those now under negotiation to the Government; t u.t lands partially adjudicated upon before should be left for completion to the now Court; that no money ho advanced on lands which arc disputed until the question of title has boon decided by the Court; that all native reserves ] o made inalienable; that the application to tlio Native Lands Court for adjudication being the mode of comnumicat? ing to the var ious tribes the land which applicants claim; that the roads now opened up through the district are sufficient for all requirements, ami that the question of railways bo left to llm future; that all the Arawa tribe arrange respecting a member for their own district; that it is advisable that a church, school, and polling-place be instituted at Taupo. After the various documents were handed i», the "Wcihi land dispute was proceeded with, and continued till late in the afternoon.

Friday, Sept. 24. The AVaihi case was resumed this morning; the evening brought the case for To Tuhi to a close. To-mor-row the defendants commence their case, and it is expected next week will see the enquiry over, as the kai is getting u smaller by degrees and beautifully less.” Poihipi does not, however, intend to let his guests suffer the pangs of hunger, he having applied to the Government for more provisions. Since the earthquake and the spectre, wo have had nothing sufficient to alarm us.

Saturday, Sept. 25. On the case being called on this morning it was found Te Heuheu, the principal chief on the other side, was too ill to go on with his case, so the Court adjourned till Monday.