OPENING OF KING COUNTRY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3588, 11 January 1883, Page 3

OPENING OF KING COUNTRY.

Wellington, This day. The Hon. Mr Bryce received a few days ago a, communication from Tapotahi. a chief in the King country, iv which he stated that he had seen Mr Bryce's letter to Wahanui. Tapotahi says that it was Tawhiao who withheld his consent to the proposals embodied in the letter. In his opinion the arrangements with regard to roads and railway and other matters were in a satisfactory position. Tapotahi further asks that fair aud liberal compensation should be given to the natives. He thought that people who had committed crimes iv that district should be allowed to go at large, and an amnesty granted to them. Tawhiao should be taken in charge, and treated as one would a loving child. In conclusion the chief mentions that the natives are favorable to the holding of a Laud Court at Mokau, and to the survey of lauds between Paraniuihi and Mokau. In replying to the chief, Mr Bryce says that his last words to Tawhiao had gone to Wahanui, and they had been rejected. The construction of roads and railways through the Maori country would be of immense benefit to the natives and the Europeans. As regards the reference to an amnesty being granted, it was a question as to whether those who had committed crimes wore now acting properly, and if they were or were not likely to commit crimes in future. The proposal for the surveys was a good one, and it was hoped before any lengthened period the roads and railways would be gone ou with. It is understood that Mr Bryce will leave for Kawhia towards tho end of the month for the purpose of arranging for the open- [ ing of that port.