THE KAIAPOI MAORIS.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1250, 21 March 1878, Page 2

THE KAIAPOI MAORIS.

At the invitation of the leading representstivts of the tribe residing at St. Stephen's, pear Kaiapoi, the Premier visited the paii on Monday, accompanied by the Rev. J. vY. Stack. Sir George Grey reoeived a Ter 7 hearty welcome. In oonsequence of the absence of many of the Maories at harvest, the gathering was not so large as it would have been if longer notice of his intended visit had beeu given. A number of wants were brought under the Premier's notice, including the Laud Court for deciding the claims of awf

or claimants to the property of deceased Natives. The claim for compensation to the Ngaitahu tribe for land taken was alluded to at length. The Eev. G. P. Mutu explained tbe mis chief which was caused by a non-set* lenient of the claims which had been brought before Parliament. He asserted that to this might be traced many of the social differences of the people and the rise of different religions. Many of the Maories still accused the missionaries of being party to the taking of the lands of the South Island in excess of the quantity intended to be parted with by the Natives. They looked upon the clergy with suspicion, asserting that they ought to have enlightened them on the nature and extent of the transactions. It was with a view to lay claim to the land that some of the pahs were almost broken up, and the Maoris had begun to reside in out-of-the-way places in the back country. Sir George Grey expressed himself sorry to learn that the Natives were not living happily and contentedly, and promised to bring the matter under the notice of the Hon. the Native Minister and the Cabinet, so as, if possible, to bring cbout a better kind of feeling, and offer every encouragement to the Maoris to locato in less scattered and out-of-the-way districts. The Premier inspected the church, of which he laid the foundation stone about ten years ago, and the school, with which he was highly pleased. The scholars, through Te Hira, Mutu, the senior boy, presented a short address of welcome, and the children sang a number of pieces.