THE NATIVE MEETING AT ORAKEI.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1570, 1 March 1879, Page 3

THE NATIVE MEETING AT ORAKEI.

[Press Special Wire.] Auckland, February 25. The Maori Parliament at Orakei resumed t> day at eleven. There was a large attendance, and two Bteamerß laid on from Auckland conveyed passengers, including many of the leading citizens. The proceedings opened with prayer. Paul at the opening, requested the natives to freely state their grievances against the Government, and deprecated too many references to religions maters. He sai i they ought not to proceed as if this were a meeting of clergymen. Wata Tipo compkined of deposits made by private purchasers upon land before survey, or adjudication, which ho said caused much trouble. Te Warn Kaikorekere condemned the inactivity of Maori members at Wellington. Pohiokne complained that Mr Turton had frightened him into selling land. He compared the conduct of European land speculators to a ploughshare, which went almost under the land, wh le the Maoris only saw the mould board. He complained that the results of former Maori parliaments were fruitless. He thought an enquiry should be held into all land purchases of the last Government.

Tiopeno Kinaki complained of the action of Road Boards and County Councils. In respect to Road Boards, he hoped the Government would make a road from Wairoato Hokianga. Arama Karaka complained of the deductions made by private purcha-ers from the money paid for land on account of duty due to the Government.

raora Ngaweki acknowledged the benefits of the Kaipara railways. He complained that Dr. Pollen took a section of his land wrongfully. He also complained of the injury done by pheasants. He would like to know the European who first introduced those bad birds, so that he might be Eunished. He had to go out at night and watch is kumara beds with a gun. The debate was adjourned at one till half-past two, when the Parliament resumed. The Speaker read a translation in Maori of the address telegraphed by Sir George Grey and Mr Sh ehan, which was received with cheers. The Natives asked that it might be read again, which was done. About a hundred Europeans were present, including many ladies. Pairarma asked that the Gov rnment phonld connect the telegraph with the township of Wairoafrom Kaipara Beads. Te Ngaru thought the Natives should select the Judgeß of the Native Lands Court, and the salaries of the Judges should be paid by the Mao.is. He attributed all troubles about land to Natives who were anxious to sell. Te Honiara thanked Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan for their address, and expressed the confidence of the Natives in their administration. Paika thought the lands which were purchased for fishhooks and pipes and tobacco should be restored. He thought Maoris should survey their own land. Te Watene Tautara would support the remarks of the last speaker with reference to Sir George' Grey and Mr Sheehan. At four o'clock the meeting adjourned till Monday. The Maoris then gave a song and dance in'honor of the Europeans. The whole proceedings were very orderly, and all the Natives were well dressed. Paul hospitably entertained the European visitors. There were European games and little swindles on the groundo similar to race course*