THE NATIVE MEETING AT KOHIMARAMA.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1573, 5 March 1879, Page 3

THE NATIVE MEETING AT KOHIMARAMA.

[Press .Special Wire.]

Auckland, March 4. The Orakei Parliament will probably close tomorrow, and a grand ball bo held there on Thursday, for which the Natives will issue a number of invitations to Europeans. To-d ty resolutions were passed approving of the treaty of Waitangi, and declaring the intention of those present to remain for ever loyal to the Queen, and observe the laws and retain possession of their fisheries for ever. They also passed a resolution that Maories should be allowed to ahoot on lands without taking out a license. The burden of the speeches to-day consisted of strong complaints about blocks of land, of which the Natives allege that they have been unjustly deprived. Almost all the Natives strongly opposed the further sale of land They all appeared strongly impressed with the possibility of their being left landless. Many of them declared in mournful tones that they had now become landless, and were now beggars, having parted with their lands for trifling sums, which had been dissipated in drink. Some speakers complained that they had been deceived with regard to the Crown grants in the first instance; that they thought that these grants would prevent the alienation of ihe land, and were surprised to find that sales were made easier than ever. They complained ’that only one name was inserted in the grant, and other owners shut out. Resolutions will be passed against the sale of further lands except those which are already under negotation. Paul has received a telegram from Te Ngakau, who 'says preparations for the Kopua Kingite meeting has been delayed by rain. Ho invites the northern tribes to come up in large numbers. The Natives say the Kopua meeting will be the most important ever hold.