THE SOUTHERN MAORIES.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1629, 10 May 1879, Page 4

THE SOUTHERN MAORIES.

The large number of Natives assembled at Kaiapoi during the sitting of the Native Lands Commission are exceptionally well conducted, as not a single complaint has so far been lodged. They leave the pah, which is two miles from town, in a coach and four and other vehicles each day, in time to reach town for the sitting of the Commission. Their chief place of assembly is at the Oddfellows’ Hall, and immediately the Commissioners take their seats the utmost quiet and decorum is observed in the room among the two hundred or more who are usually present. Several of the women seem to take as great an interest in the proceedings as the men. There is a Maori constable in uniform, as well as a member of the police force, in attendance, whose duty it would be, if necessary, to maintain silence. On the platform the Commissioners have their bench placed, and are attended by Mr Young who acts as interpreter, and Mr James Grey as short-hand writer. Below the platform is a long table at which Mr Izard, counsel for the Maoris, takes his seat, supported by Hori KeriTaiaroa, M.L.0., and Ti Moti, who appear to be the representatives of the Ngaitihu. At this table also sits Rev. G. P. Mutu, who takes notes of the case, and the reporters of the Press. Among the audience it is easy to see what great importance is attached to the matters under investigation, by the fact the many come with their note books, and carefully jot down prominent portions of the evidence, which form themes for discussion on the return to the pah in the evening. During the noon adjournment the majority of the Natives dine in a largo room at Burnip’s Hotel, where about one hundred sit down together. On Tuesday the directors of the Woollen Factory granted permission to the visitors to inspect the works, when the different machines were explained by the manager, whose words were interpreted to those present. This is said by many of them to have given them a better insight into the manufacture of fabrics than anything which they had heard explained or read about, and at the conclusion of about two hours’ inspection, the party went away, giving three cheers for the directory. In the way of amusements it has been arranged that the Wizard of the South will give them an entertainment, consisting of music and magic, at the St, Stephen’s schoolroom. The commission sat on Thursday, and adjourned till Monday. It is expected the taking of evidence on the claims will occupy about four or five days.