REWI’S PROPOSALS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1665, 21 June 1879, Page 3

REWI’S PROPOSALS.

AUCKLAND, June 20. The following are farther particulars of Kewi’s proposals :—That a Maori district shall be formed, the boundaries to be pretty well identical wit a the present Kirg Country , the line to run from some point north or Kaikora along the line of confiscated land to Mangataunga, thence to Taupo, thence to the head of the Wanganui river on to the coast, the sea forming the west boundary. There is a dir pure relative to tho east boundary, Eewi wanting to take in Romo 100,000 acres which the Ngati* raukawas say he has no control over. It is probable that if their objections were pressed, he would fall back on the line of tho river Waikato, isomo of tho chiefs up to tho last moment stated their intention to sell, even though they agreed generally to Kowi’s boundary line ; but Rewi’s wish is for tho Government to prevent Maoris selling, or even being tempted to sell, and also for Government to bo bound not to bny. Eewi says “ let the boundary line be agreed upon first, then great things will bo settled after (meaning the railway and allotting ground for stations). The groat object of the boundary lino is to make all lands within it inalienable Maori territory. After that is settled, then Eewi will undertake that land is granted for tho construction of tho railway. All lands inside the boundary are, according to tho proposal, to be governed by Native rulers. If the proposals are agreed to by Tawhiao, he and Eewi would be rulers. But if Tawhiao does not come forward, some one else would supersede him. All Europeans having land in the block to be subject to Maori law. Thera irill be Maori Magistrates, Cattle stealing and

other crime* would bo punished by law, and it is supposed that their law-givers would be Maoris. All such things are in the distant future, and will only come to pass if the boundary line be nareed, upon Rewi’u first stipulation with resp?ct to the land was that the Europeans should be outside and the Maoris inside; secondly, that Europeans should be equal, each enjoying the same privileges. In reply to the question, If Rewi does not come to terms with the Government what would happen, the following answer was given In that case they are likely to see who has a right to the land. They will have n Government of their own, and settle their own disputes. But even in case of unsuccessful negotiations they may talk among themselves, and have railways. If the Government do not agree to Eewi’s proposals then the Maoris will know they have been Hitiri is desirous of having a railway constrncted to Taupo, and thinks that the Government will agree with Bewi’s proposals, but whether or not, it is understood that the railway shall go to Taupo.'