NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1876, 27 February 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[By Telegbaph.] WELLINGTON, February 26. Various special correspondents on the west coast of this ielund to-day report that considerable dissatisfaction has been caused in the Taranaki district by the reduction of the allowance hitherto made to certain friendly Natives. It is almost needless to explain that the reductions which are being made all over the colony form an essential part of the policy of retrenchment in Native expenditure to which the present Ministry stands pledged. The retrenchments are unpopular with those who are the sufferers by the reductions, but they are absolutely necessary under existing circumstances. Every step taken in this direction has been by the express instructions and with the full approval of the Government, who contemplate many other reductions of a similar class, and do not anticipate any seriouß discontent or unpleasantness being caused by their action.

I FROM A COBTtESFONDENT. | HAWFRA, February 26. T. W. Lewis, an under secretary of tho Native Department, is now engaged in making a tour of the North Inland, with the view of reducing the expenditure of the Department generally, aid was lately through the Taranalii diatrict. It appears from, the line of action adopted by this gentleman that he is animated by a strong desire to carry out his instructions to the latter, but unfortunately, as I aix. informed by the people of this district, whose opinion on suoh a matter is of a reliable nature, he does not possess either the tact or the experience to enable him to effect reductions without injury to the public interest. His action at New Plymouth in reducing an allowance that haß for years past been made to Ropata gomate, an exceedingly useful and influential person, as well as a staunch friend of the pakeha, is strongly condemned by public opinion on this coast, and surprise is expressed that the opinion of some competent person had not been asked before taking such a delicate step. It is feared that the allegiance of this old friend of ours has been alienated. Old " Polii arp," another Taranaki chief and friend of the white?, has also been reduced in like munnor. The white people thoroughly agree with the effort to reduce the enormous expenditure of the Native Department. They regret the want of discrimination shown in the above reductions, and still hope that the tep may be reconsidered.