THE MAORI PRISONERS AT DUNEDIN.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1935, 7 May 1880, Page 3

THE MAORI PRISONERS AT DUNEDIN.

[Br Tblbgraph.l DUNEDIN, May 6. As Visiting Justice, Mr Watt, 8.M., yesterday afternoon visited the Maori prisoners awaiting trial, and told them that winter clothing would be snpplied to such of them as required it, at the same time requesting them to inform Mr Caldwell of their wants. Subsequently Mr Watt learnt that the men were dissatisfied with tho arrangement, proposed, and that all wanted to bo supplied with like clothing, without reference to what articles they then had. Accordingly he again visited them this morning at the shed on the reolaimed ground where thoy are employed during the day. The conversations were oarried on in Maori. Mr Watt shortly addressed the prisoners to the effect that, hearing that they were discontented with the proposed arrangement, lie desired ta heir what they had to say, telling them that he would not hear anything upon the political or legal question of their detention. Tamahuki spoke at some length, demanding that all should be dressed alike. Ho then proceeded to talk about their detention, but was not permitted to speak on this subjeot. Mr Watt said that he had nothing to do wito the question of detention. He simply desired to see to their bodily welfaro, that they had sufficient clothing and exercise. The Government had provided exerciso as a means of health for them in the shape of supplying greenstone, to become their property when cut up. .Tamahuki alluded to Te Wireki Kingi and Te Bangipoapoa having been supplied with over coats. Mr Watt said he had personally supplied these articles, but said that waß no reason why he should furnish 137 men with coa's. He now appeared befo' e them on behalf of the Government and not personally, and desired to know what were their necessities for the coming winder. Te Bangipoapoa and Wirenui Kingi briefly addressed those present, pointing out that Mr Watt was then present on behalf of the Government to learn their wants. Kingi complimented Mr Watt on the attention he had bestowed on the prisoners. Before leaving, Mr Watt promised to see the men again on Saturday, when each man would bo provided for according to nis wants.