THE NATIVE MEETING.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2672, 30 October 1882, Page 3

THE NATIVE MEETING.

[press association telegram.] ALEXANDRA, October 30. The meeting commenced at two o’clock, it ia expected that Mr Bryce will disclose the Government proposals. So far as can be ascertained the position of affairs is of rather a mild character, the Ngatimaniapotos and others being the land owners, and as such have vital interests in the issue of events, they are fully disposed to stand aloof, and simply - note the results of negotiations between Tawhaio and Mr Bryce, without in any way connecting themselves with the parties thereto. They are prepared to make a, reasonable provision for Tawhaio himself, but positively object to similar provision for the Waikato [tribes, rendered landless and otherwise destitute under the act of confiscation. Any attempt to include the latter will be resisted by the Land Court being employed by the Ngatimaniapotos. On the other hand, if Government is prepared to make provision for the Waikato out of the landed estate, apart altogether from the Ngatimaniapoto interest, no difficulty will ensue. This is the difficulty Mr Bryce will have to face, and it will altogether depend upon his success in grappling with it. Having heard his proposals to-day, it is understood the Natives will adjourn for the consideration thereof, and that on meeting again the result ’of these deliberations will be made known. From this it is argued that Tawhaio is not the all-powerful individual ho is esteemed to ho, the real landed interest being strongly disposed to cast off his yoke altogether, or at all events merely tolerate it. So far as is consistent with their own individual interests, the landowners are not by any moans indisposed to have their lands adjudicated by the court. The feeling in that direction has been greatly stimulated by the passing ■of the Native Lands Rating Act, under which twelve months’ rates will become duo and payable on the 31st March next. In dealing with their land they are resolved upon leasing for a reasonable term, and under no circumstances selling them. The projected land companies are looked upon with the utmost suspicion. The Natives avow their determination of having nothing to do with thorn. It is likewise understood they will facilitate rather than oppose the through projected railway.