The Manawatu Railway and the Natives.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 184, 2 July 1884, Page 2

The Manawatu Railway and the Natives.

(Post.) A very interesting aodimportant meeting of the Ngatiawa tribe took place at Waikanaeon Wednesday last. Theassembly was for the purpose of discussing the terms onjwhich the Wellington and Manawatu railway should be allowed to pass through their block of land, and the result showed how much they apprecaited the advantages offered by the railway, and how willing they are to assist m developing the country by means of communication. Wi Parata, the chief, with the principal men and nearly all the members, male and female, as well as children, were present to represent the tribe. The railway Company was represented by Mr Alexander M'Donald, the narive agent, and Mr" James Wallace, their secretary. The meeting was held m front of the runanga house, a very handsome building, designed by the chief himself and recently erected. It stands m the centre of a large level grassy plot. The house fronts the sea, j and has becu named by Wi Parata " Whakarongatae, " which signifies v Listen to the voice of tides." Mr M'Donald began the proceedings by spreading a map, shewing the railway line, before the tribe, and explaining what land the company required to make ' the railway upon. Wi Parata made an eloquent harangue m reply, and explained the desire of the tribe to facilitate tliomakingof the railway,and welcomed it . because it would bring great good to his people. At tl*e same time, he wished it to be understood that the tribe had resolved to hold their lands m tribal interest and allow no subdivisions. Whatever boon the railway brought was for the benefit of all. After two hours' speechifying, Wi Parafa stated that the tribe were agreed to give a free right-of-way for the i*aihvay — a distance of nearly seven miles— through their lauds, and that he would, on their behalf, sign an agreement to that effect. When the assembly dispersed an adjournment was made to the chief's residence, where an agreement was signed ratifying the generous gift. We understand the company have good reason to be pleased with the reception the raihvav has met. from the natives, and the privileges that had been granted by them to further its construction. The contrast hi this respect between them and. many of the Europeans whose land the line has passed through is very great. In some cases, we believe, the opposition almost amounts to prohibition. There is a good deal of significance m the name " Listen to the voices of tides" which Wi Parata has given to his runanga | house. The name is an exhortation to the tribe to listen not to only what the " wild waves are saying," but to the tides of progress and advancement, social and physical, observable around them.