Major Atkinson and Native Affairs.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 7, 6 June 1885, Page 3

Major Atkinson and Native Affairs.

(UNITRD. PRJfSS" ASSOCIATION.) New P&ymo.tith, Friday. . Major Atkinson met a number of West Coast settlers at' Uahot'u at noon yesterday m onler to discuss the state or Native affairs m the district. Mr Mills (late of Can terlmry). opened the proceedings by. Rating that he hoped he would receive better 'treatment than from Mr Ballance^ If -%e had been the greatest reprobate u*der the sun he could not bare been treated with greater disrespect. H«3lietf -IreMed how the Natives had m the past interfered, with the settlers. Major Atkinson aai l d he entirely f ailod to to understand the motives Mr Ballance had m remov-ng the Constabulary. His obiect should be,. to weaken Te Whitis influence their removal from PanhaWa'had apparently increased it. Major Atkinson promised to use his endeavors to £et equable administration of the law to European -and Maori. One policeman was evidently insufficient. He thought the^irejetihg might expect an additional force. Major 'Atkinson was well recei ed ana-thanked by the settlers for his courtesy; to then.}, ...... ... ... 'Major Afkinson addressed his constituents „ W CJakani on Tuesday night. Speaking on Native affairs, he said the Native .Minister appeared to be coming Imek i *to >ihe old flour and sugar policy. Thfe ; taking away of the A.C's. from Pungafehii*caused the natives to believe m TeWhiti more than ever, for it helped to bring true his. prophecies. He thought tha't'Pnngarehii should have been the last. A.Q. station which should have been broicen ""p.' The Natives bad full confidence- in Mr Bryce, but found Mr Ballancels >vora. not to be relied on i. If thcjNative Miwster said "I will do this, the Maoris replied, ''No ; yon must do that." A vot,o.x)f conadence was unanimously passed.