THE NATIVE MINISTER'S INTERVIEW WITH THE WAIKATO CHIEFS.

Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 36, 21 February 1877, Page 3

THE NATIVE MINISTER'S INTERVIEW WITH THE WAIKATO CHIEFS.

On Friday last Rewi, accompanied by Tupotahi, and other Ngatimanuopoto chiefs arrived at Alexandra, Waikato, to meet the Hon. the Native Minister, and awaited his arrival. Shortly afterwards Dr Pollen arrived, and Rewi and his party came to Finches Hotel to see him, and after remaining about an hour Rewi returned to Te Wheoro's house, having arranged, when a messenger was sent to- him by Pollen, who proceeded with him to the appointed place, accompanied ,by Col. Lyon, Majors Mair and Bush, and a few principal settlers of the district. Upon their arrival, Rewi said he supposed it was for him, as the person who invited Pollen, to open the discussion, which he would do by welcoming him as the successor to their friend McLean, having heard that you are placed to carry out the works that he has commenced ; and, therefore, I am here to meet and welcome you m order that we may know each other, and discuss

matters that interest both you and I. I have grievances to bring before "you, and they refer to a clandestine sale of lands with .some persons who' had no right to sell it. I do not think such proceedings are correct. I have no complaints to make with reference to my lands that were m the confiscation boundary. I only refer to those pieces that have been sold by persons outside that boundary. Dr Pollen informed Rewi that the Government had discontinued purchasing fresh blocks of land ; they would only conclude. negotiations already commenced, after which the Government would cease for the pro- j sent. In reference to what Rewi ?aid respecting his land having been sold by stealth, he would recommend him if such was really the case to bring the matter into court, which was a proper place to redress grievances of this nature. Acts of violence or talking over them would not settle them. If you feel disposed to take advantage of the English law courts they are open to you, and I will give you all the assistance that I c&.n m redressing your wrongs. Ido so m order to show you that this is the proper way to do these things. The law is open to all, aud that can give you a title which no one can dispute. I have a desire to promote peace, which is the best for Goth races. I would like to hear your desires on these matters openly, then we can understand each other and assist each other m making arrangements which will benefit both races, and which we cannot do unless we meet as friends. Rewi, m reptying, said that he did not see his way clear to go to court at present. If matters were satisfactorily arranged it would be an easy matter. I wish for peace to be maintained, and I am prepared to assist you as I was to assist our friend McLean, who is now gone. Te Ngakau wished to know why Government did not agree to allow Watara to be taken into court before the war P If this had been permitted, what you now say about appealing to the court would be easy ? The Hon. Dr Pollen replied that the courts were open to all if they chose to appeal to them. The law was above the Queen or any other person. There is an old proverb which says : "no one is so blind as those who won't see." You misunderstand ; Waikato cannot be given back. I am a new man and am willing to bury the past m order that we may commence afresh. I call upon you to do the same ; if you consent we will settle matters satisfactorily. lam prepared to treat you fairly. [ After this some of the Ngatihaua tribe present spoke about the land which Rewi alleged had been sold wrongfully, and asking him who it was that brought the subject forward P Rewi answered : I did. A conversation then ensued amongst themselves, and Rewi asked permission to adjourn the discussion until to-morrow, which was agreed to, and the day's proceedings terminated. On the following day (Saturday) Mr Mackay arrived, and the interview between the Hon Dr Pollen and Rewi was resumed. Rewi said he objected to murder and small acts of aggression ; if there was to be fighting he would do it openly. The land question formed the principal topic of conversation.' Dr Pollen said that any disputes as to the ownership of certain lands or the right of certain tribes to alienate such lands would be settled by reference to the Native Lands Court. , Rewi, on the other hand, recommended a public meeting of all the natives interested, which he said would be better than the court. Ultimately, at Rewi's invitation, Dr Pollen agreed to meet him at Taupo as soon as Rewi shall have finished harvesting. Rewi then referred to the numerous thefts of which the natives had been recently accused, and expressed his earnest wish to put a stop to such practices, and suggested that if any King native was caught stealing he should be locked up and Eewi be informed, when he would see that money restitution was paid. This he said would, be better than sending them to gaol, which did them harm. If any thief of the Ngatimaniapoto (his) tribe escaped, he would have him recaptured.