NATIVE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 23, 1 July 1871, Page 4

NATIVE.

An Auckland correspondent of the " Lyttelton Times" says : Now, as when I last wrote, a large majority of our natives are quietly occupied with agricultural and fishing pursuits, only varied by an occasional journey to tangi for some distant relative deceased, or by brief visits to Auckland to arrange about a ruri (land survey), or to purchase goods. Amongst the Kingites of Upper Waikato 1 hear there has been much sickness of late, and some deaths.

The Arawa chief, Wi Maihi, lately wrote to inform us ; through the " Southern Cross," thatKereopa, with fifty men and thirty woraen, is hiding in the Uriwcra, but desirous to come in. I rather think our old friend has been misinformed, at least to some extent. It is not unlikely Kereopa may be hiding in the Uriwera. Hunted like a rat, as he and To Kooti have been, and with submitted tribes between them and the rough country to the west, it is difficult to see where else either of those miscreants can seek refuge ; but it seems most improbable that Kereopa can have such a following. It is satisfactory, however, to find that Maihi is on the qui vive, as it effectually disposes of the nonsense printed about Arawa disloyalty. Many Arawa chiefs have suffered deeply from Hauhaus and Kingism, perhaps none more so than Wi Maihi, whose son, you will remember, was murdered by Hauhaus last year. Early last week a meeting of friendly natives was held at Raglan, to consider the propriety of establishing an aukati line, which would close the Aotea and Raglan roads to Hauhaus. The Raglan friendlies have long been desirous to arrange something of the kind, but it is hard to say if it would be advisable to grant them the required permission. Major Mair, the newly appointed Resident Magistrate for that district, was present at the Raglan meeting. The Ngatiporou, by Ropata's direction, have lately been supplying surrendered rebels, in charge of Ngatiporou, and living on the East Coast, with large supplies of food. Though Ropata is very strict with his prisoners, like most brave men he is not unkind ; and T am told the prisoners do not greatly lament their captivity. All disputes with the natives about confiscated lands atTauranga have been nearly arranged by Mr Commissioner Clarke. A final settlement is shortly expected, as only a few minor details have to be arranged, and these are in

good training. _ By the completion of a road from Tauranga to a native settlement called Judea, the Oropi block—a very fine stretch of fertile country will soon be open for settlement. The road was made by Ngaiterangi natives, for £350 and every one who has seen it declares the work is well and faithfully done.

At the Thames, native matters are exceptionally quiet just now, and we hear little or nothing about the overland Tauranga mail. I believe Mr Mackay did his best with Te Hira, but found the old fellow unconquerable. I note that Southern journals have been informed from here that the Defence Minister is " absurdely jealous of Mr Mackay" in this "case. The informant has been misinformed. Were it otherwise, injustice done to both the Defence Minister and Mr Mackay. It is very well known here that Mr M'Lean has been frequently heard to speak very kindly of Mr Mackay, and I believe I am correct in stating that, by not accepting employment in the native department, for which every one knows Mr Mackay is well fitted, that gentleman consults his own inclinations and interests. As a native agent, it is understood he makes a large income.