WAIKATO.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5581, 17 February 1879, Page 2

WAIKATO.

(i'ROH OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Tawhiao has returned from Kawhia to Hikurangi, but has not yet “spoken.” The Government agents I hear are on the qui vive expecting to be “ sent for,” but it is the general impression that they will have to wait for some time. There is but one opinion amongst the natives in these parts, and that is that Tawhiao has no idea at present of making terms with Sir George Grey’s Government. “ Kawana Kerei’s” old tricks, and some little social irregularities—new to the Maoris as attributes of a Native Minister—are favorite topics of conversation and discussion at all village meetings. The bubble of personal influence has burst, and failure will of course be said to be owing to any cause but the right one. Raul, of Orakei, has been up with the Waikatos about the great meeting at his place—the “ Treaty of Kohimarama’’ it is to be called. Paul, they say, thinks that the idea of the gathering originated with the King ; if it did, Tawhiao must be getting lukewarm about it, for Paul waited nearly a week at Kopua, and not getting a reply to his message returned to Auckland in disgust. It is understood that the first subject for discussion at the Kohimarama meeting will be the nonfulfllment by the Government of “ some of the conditions of the treaty of Waitangi.” If Paul’s meeting should prove to be a success, Government will be asked to provide transport for the entire crowd of Maoris to Hikauraugi, and the same questions will be discussed there : at least that is the idea of the promoter ! The King natives view the thing with indifference, and are surprised that an official like Paul should take so much trouble to get up a conference, the object of which appears to be to “ runanga” the Government for breach of faith. The Government agents, Pakeha and Maori, are busy singing the praises of Tawhiao now. Bewi, who has been dropped as impracticable, is at Taupo; he has established an aukati about his hut to keep off the pimps and spies who steal his private letters and telegrams, pervert his words, and garble his messages for the use of their employers, the Queen’s Government. He was afraid even to speak to Major Scannell, who made him a visit of politeness the other day, and he defended himself from a suspected inquisition by rolling himself up in his blanket and pretending to sleep. That is the result of “personal” government upon him. Mr. Sheehan is reported to have admitted that he had been “ koutpuing " to the wrong image. A newspaper called The Free Lance has been started in Auckland. I believe its columns are open to those who dare to differ from the party in pewer, and that Press Agency telegrams will not be excluded because the Native Minister chooses to say that they are “ utterly untrue,” as he did when Rewi’s little scheme found its way into print. Country settlers in Waikato wonder with me how it is that a newspaper of such secure standing and power as the AucUand Herald should be so blind to its own and t* the public interest as to allow itself to be muzzled as it has been. _ The case of our local organ, the Waikato Times, is different ; “ working the oracle ” of the proprietors is its only principle at present. After the next sitting of the Native Lands Court at Cambridge, we may hope that it will show more independence, and also find some other subject for glorification besides the “celebrated meeting of Bewi and the Native Minister at Kihikihi.” The interference of Hauhaus with a road party between Radian and Aotea has been the cause of a good deal of talk; it shows simply how strong the feeling against roads and other public works has become. Tawhiao, of course, knew better than to permit his name to be used in connection with opposition to the making of roads in a country settled by Europeans and on land bought from his own tribe more than twentyfive years ago. Hamilton, Feb. 8, 1879.