WAIKATO NATIVE MATTERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5706, 14 July 1879, Page 2

WAIKATO NATIVE MATTERS.

(PEE PRESS AQENCT-) Auckland, Saturday, A large native meeting was held at Cambridge, Waikato, to-day. At the beginning there was a disturbance, which caused separation, but the meeting reorganised, and a petition prepared for presentation to the Governor was read. It set forth that the natives were desirous of living peaceably with the Europeans ; that there were many complaints and grievances which could not be remedied by Government or Parliament, and therefore they look to the Governor, as month of the Queen, to ameliorate their condition. They ask that he will appoint commissioners to consider their wrongs—some to be elected by the Governor, and some by the Maoris. They have discovered the lack of strength of the Native Minister appointed by the Euro-

peans, and they pray that the Maoris be allowed .to appoint a Native Minister. They say that the practice of the Government in paying a few pounds on land that they may satisfy their greediness in purchasing after ward' will lead to evil, and pray that Government land purchasing should he stopped, and that the commissioners be instructed to inquire into the liquor traffic, so as to prevent it extending, and bring it to an end and stop the increase among the tribes. A long discussion ensued, many of the speakers contending that the commissioners would do no good. They had had commissioners, and had elected native members, and Honi Nahe was in the Ministry, but it was all the same. One speaker said it was foolish to blame the Government because their lands were sold at half-a-crown an acre ; the Maoris were to blame them-elves. Some thought they might try the petition, and . see how it worked. The meeting finally adjourned till Monday, to further discuss the matter. Another petition is going to Wellington, demanding the return of all confiscated lauds at Tauraoga, and all lands wrongfully bought. This is signed by 120 native landowners. A sum of £3OOO was paid during the last few days on the Okauia Block. Sixteen chiefs who got overpaid in mistake immediately refunded the money when the error was pointed out.