The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1879.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 391, 15 January 1879, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1879.

What can only be looked upon as another important step towards breaking through native opposition to the settlement of the Waimato Plains and other confiscated land, took place during last week. The Patea ConntyCouncil required gravel to metal the roads between the Waingongora River (the boundary of the Waimate Plains) and Hawera and surrounding districts. No nearer or better gravel could he obtained than was to he found just across the Waingongora River the Waimate Plains. The Plains Natives objected strongly to the opening of any gravel pit on the Plains. On account of this opposition Mr W. Williams and the now lamons native chief Katene, went to the Plains last

week to argue tbe point with the Natives, whom, we understand, were acting under instructions from Parihaka. A native woman was put forward as objector-in-chief, and was strongly backed up by men. The talk was very lengthy, and even stronger opposition was offered Ilian to the commencement of the survey of the Plains. The survey the Natives looked upon as simply marking off the land, an operation which would in no way lessen its quantity and could do but little barm. The carting away of gravel they look upon with alarm, ami as being a litoral taking away of the land. Hence the opposition was strong. The natives it appears—that is, the devotees of Te VVhiti—are firm in their belief that ail tilings will be restored to them in March next. Te Whiti has so prophesied. It was pointed out that in that case the Europeans being in possession for the short lime between now and then could do but little barm. Being beaten at argument the opposition of the Natives became weaker until a start was allowed to bo made by the workmen to open up gravel pits, and the work of carting commenced at the end of the week. This taking away of gravel from the Waimato Plains is in itself a simple matter, but when the strong feeling of the Natives is

taken into consideration together with the importance which they attach to keeping full possession of the soil, the opening of the gravel pits can but bo looked upon as a most important advance towards the settlement ot the confiscated lands question. The very highest credit is due to Kateno for the heartiness and daring with which be works to subdue the opposition of objectors—whom bo has long been convinced will bo gainers by working in harmony with Government, while they ivill be great losers and sufferers if they should be foolish enough to rise against the pakeha.