Native Meeting at Waitotara.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 528, 3 June 1880, Page 2

Native Meeting at Waitotara.

( bpcciul from a Correspondent.) A rather important meeting was held at the Kaipo Pah, Waitotara, on Tuesday evening. Early in the day the natives commenced flocking from all parts of the district, the various settlements between Whenuakura and Kai Iwi being well represented, as also the up-river Waitotara settlements. By 3 o’clock in the afternoon there must have been nearly four hundred natives assembled, but very few of the residents appeared to know what for. We were curious, and soon learned they had a three-fold object in view. Firstly, to consider where it would suit the convenience of the greatest number to hold the Lands Court sittings, and to make application to the Native Minister accordingly. Secondly, to call in question the conduct of certain chiefs, disciples ol Tc Whiti, who have been trying to get the natives to take more notice of tindoing’s of the Parihaka prophet; and thirdly, to arrange for the distribution of £3OOO just received from the Government, as compensation for the Momahaki land. An almost unanimous opinion was expressed that Patea would be the best place for their claims to be heard. Tapu te Wiro, one of the offending chiefs, was present, and spoke, but it was decided not to take any notice of any of Te Whiti’s messengers. They thought ho should arrange matters with the Government. No good came of these frequent visits to Parihaka. The £3OOO was divided equally between the Parihaka and Waitotara natives.