RESERVES FOR TAUROA.

Patea Mail, 7 May 1881, Page 3

RESERVES FOR TAUROA.

Sni William Fox lias held a two days conference with Tauroa and his people, attended also by Komine and his people, at Tauroa’s pah up the river. The object has been to give additional reserves in the proportion of two-thirds to Tauroa and one-third to Komine, in satisfaction of promises previously made in the name of the Government. All who know Tauroa’s histoiy will sympathise with his claim to consideration. He was compelled to join in Tito Kovvarn’s war, was imprisoned two yoars, and on returning was allowed only 2,0U0 acres of land, and Komine (subchief) 1,000 acres, whereas other chiefs who joined voluntarily in that outbreak got much larger reserves. The Commissioner concluded his conference with the natives yesterday by offering to recommend certain additional reserves adjoining those now held, but requiring as a condition that the impediments to navigation in the Patea river, in the shape of eel weirs> shall be removed. Sir William said this was his final word on the subject. The proposal now remains for farther consideration, and it is to be hoped tire natives will algeptit. The weirs have ceased to have practical value to natives under pre■t conditions, while the removal of this impediment would open the country to settlement along the natural highway to the interior. The question need not be hurried, and the natives can take their own time about giving a final answer. Tauroa is shrewd, candid, and reasonable, and his Patea friends will bo pleased to see Iris claim fairly satisfied.