NATIVE MEETING.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 126, 24 January 1874, Page 2

NATIVE MEETING.

The following particulars of the meeting of Natives held in the Court House on Tuesday last were obligifigly furnished us by Captain Porter, and unavoidably held over from our last issue

The originator of the meeeting Wi Pere explained that the troubles of the State had multiplied from year to year, and he was desirous of putting an end to them. The first trouble arose from war, and the second from the leasing of land. The great desire of Europeans to obtain possession of the lands in this district had led to a great clashing of interests, and, in some instances, so many as four or five leases had been obtained by different persons for the same block. He concluded by proposing that the following persons be appointed as n committee to investigate all the matters connected with their leases &c.:—Namely, Dr Nesbitt, Pita Te Huhu, Wi Mahuika, Epiniha Tepuna, Honi Kewa, Butene Teke, Panapa Waihopi, Tiopiro Tawhiau, Te Puia, Matenga Toti, Wi Paraone, Tamati Te Rangi, and Wi Pere. The lands which will chiefly come under their notice are comprised in the Bakaiketiroa, Bangatira, and Whatatutu blocks. They will ascertain to whom the leases, ought to be granted, and recommend how differences should be settled.

Panapa Waihope agreed to the election. Maria Morris disagreed with this method of settling their differences as it would deceive the Europeans. She had been'kept out of her lands all along on account of her European parentage.

Dr. Nesbitt asked if the persons named ns the Committee were appointed bv the whole of the Aitangi-a-nmiinki tribe, and if so, if the holders of agreements would abide by their decision.

A\ i Pere said, that as the depth of evil was very gieat, he wanted to do what he could to remove it, if his people opposed this motion he would tnrn upon them. “ You know ”he continued “that I have been in opposition to the Government, but that is over. Aly desire is the good of my people. There is too much difference of opinion which gives rise to so many leases.” He alluded to Fraser’s case, and said, “ If horses are shot, men will be shot too ; I was sad as 1 heard of this on my way home from Wellington.” Panapa said, the whole tribe agreed to Wi Pere s proposition. Pimia protested against the arrangement, and did not agree to giving the power to the people proposed by Wi Pere. The Committee then met and passed the resolution reported in our lust. The Committee will meet again on the 2nd, February to take into consideration any documents or grievances placed before it.