THE NATIVE MEETING.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2994, 30 October 1882, Page 3

THE NATIVE MEETING.

VERY LATEST.

FBt Teiegeadh,.!

Aibxandea, Oct. 30,

The meeting commences at 2 o’oock, when it is expected that Mr Bryce will disclose the Government proposals. So far as can be ascertained, "the position of affairs is of rather a mixed character. The Ngatimaniopotos and others being the landowners, and as such having vital interests in the issue of events, are fully disposed to stand aloof and simply note the results of negotiations between Tawhiao and Mr Bryce without in apy way connecting themselves as parties thereto. They are prepared to make reasonable provision for Tawhiao himself, but positively object to similar provision for the Waikato tribes rendered landless and 'otherwise destitue under the Act of Confiscation. Any attempt to - include the latter will be resisted by the Land Court employed by the Ngatimaniopotos. On the other band, if Government is prepared to make provision for the Waikatos out of the landed estate, apart altogether from the Ngatimaniopoto interest, no difficulty will ensue. This , is the , difficulty Mr Bryce will have to face, and it will altogether depend upon his success in grappling with it. _ Having heard his proposals to-day it is understood the Natives will adjourn for consideration thereof, and that on the meeting again resuming the result of these deliberations will he made known. From this it is argued that Tawhiao is not the all powerful individual he is esteemed to be, the real landed interest being strongly disposed to cast off his yoke altogether, or, at all events, merely tolerate it so far as it is consistent with their own individual interests. The landowners are not by any means indisposed to have their lands adjudicated upon by the Court. Thb feeling in that direction has been greatly stimulated consequent upbn the passing of the Native Lands Righting Act, under which twelve months' rates will become due and payable on the 31st of March next. In dealing with their lands they are resolved upon leasing for a reasonable term and under no circumstances selling them. The projested land companies are looked upon; with the utmost suspicion. The Natives avow their determination of having nothing to do with them. It is likewise understood they will facilitate rather than oppose the through projected railway,