THE MINISTERIAL FIASCO AT ROTORITA. What the Natives Want.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 40, 8 March 1884, Page 3

THE MINISTERIAL FIASCO AT ROTORITA. What the Natives Want.

I The version given by the natives of the recent meeting with Ministers at Ohinemutu states that the points placed before the hon. gentlemen by the selected spokesman were these :—(1): — (1) How far do the doctor's rounds extend in visiting the sick ? (2) What about sick natives requiring to use the baths? (3) Will the trouble connected with the town be settled by the £500 which Government keep back? (4) The annual rental is £2,709 ; why have we only got £1,800 on last year's rents? Hon. Mr liolleston replied that the doctor was at liberty to go as far as he thought fit, and that while natives would bo allowed to use the baths free, they would be charged if they were treated in the Hospital. As to the money kept by Government, that was used to make improvements on the town. Government had only got £2,282 for two years' rentals. Government were spending a lot of money in putting through roads, and if the natives would help to get the railway made they would benefit thereby. Pirimi said they would grant the roads and railway stations, but they could not give the lands asked. After further discussion Mr Bryce said— "If you don't grant the railway endow ments, you shall surely die." This closed the meeting at Tama-te-kupua.