THE NATIVE MINISTER IN THE WAIKATO.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 88, 7 February 1885, Page 6

THE NATIVE MINISTER IN THE WAIKATO.

He Declines Tawhlao's Invitation. Alexandra, February 3. Hon. Mr Ballafoe, accompanied by 1 Messrs Lewis and Butler, arrived here last night. Major Te Wheoro was also of the party. After their arrival the Native Minister was met by Wahanui and a number of other leading natives. When the usual greetings were exchanged Mr Ballance told Wahanui he was happy to meet him among his own people. He (Mr Ballance) intended proceeding to Kihikihi on the following morniiig, where he hoped to meet the natives and talk over the business of the mission. Wahanui looked the very essence of respectability, and his appearance affords ' undeniable evidence of a fat Government! subsidy. There is supposed to be a split between Wahanui and Tawhiao, the latter having been for some time jealous of the growing significance of the former. Bewi is also running a canoe of his own. Tawhiao sent in an invitation to Mr Ballance last night asking him to come and see him at Whatiwhatihoe. Mr Ballanco replied that he would be very happy to meet him, but he must come to Alexandra, and, in order to meet him, would remain here till twelve o'clock, when he should leave for Kihikihi. Should Tawhiao come to Alexandria and pay his compliments to Mr Ballanoe when the Kihikihi meeting is over, Mr Ballance will come back here and discuss the situation wit'i his Majesty, Ido not think it likely that Tawhiao will come in, as, from all appearances, he has forbidden even his peoplo to come to Alexandra during the Minister's stay. The Otorohunga meeting has been knocked on the head. This morning Mr Ballance will be the guest of Wahanui at his new house.

Proceedings To-day. Mr Ballance paid a visit to Wahanui at his new house this morning, but nothing of public interest was touched upon. Mr Ballance, accompanied by Colonel Lyon, also paid a visit to the Redoubt and Constabulary quarters. He was waited upon by a deputation of town commissioners re municipal reserves and bridges over the Waipa and JPunui Rivers. He pro- i mised that Government would contribute half of the cost of the repair of Waipa Bridge, the local body to contribute the other half. Government, he said, would also consider the proposal to bridge the Funui here, as he considered it a very important matter. He would also have the local municipal reserves vested in the Town Board, excepting the reserve at Kihikihi, which, he thought, should go to Kihikihi, The deputation also pointed out that there were no resident Justices of the Peace. Tho Minister mado a note of the deficiency

Meeting with Tawhiao Arranged. Mr Butler went over to see Tawhiao at his settlement this morning, and arranged that Mr Ballance should meet him there to talk over public affairs. Mr Ballance has now left for Kihikihi, where there will be a large meeting this afternoon.