NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 447, 19 February 1890, Page 4

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

The Hon. Mr Mifcchelson, Minister for Native Affairs, and Mr Hanoi Taipari met a large number of the NgatirauUawa tribe at Waotu last Saturday. The meeting was addressed by the following chiefs Aperahama Rangitutia, Maihi Te Regaru, Pouawha Regango, Whiripo Te Penie, RangowhitiaoTe Penie. The principal complaint was with regard to the Lands Court having granted the Maungatautari block to another tribe, by whom it was sold to Mr Grice. Written statements of their claim were handed to Mr Mibchclson, who in reply said that he would confer with the Chief Justice on the matter. He pointed out that as the land had been sold redress could only be obtained by petitioning Parliament. He warned the natives that men occupying the land were not to be disturbed in their fencing operations and other works now being carried on. He also thanked the natives for having desisted when he wired to them to do so, and would only promise to help them so long as they obeyed the law. Mr Mitchelson was loudly cheered at the end of his speech, the whole meeting having been conducted without th# aid of an interpreter. Mr Mitcheleon afterwards left for Whakarewarewa, where he informed the natives that he thought the Government should purchase all the springs. The Native Minister also visited Waiotapu and was interviewed by the Maoris.