NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 922, 25 February 1882, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Mr Bryce arrived at Te Awamutn last Thursday afternoon, and was driven to Kihikihi, where ha was. entertained by Rewi. After dinner a conference eventuated, in which Mr Bryce poiuted out that the country was too small for the existence of more than one sovereign power, with one law. Rewi, in reply, stated he would never attempt to interfere with the lands that are gone r but he wanted a district bounded by Perongia, Kokepnkn, Punui, Tnngaruro, and White Cliffs, for reserves for the natives. He (Rewi) had tried the waiting course in the past, and had listened to this man and that man ; now he wus going to be guided by his own counsel. With reference to certain lands disputed, he daid if he had his own way in the matter, and had not Tawhaio's over control, he (Rewi) would have settled the matter long ago. He had advised Tawhaio long ago not to listen to opposers of occupation, but to allow Europeans to occupy the land. The trouble had been caused by friendly natives selling the land improperly. Mr Bryce recommended Rewi to have his title investigated by the Native Land 3 Court. Rew i replied that he had made up his mind to go before the Land Court. Mr Bryce expressed pleasure at Rewi's determination, and assured him positively that none of the natives would be compelled to part with their land. He advised Rewi not to sell but to lease his land. The Premier had an interview with Rewi at Hamilton. Mr Bryce intreduced

I Rewi, who suid to the Premier ;—" Some little time ago yon were a& another i pakeha to me ; now you aie my friend. i I agree with Mr Bryce, that the time has now cotue when friendship and confidence should be established between the Maori aDd the Pakeha ; the difficulty will be between the land of the Maori and the money of the Pakehu." The Premier said in reply Government and M Bryce would help and advise Rewi as to what was best for the interest of himself and his people. He was glad to see Rewi again. They shook hands and parted.