DEPUTATIONS THIS DAY.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1863, 22 December 1874, Page 2

DEPUTATIONS THIS DAY.

His Honor the Superintendent and J. Sheehan Esq., Provincial Secretary, came from Auckland this morning, for the purpose chiefly of making arrangements about land for the extension of the Cemetery, and with regard to the question of special settlements. A number of deputations visited- His Honor in 'the morning. PliKO SETTLEMENT. ' A number of citizens, among whom were Messrs James' Macky, Macnab, Browning, Douglas and others, waited „upon His Honor in the Government Buildings at 11 o'clock morning, as representatives of eighty .who wished to form a special settlement at Piako. '■"■■ Mr Macky explained id His Honor by reference to Ithe.pian the position occupied by Piako, and the desirability of forming a settlement there. His Honor said he could do nothing until the land became crown property, when the waste liands Act would come .into operation, and he would have author rity to act under that as the Governor's delegate. When the land was obtained he would do everything to assist special settlement, as he was greatly in favor of the principle; Mr Macky said he had seen Sir Donald McLean, who seemed to favor the idea, and spoke highly of the land as a site for such settlement. His Honor replied that he would like first to see the conclusion of negociations with the Natives. Mr Macky stated that' there; was another block of land suitable for settlement, namely Patiri, of 70,000 acres.: : ? It was ultimately decided that Messrs Macky, Gribble and Macnab should accompany His Honor, in an interview with Sir Donald McLean, regarding these lands. i . V ;•:■; .■; THE QHINEMI7EI QUESTIOnT}

Mr C. F. Mitchell and a number of miners representing the. mining interest on the field waited upon His Honor after the termination of the previous -conference. ' Mr Mitchell said there had been short preparation, otherwise His: Honor would doubtless have been interviewed by half the Thames population/ He lived at Ohinemuri and knew the position of affairs. The native owners of the fee simple had cede;d that,;fee simple'to the Government under a lien to them by sale to the Queen. The had made advances on that land. Te Moananui now opposed the opening of the country. He was a paid official of the Government. Te Hira also opposed the v opening ■either for land'or 1' gold, but had always been friendly 'disposed to Europeans. Mr Mitchell believed that by proper action the opposition of both could be overcome b$ >the Government. What thatdeputation hud. come to ask was, would the Superintendent give his aid in making the natives fulfil their agreement, so that the miners could occupy and work the land. : His Honor said the'question was put at an awkward time. No reasonable man but would know that he, as Superintendent, had no right to interfere with native affairs. It was entirely inithe hands of the General Government. '■ The Minister of native affairs wasr in their midst, and he firmly believed that Sir Donald was doing his best-—that he had the object at heart. It was possible any interference from him might'embarrass the Native Minister, who was actually making sacrifices at the time, in order to gratify the wishes of those who had waited. so long and: patiently. ' '- '> Some more discussion took place, but His Honor could not be induced',to move from the position he had taken up. s~, ■ Mr. Mitchell said : I am assured-that the Government have finally settled the question of Ohinemuri. Are you aware of that officially? . . ■ ! His Honor: I cannot give you a direct answer to that just now; I would rather it came from other lips than mine, and those having more authority on the matter.^ -:- ' ■-■ ' -■- - ■'-1;- :' ' The subject here dropped, and the deputation withdrew. - ; r . ■■■ block sa. A few gentlemen interested in Block 5 A then interviewed His Honpr respecting the grievances of the residence-site* holders against Mr Graham. v It was decided that Captain Fraaer should investigate the different claims to compensation. Jr , ■'