Dr Pollen Interviewed by Rewi.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2533, 17 February 1877, Page 3

Dr Pollen Interviewed by Rewi.

[By Telegkaph.]

Alexandba, Friday. Eewi, accompanied by Taonui Tupotahi and other Ngatimaniopoto chiefs, arrived here to meet the Hon the Native Minis ter yesterday morning and await his arrival. Shortly after Dr Pollen arrived Eewi and party came to Finch's hotel to see him, ,and after remaining about an hour Eewi returned to To Wheoro's house, having arranged when a messenger was to be sent by them to fetch Dr Pollen, who proceeded to the appointed place, accompanied by Colonel Lyon, Major Mair, and Mr Bush, and a few of the principal sottiers of the district. Upon arrival Eewi said he supposed it was for him, as the person who invited Dr Pollen, to open the discussion, which he would do by welcoming him as the successor of their friend McLean. You have said you are ■placed there to carry out the works that ne has commenced ; therefore I am here to meet and welcome you, in order that we may know each other, and discuss the matters that interest both you and us. I have to,bring, before you a matter ,which refers to a clandestine sale of the land of certain persons who had no right to sell it. Ido not think such proceedings correct. I have no complaints to. make with reference to my lands that were included in the confiscation boundary, but only refer to those pieces that have been sold by persons outside that boundary. The Hon. Dr Pollen informed Eewi that the Government had discontinued purchasing fresh blocks of land, and they would orly conclude negotiations already commenced, after which the Government would cease for the present. He said that, with reference to what Eewi had said respecting his land which had been sold by stealth, he would recommend him, if such was really the case, to bring the matter into Court, which was the proper place to redress grievances of this nature—acts of violence, or talking over them would not settle them. If you feel disposed to take advantage of 4he.English law the Court is open to you. I will give you all the assistance that J can towards redressing your wrongs. Idoso in order to show that this is the proper way to do these things. The law is open to all, and that can.give you a.title which no one can dispute. I have a desire to promote peacej which is the best for both races. I would like to hear your desires on these matters openly, and then we can understand each other, and assist each other in making arrangements which will benefit both races, and which we cannot do unless We meet as friends.

Hewi replied. He said: I do not see toy way to go to Court at present. If matters were satisfactorily settled it would be an easy matter. I wish peace to be maintained, and am prepared to assist you ai I was to assist our friend McLean who is gone. Why did not the Government agree to allow the "Waitara to be taken into the Court before the war? If this had been permitted what you say now about appealing to. the Court would be easy. . The Hon. Dr Pollen replied that the Courts were open to all if they choose to appeal to them. The law was above the Queen or any other person. There is an old proverb which says, " No one is So blind as those who won't see." Lest you misunderstand—Waikato cannot be given back. lam a new man, and am willing to bury the past in order that we may commence afresh. I call upon you to do the same. ,If you consent, we will 'soon settle the matter satisfactorily. I am prepared to treat you fairly. After this, some of the Ngatihaua preaent spoke about the land which Eewi alleged had been sold wrongfully, asking him. who it was that brought the subject forward? Eewi answered: I did A conversation ensued amongst themselves and "Eewi asked permission to adjourn the <discu.sßioii until to-morrow, which, was agreed to, and the day's proceedings terminated. This day.