TAUPO.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2565, 27 March 1877, Page 2

TAUPO.

..-.-. Monday. "On" Saturday morning the Bion. the Native Minister met a large number of friendly Taupo and Patetere natives at Poihipi'skainga. Manga was also present, as lie wished to hear the decision arrived at on the Tatura block. . Hitiari and other grantees wished the survey to be pro- : ceeded with; stating that they had given the land to the Government for twenty. : one years, and were determined to uphold their agreement: Manga withdrew his opposition to the lease entirely, provided no deductions were made from the rent for spirits and improvements. As Poihipi and his wife objected to some of the grantees, it was decided to hold a committee and let the natives settle it themselves. : The Taupo natives represented that their back rents on blocks leased four years ago to the Government were still due, and wished them paid. They also asked that the balance of money due on the Mohaka purchases of the block be paid at once.

The Hon. the Native Minister said: I have listened to your grievances, and will do all in my power to set them right. The blame is partly on your own side. Captain Mair, the district officer, will help you in getting your lands through the Land Court, and assist Mr Mitchell, the land purchase agent, in settling all the outstanding matters which have so long been troubling you. The Government wish to do what is just and right towards you. . .. '.. - A number of other business matters were gone through, when Dr Pollen started for Napier at 2 o'clock, amidst loud cheering from the whole meeting. Manga and his party left at the same time. Major Mair followed this morning. Captain Mair and Mr Mitchell are now busy arranging for surveys," &c. The Native Minister's visit will be productive of much good, and has tended more than anything to remove the feeling prevalent amongst the natives that they were being unfairly treated.