PATEA.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2809, 14 February 1878, Page 2

PATEA.

Wednesday.

A deputation of the Patea County Council interviewed the Native Minister this morning, and amongst other matters, in referring to the Waimate Plains, Mr Sheehan spoke very decidedly. Major Brown, Civil Commissioner, was called in at Mr Slieehan's request to hear what transpired. Mr Sheehan then said that no trouble or expense would be spared in the matter of setting the plains settled. He had full confidence in Major Brown, and gave him carte blanche to act as I c thought best. He had informed i.c Natives that ho would not allow any interference in the settlement of the confiscated lands. The Government was very firm on this point, and would not yield cue inch of lands. They would take care that adequate reserves were made for the natives to live upon, and that an abundant fishing reserve- should be left for them along the coast, He understood that a number of persons, including licensed native interpreters, had interfered with the natives, making the confiscated laud question difficult to settle, and he intended to give Major Brown full powers to deal with them, tie intended to take the advice of the law officers of the Crown, and to prosecute, if necessary. A stop would also be put io Europeans grazing cattle on the Waimate plains io the way now being done. He was in favour of settling a portion on deferred payments, and selling the other for cash, and would take care that the deferr, 1 payment was of equally good quality with cash land. Major Brown then informed the deputation that he would ucrevery means, in his power to hrr* the land between the road and 're sea into the market as early as possible, and .that he had informed the natives to that effect He was going to interview the Waitolara natives this afternoon, and intended to tell them tllafc the Government were firm as to the su •- vey of the confiscated land at Monahakr,. and would not allow the survey to t stopped. Local matters were favorably received. „ *