Deputation to Mr Sheehan.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2830, 11 March 1878, Page 2

Deputation to Mr Sheehan.

A deputation consisting of Mr Bowe, M.H.R., Messrs C. F. Mitchell, Adam Porter, and John W. Thorpe waited on Mr Shceban this morning with reference to the purchase of the Ohinemori block, and other local matters. They were accompanied bj Mr Edgcumbe (of the Bay of Plenty Times), and Mr-Brodie of the Thames County Council. Mr Maekay, formerly L-nd Purchase Commissioner, was also present. Mr Howe commenced the proceedings by introducing > Mr Sbeehan Mr Mitchell, Chairman of the Obinemuri Vigilance Committee. Mr Mitchell said that a great many public meetings had been hela in the district lately, and that finally the "Vigil, gance Committee", had been appointed to wait upon Mr Shceban, and urge the completion of the purchase of the Ohinemuix block. The matter had been sereral years in hand, and now even the natives themselves were desirous of having it finally couch'd. Mr Brodie then spoke a few words to the same purpose, and also pointed oat that the land in this district haa been much better improved than at Kati Kati and other places he could name. ■ ... , Mr Sheehrn said that, p'though bat a short time in office, he had seriously pledged himself to complete this purchase. He had indeed hopri to conclude it by the end of the year. Up to a fair days ago, however, he had been unable to more in the matter, but nearl* the last thing he did before leaving Wellington was to hand over a cheque to Mr Maekay. Every obstacle was now removed, and it was his intention to put machinery in motion to wind np the whole matter at once. As to private purchases, Mr Sheehan said that great difficulties had been created by private persons cutting in between the Government and the natives. People ought to exercise a little self*dt>niaL As to the extension of area, he thought it was very likely he would be guided by the voice of the inhabitants of the dutricts. As to the price, he did not approve of one cast iron price for the length and breadth of the land. Next session the House would be asked to classify the lands, and arrange a regular set ot prices. A long discussion now followed re tbe blocks taken up by Mr Broomhall. It was stated that wh6n the Ohinemuri purchase was complete there would really be no land open to Thames; settlers. The conduct .of the Waste, Lands Boards in granting so much to Mr BrcomhaU was roundly censured by some members of'he deputation. Mr Shcehaa saiu he did not think any* thing could be done in Mr Broomhall a case. It would be impossible for the Government to repudiate the action of a body like the Was.c Ltods Board. Mr Mitchell, en behalf ofihe deputation," also requested that a reserve might be granted tor a cemetery, wh*ch is very badly want: d at Ohinemuri. Mr Sheehan promised to reserve any suitable spot which they could point out. Mr Mitchell, on behalf of the deputation, begged that the telegraph building may be continued if possible, and also that a J.P. for the neighborhood be appointed: , , Mr Sh'^han promised to take steps relative *o botu matters. — Aucklrid