TE AWAMUTU.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3086, 8 January 1879, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU.

Tuesday.

According to arrangement of yesterday the Hon. the Native Minister, accompanied by Messrs Eusden Lewis (private secretary), Bush (E.M.), Grace (Native Agent), and others, proceeded to Punui at about 11 a.m., having been detained until that hour by various deputations and other business at Kibikihi. There was a large party of Natives assembled, consisting of Ngatimaniapoto Ngatiraukawa, Ngatihaua, Ngatiawa, and others. The meeting was opened by Eewi, who said the subjects he wished to speak about were certain letters that he had received from chiefs of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, of Waotu, while he wag at New Plymouth, with reference to tribal disputes regarding their boundaries. There were three letters. The first about disputes at Waotu, the second about the Tatua, and the third about the Kiatahi blocks. These disputes were simply intertribal matters that Eewi wished left with him and the Native Minister to settle. Other speakers followed, stating in detail the nature of these disputes, and referring' to the relative importance of the claims of their various ancestors. The disputes apparently eventuate from very old tribal feuds dating from the residence of the Thames tribes at Maungatautari. To the various speakers Eewi replied with considerable ability, showing that all their claims centred in himself as the chief who possessed the xnana over the land referred to. The discussion amongst the natives continued till they adjourned for food, which had been provided abundantly for the visitors by Mr Boss. After dinner Mr Sheehan addressed the meeting, inquiring more particularly into thfliflature of their disputes, and with reference to the Waotu said that as the land had not been survejed or passed through the Court he was unable to interfere further than to (advise them to settle their difficulties in a friendly manner, according to the advice which had been given them by Eewi. The Native Minister, accompanied; by Mr Eusden, proceeded to the site of the old Orakau pa where Eewi " fought his battles o'er again," and pointed out the places of interest in that engagement in| which he took such a prominent part Mr Sheehan and Eewi then visited Mr Kay's homestead, where -the party were hospitably entertained by that gentleman. After a short stay Mr Sheehan and Eewi came to Katikati, where they are at present. It is the first visit of the old chief to this settlement, and an event of no small political importance.