THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, MAY 26, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3203, 26 May 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, MAY 26, 1879.

Thebb does not seem to be that unanimity of opinion and good fc9ling existing among the Waikato Natives attending the Cambridge Lands Court, that we might have expscted from our reports of the last few days of the Kopua meeting. Natives, like most men, easily subsciibe to general principles, but when the details come to be worked out, and especially when in that operation their personal interests are effected, many reasons are found for a change of opinion. Land, with the Native, is the question that for years has engrossed his attention, and the greater value it is- getting every day, only calls for the greater vigilance on his part to retain what is his own, and oi every occasion to increase his area by claiming that held by his neighbours. Under such circumstances it is not surprising that Rewi's proposals, claiming a man a or control over such an extent of territory, should be objected to by some of the more influential chiefs of the Ngatiraukawa and other tribes. ' The intention of Rewi may bo honorable enough, they consider, but yet that does not substantiate a claim for the power he wishes to be intrusted to him, to regulate all matters between natives themselves; end to negotiate direct with the Government on land matters in the future. At the Cambridge Court it was explained that Eewi desired to have his boundaries fixed, and all lands being negotiated for by the Government to be surveyed, passed through the Court and leased, but not sold; and all lands on the other side of the proposed boundary to be under his sole jurisdiction. This is tantamount to claiming sovereignty, and, in a meesuve, occupying a higher position than Tawhiao, who seems to be forgotten by the aged Ngatimaniapoto chief. If such a state of affairs could be brought about it would be much to the interest of the Government who, instead of dealing with a host of claimants, would deal through Bewi in the first place, and, once having his sanction, the future negotiations would be comparatively easily conducted. However, it may be readily, imagined, when the labors of the Government ceased -those of Eswi would commence, and no light undertaking cither—proving to his countrymen that aU was for the

best. If i{ewi were to consult his own peace of mind, ho never would essay such a task,, and doing so speaks much for the honesty and uprightness of his intentions. It is to be hoped that no serious disturbance may arise between Uewi and his countrymen ; and although at present the feeling is not aB we would like, still a little may restore that confidence in Eewi that he seems to merit. Now that the interest in the Waikato is subsiding, Te Whiti is attempting to direct attention to himself, and has for that purpose sent some of his followers to take possession and plough up land held by Europeans in I s ew Plymouth. The ■ position of the Ministry is not to be • enified-r—What with negotiations unfinished in .W&ikato, the near approach of the session with its labors, the illness of the Native Minister, and' this latest action of Te Whiti and his malcontents.