Opening of Mokau.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4016, 11 November 1881, Page 2

Opening of Mokau.

(Pee Pbess Association.)

Wellington, Thursday. The Mokau chiefs, Te Whetere, Takirauru Opiha and Heta, waited upon Mr Kelly, M:H.E., with reference to the sitting of a Native Lands Court for the Mokau County. Opiha said that the natives had unanimously made application under the Native Lands Act, 1881, to Chief Judge Fenton some months ago for a sitting of the Land Court, but had received no reply to the request, neither could they obtain an answer to their telegrams on the subject. They now requested Mr Kelly to move in the matter for them,, and obtain a sitting of the Court without delay. Te Whetere said he wrote to the Government asking for a Court to sit at White Cliff's and a reply had been received from Mr Eolleston approving of the request. He had seen Mr Eolleston in New Plymouth and that minister stated the matter was in the. hands of the Chief Judge, and that Government would consider the matter: but there was so much delay the natives were getting tired of waiting. Mr Kelly asked if tb6 native owaert

were all unanimous, and if the natives inland were likely to raise any objections. Te Whetere replied that they had settled those things before asking for the Court. There would be no troubles. Mr Kelly asked what position did liewi Maniapoto take in the matter P Takirauru replied that Manga had handed over all the business of Mokau to him, and Te Whetere produced a letter under Rewi's seal stating that Te Whe* tere and Takirauru were to manage all the affairs of Mokau with the Europeans. Mr Kelly asked to be supplied with a copy of the letter, which was done. Mr Kelly asked if there would Jany contested ownership in lands requested to be 1 put through the Court. Te Whetere replied: Yes; there may be other cl/iimants for a piece at Waij panga, butkt the judge decide the owner* j ship. I told these words to Mr llolleston. [ I do not wish you to listen to what you i hear from other people about Mokau. It !is in my hand. I do not know why I Government «ill not listen to me.

Mr Kelly : I would do all ia my power to get a railway to Mokau if the time has arrived. Te Whetere: That is well; but let Ul commence with ihe Land Court; the railway comes next. Opiha: There is a good way for the railway to go to Mokau. Mr Kelly replied that he was very glad. the natives had waited on him, because it enabled him to form his own opinion of the native mind between Taranaki and Waikato. He need not say he would do all ia his power to forward his opinion of that country. The request of the natives was one that he felt justified in urging upon the notice of the Government, and he would at once communicate with the Native Minister on the subject. The natives thauked Mr Kelly for his consideration, and retired.