Occupation of Kawhia.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4346, 5 December 1882, Page 3

Occupation of Kawhia.

The Government intend early next month to lay off a township in Kawhia, on a piece of land formerly owned by a Mr Charlton, and situated on the northern side of the harbour, but which was purchased by the Gorernment about two years ago. The Gorernment hare decided also to buoy the channel, so that the harbor may be opened as a port of refuge. The area of the land is forty-four acres, and this if ill be sold as a township soon after the surrey is completed. The land is at a point on the north side of the harbour, where the largest ressels which hare been in Kawbia hare been in Eawhia hare chosen to anchor at, there being deep water quite close to the shore. Mr Bryce will proceed to Kawhia about the beginning of the year in one of the Gorernment steamers, and will establish there a pilot and a Customhouse officer. There can -^He little doubt that for years past smuggling has been carried on in Kawhia, and it was said that during the war the Maoris were supplied with arms and ammunition at this port, which has for many years been closed against the coastal shipping. As a'port of refuge, also, it will be of great value. The bar is an easy one to take, and the water is ' deep upon it, because H.M. ship Eclipse crossed it at half. Captain Fairchiid, who for many years traded at Kawhia, states that he could take the Government steamer Hinemoa in and out at half tide. The land to be occupied was. formerly partly under cultivation, and there was also, before the war, a house and store upon it. It was purchased from the Maoris about 1850, and for many years subsequent to that date was in the occupation ofjStr Charlton, but on his learing it was put up at auction- at Tonks' mart, about two years ago, and purchased by Mr Whitaker for the Gorernment.

There is no doubt as to a possibility of at once establishing a trade at Kawhia. The resident nutives will find it convenient to purchase at the stores on the new township* and they will take their produce there, which will be conveyed away by the trading cutters. We beliere that after dealiog with Kawhia, the Government will open for gale the large block of land which they own at Mokau. This comprises, some 50,000 acres, and it was purchased by the Auckland Provincial Government about 1858. Tbe Crown has a clear title, which the natives have never in any way disputed. This block is good land, but is for the most part broken. Parts of it, at all events, are suitable for cultivation. With European settlers at jtawhia and Mokau, and with vessels •nteriog both the harbor and the rif er, it will be absolutely necessary for us to have roads through the country. Wabanui has not yet replied to tbe Native Minister's letter to him. , All tbe leading Kingites..will. JSeceive- copies duriag the next few days.—Herald. •