Survey of Maori Territory.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4880, 21 December 1883, Page 4

Survey of Maori Territory.

[Pbb Pbbss Assooiation.J AUCKLAND, Dbo. 20. Mr Peroy Smith, Ohief Surveyor, met the Natives yesterday in front of Bewi's house, at Kihikihi, to explain matters relating to the survey of the King Oountry. Bewi opened the meeting by saying he had agreed with Government that a triangulation survey should be oarried ont. He had given that into Mr Bryoe's hands, and it will be paid for by Government. Mr Smith : I have already ordered a triangulation survey, whioh will probably be commenced next week; also other surveys. The boundary survey from Pirongia to Buapehu is done, but from Buapehu tp Whitecliffs has yet to be surveyed ; also from Pirongia to Kawhia. Ido not think it oan be oompleted in twelve months. The Ngatimaniopoto, when the meeting olosed, expressed a wish that the survey should go on at onoe at the prico stated (£1600), whioh will be done. Mr Cussen stated, that if not interfered with, and with fair weather, the triangulation survey would be done in eighteen months. Hanauru and other Natives will meet Tawhiao and Major Te Wheoro at Whatiwhatihoe, and there will be a publio meeting to-day. Despite the opposition offered by a seotion ef the Ngatihauas yesterday, the triangulation survey of the King Country will be gone on with. The opposition of the Ngatihauas is evidently fostered by surveyors and other interested partiei, and it is hardly likely that the good advioe given by the Native Minister will be attended to. The triangulation survey ie, of course, the firat step to be taken, and then the appUoation of the ohiefs to have the King Country surveyed in one blook can be proceeded with. This work of itself will be a vast undertaking. It contains 3,700,000 aores, and, at say three half-penoe per aore, a fair prioe, would cost something like £22,000. Then will follow surveys of tribal territories, and afterwards thoae of individuals. As Mr Bryce explained to the objecting parties yesterday, neither the first survey nor yefc thafc of inter-tribal divisions, could possibly prejudice tbe olaims of individual owners.