NATIVE MEETING AT TAUWHARE.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 428, 29 April 1899, Page 2

NATIVE MEETING AT TAUWHARE.

Thk native meeting at Tauwhare was concluded on Thursday. On Wednesday a meeting was held, at which the following chiefs wero present as representatives of the various tribes : —Anatipa Pukatia (Ngati Tamaimi), Haemona Paetai (Ngati Pare), Paora Te Karetai (Ngati Raukawa), To Aokatoa (Ngati Takihiku), and several others. Rawhiti (the King's Secretary), in a speech, referred to the recent interview between the Governor and Mahuta at Auckland, at which the question of making provision for landless natives had been considered. The Government, he said, had offered to contribute one acre of land for every acre (not held under Crown grant) given by the natives. Mahuta does not approve of this course, nor does it find favour with the majority of the natives, who still consider they have a right to the bulk of the land which has been confiscated. Rawhiti, however, expressed himself as in favour of the proposal. At the meeting to bo held at Wahi at an early date, it is expected that the Governor and the Premier will be present, when, no doubt, the matter will be thoroughly thrashed out. It is reported too that at the Wahi gathering Taingakawa will take the opportunity of formally resigning his position us King's President.

A meeting will also be held at Matamatu in the course of a week or two, when matters in connection with native lands will again come up for consideration.

Tho amount collected at the Tauwhare meeting on Tuesday totalled £39, and this is to be divided among tho aged and nesdy natives.