NATIVE MATTERS.

Waikato Times, Volume V, Issue 265, 22 January 1874, Page 5 (Supplement)

NATIVE MATTERS.

The Luna ariived al the Bay of Islands on Satuiday, the 16th. On the ".ame afternoon she steamed to Mongonui, vheie a meeting of natives was held on the deck to discuss the question of loads, biidgcs, and schools. On .Sunday night the Luna ai lived at Wangaroa, wheie weie seen many evidences of great activity in the timber tiade. Heie Sir Donald McLean, Native Minister, met Hongi Hika and seveial other influential chiefs, and a discussion was held relative to si block of land called Otangaioa, the sale of which was disputed. The Native Minister declined to deal with disputed land, and advised the rival claimants to submit the question to a legal inquiry. Hongi Ilika expressed a desire to have a gaol established in Wangaioa, and flic Native Ministei, piomised that the building should be erected. A numbei of the principal chiefs dined on boaul. The Luna then leturned to the Bay of Islands, and on Tuesday Sir Donald McLean and Mr. Kemp visited Wailangi Falls, where they met Wi Kaiene, Judge Maiming, Mr. Williams, M.11.R,, Mr. Claike, and otheis. Sir Donald returned to Russell in the afternoon, wheie he had an interview with the chiefs Hoteiene, Tawatawa, and Wi Pete. The Luna then letumed to Auckland, bunging the Bishop of Auckland and Rev. Mi. Tomlinson as passengei *•>.