ALEXANDRA. FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER. DEPUTATION TO THE NATIVE MINlSTER.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 629, 1 June 1876, Page 3

ALEXANDRA. FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER. DEPUTATION TO THE NATIVE MINISTER.

May 29th, 1876 A deputation consisting of Messrs J D Hill, J Aubin and lisdall, waited on the Honorable the Native Minister, relative to the Alexandra budge, nnd other matteis. The deputation wus introduced by Major Mair. Sir Donnld McLean said ho was happy to inform them that he had been most successful in his ccu'feren enith Tawhiao. They need be in fear of panics no more. Ho believed that the district had suffered greatly on that account, and said that the worst Gnomics of the settlers were the panic-mongers. Major Ti^dallwas glad to hear of the successful termination ef the negotiations. He said that despite the panics, the district had gone ahead wonderfully. Mr Aubin said the chief object they had in new in calling upon him wai the completion of the budge. The Government had giving £190, but they found that it would not be enough. Last year the rates collected amounted to £6<l. whilst ihis year they had only collected £22, which had all been expended on the bridge, and to keep oppn the punt cost the Board 2s per day. The lowest tender for re-erecting the bridge Was £170, and Mr Clarkes bill wai £15. They found that the timber was inferior and that il cost more than was anticipated. Sir Donald McLean wished to know what amount they wanted P Mr Aubin said that at the lowest it would be £50. Sir Donald McLean laid that be would give the sum required. Major Tisdall pointed out the necessity that existed for a Court house. A sum for that purpose had been on the estimates for t»r© years. The building at present used for the purpose waa very imall and inconvonient. Sir Donald McLean laid the matter would have to bo referred to tho Minister of Justice. Mr JD Hill thought that if the Public Hall were lined it would answer the purpose for the present, but it would not be suitable until repaired and improved. They bad received only £30 from the Government to aid the building fund. Sir Donald McLean said it would be a good plan, and he hoped it would do for the present. He asked if they had succeeded in establishing a Library tl.ore. Mr J D Hill said that they had not done so yet. Mr Aubin, with reference to the town reserves, wished to know if tho Government had power to vest them in tho Board for the purpose of leasing. Sir Donald McLean said ho would make .a note of it. Ho hoped thr Government would soon be in a position to grant such powers, the Act now before the House would provide for it. But ho would give no promise. That might conflict with their general policy. Major Tiidall wished to ask the advice of the Native Minister on a matter affecting the district. Hitherto there had been two Agricultural Societies in the Waikato, now he was glad to say there was but one, but instead of being held as formerly on tho frontier at Te Awamntu, tho Show wonld be held nt Ohaupo. The Government at previous •hows had given special prizes for native produce. It was proposed to hold the show in the spring, This would bo very inconvenient for the natives. He wished to know therefore if it would be advisable to let the Maoiis hold a show of their own in the Autumn. Sir Donald McLean said that it was much better for tho natives to mix with the Europeans than to held a show of their own whioh would never be successful. It was time the barrier bctweeu the two races were bioktn down, there had been enough of oiclur,ivt'ne»s. JLf hail no doublthat Mnjor Tisdall was actuated by the host motives in bringing the bu-hject foiward, but he nuuld find that

it was better to allow the natives'.to mix with the others. Mr J D Hill thought that this was undoubtedly the best way, and the matter dropped. This wa< all the business and after thanking &ir Donald McLean, the deputation withdrew. [We shall be clad to receive the description alluded to in our correspondent's private note.]