NATIVE NEWS.—BAY OF PLENTY. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1195, 24 February 1880, Page 3

NATIVE NEWS.— BAY OF PLENTY. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Taukanua, Feb. 18, ISBO. Since my last letter native matters here have been excessively quiet, and no " native difficulty " has presented itself. Immediately after the Lands Court claims were adjourned to Maketu a feeling o* depression existed, and now matters are as dull as well can be for a place so cen- ! trally situated as Tauranga. The wellknown chief Wi Maihi Te Rangikaheke — who did such service re the Ta Papa road to Rotorua — lias determined to survey the tribal lands of the Ngatirangiwewehi, which comprises the whole of the land from the Mongarewa gorge, in the bush between Tauranga and extending on to Lake Rotorua. The natives propose to commence work cutting lines, &c, themselves round the external boundary, atter which they will engage a competent surveyor to make the necessary survey, after which they will sub-divide the main block into nine or ten small ones for each hii})it of Ngativangiwewehi. By this course of action Maihi and his people are acting wisely, as they will be in a position to appear before the Lands Court with all detail ready, and no local differences to be adjusted, quite the reverse of what we all know is the case, as a rule, in respect to the lands of other tribes. Some anxiety is expressed as to the probable outcome of the Waimate Plains difficulty, on the part of both European and Maori ; but whatever may finally eventuate in that locality will not, I am of opinion, disturb the harmony which exists between our dark brothers and the white-skins resident on this coast, and in your own particular district, which is so closely connected with the dominions of the so-called Maori King. A report from an authentic quarter has reached me that complications in connection with the surveys of land at the back of Lake Roto Aira (Murumutn country), exist of a most serious character ; but fortunately the quarrel is between native and native, occasioned by the desire of a certain section to survey a block of land which they have agreed to sell to the Crown, and the determined opposition of those who oppose the sale. The celebrated chiefs Topia Turoa, Heperi, and others, of Tokanu and Roto Aira, are urging on the survey, and some of the Whangamii chiefs are opposing. All the Taupo Lake people are ready armed, and appear " eager for the fray ;" and in the meantime each party are busily engaged in building pas for defensive purposes. How the trouble will end is a. matter of much speculation ; but we all hope active hostilities will be averted, although in certain directions it is affirmed that should thes>e tribal quarrels be reinstated they could see some daylight into the finality of "native difficulties." As far as I am concerned, I am quite satisfied that the great arbitrator Time will cure all, and that our aboriginal friends will, during their alloted time, do us more good than harm — I mean, of course, in a pecuniary sense. The wisdom of postponing the sitting of the Lands Court in this district, and also the wisdom of adjourning the cases to Maketu is much questionei l ; but ascill are said to be wise in their generation, it is to be hoped our rulers in Lands Court matters will form no exception to the rule, and that good will eventually come out of what is considered to be at least a serious injury to this particular locality. In all the districts immediately surrounding Tauranga native matters are pacific, even the, notorious Pirirakau element lias not for months past disturbed the halcyon days of Maori quietude.

" You seem to walk more erect than usual, my friend. " " Yes," 1 added, Smidk*ns; I have been straightened by circumstances,"

The police are busily engaged working up the chain of evidence in the case against the Fijian who has been arrested and remanded on a charge of attempting to violate a child five years of age, at Parnell, and so far as we can gather the case will be a very strong one (says the Herald). On Saturday evening the little girl was confronted with the prisoner and rvyo other Fijians, and at once picked Simon, or Joe, out as the man who had assaulted her. She seems to be a very intelligent child for her age. There are other circumstances elicited which tend to identify the prisoner with the assault, but these circumstances will have to be brought out in evidence. The prisoner will be bronght before the police magistrate on Wednesday, and if a pritm facie case is made out he will be committed to take his trial at the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court. Thk new Pure Cash System now being initiaedt by G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It has been a great .success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods arc marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery, millinary* and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-oper;iti\ c society, without the risk of being called upon to bear a portion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and arc detirmmed to give the pure cash system a lair trial ; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house iurniturc, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of fiv e per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time ot purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is new avd CHh.vi'i v hough r. An inspection is invited. — Garlick. and Ck wwi i.i., City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queenstreet, Auckland.