WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1290, 5 October 1880, Page 3

WHATAWHATA.

Wha 4 might have been a serious affair but for the iirmness and tact displayed by Mr F. Edgecumbe took place a day or two since in our township. It appears that Mr Edgecumbe and his staff were about to survey the native burial ground, near the bridge, when a considerable number or natives decided that the survey should not go on. Matters became pretty warm, and one of the obstructionists went so far as to pull down a pole placed* by the survey party. However, Mr Edgecumbe, with the timely assistance of a chief named Toto Rewa, managed to carry his point successfully, and the native cemetery of 3i acres is now pegged off properly. At the same time, the natives, though they went \the wrong way to effect' a remedy, have cause for complaint in connection with this burial ground. Mr Tiirton promised the natives that 5 acres should be reserved for the above purpose, and now they are getting 3^ acres only, and naturally feel aggrieved at the breach of faith. Mr Edgecumbe explained to them that the proper course was to allow the survey to go on, and petition the Government for the balance of ground, and this will doubtless be done. r While on the subject, I might mention that now there is a surveyor and staff in the district, surely we can get our European cemetery surveyed. A piece of land has been roughly cut off, and no one seems to know where the linea are. A daughter of Mr Iwersen's was buried here some time ago on what was thought to be the proper ground, but now it is feared that the grave is upon the road. This is not what it should be, and we hope that Mr Edgecumbe will be instructed to cut the lines and put in the pegs so that we may really know where the ground is. — [Own Correspondent, October 4th.]