Native Matters. New Plymouth, Last Night.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1401, 25 June 1881, Page 2

Native Matters. New Plymouth, Last Night.

Mr Parris \isited Whiteoliffs on Tuesday for the purpose of meeting the Mokau natne.s, who were anxious to have the northern boundary hue of confiscated land clearly defined. He returned last night. About thirty natives assembled, and Mr Parns commenced the discussion on Wednesday. Taniora, Moore, and Wesley were the principal speakeis. Mr Pariis pointed out to them the northern boundary line of confiscated land, whereupon the natnes stated they wanted the line removed back about a mile and a-half or t\\ o miles. They argued the point at great length, but Mr Partis told them plainly that the boundary line was fixed by law, and lie had little hope of its being alteied. The natives showed more earnestnes>s in stiiving for the land than appears to be at all consistent with reason, as the land they want to obtain is a barren precipitous country worth little or nothing. The natives then brought forward another grievance : they had not yet been paid for services rendered in launching the steamer Hannah Mokan when she struck in the Mokau river. Mr Parris said he could not promise them any redress as the Government was not concerned in it. The meeting was carried on in a friendly spirit, and Mr Parris promised to inform the Government of the nature of the complaints.