OHINEMUTU, Last Night.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1506, 28 February 1882, Page 2

OHINEMUTU, Last Night.

A large meeting was held here to-day for the purpose of presenting an address to the Premier, and affording the natives an opportunity of bringing several matters under his notice. There was a veiy large attendance of natives and Europeans. Major Mair and another gentleman inteipreted. The substance of the address was that the meeting congratulated the Premier on his safe an lval, and thanked him for his visit. The Maoris thoroughly approved of the Thermal Springs Act of last session, and expected it would be the means of providing a living for themselves and their children. Other complimentary remarks to Parliament wound up with "Grod save the Queen." The Premier replied in terms which elicited strong marks of approval from both Europeans and natives. He thanked the natives for their cordial welcome, and reminded them that there could only be one Sovereign for the people of this colony, namely the Queen, whose desire it was to promote the welfare and happiness of both races. There was a Parliament to make laws, and in this Parliament there were native representatives. The duty of Ministers was to carry out the laws which Parliament made. He expressed pleasure at the native approval of the Thermal Springs Act passing. Such wonderful and valuable properties should be available for all classes of the people. It was certain that great numbers of persons would come there from all parts of the world, and it was right that the Maoris should receive a considerable share of the rental. At auction the full value would be realised. Letting at an annual rental would be better for the natives than downright sale. The sale would also attract a large European population, which would enhance the value ot the land. He would lay their address before Parliament. He then asked the leading chiefs to explain their grievances to him. Several important matters are being discussed. After the meeting he leaves for for Wairoa, and proceeds to Rotomahana to-morrow. There is no doubt he will look over the township of Rotorua before he leaves.