ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1576, 10 August 1882, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

Tawiiiao held a large meeting at Whatiwhatilioe yesterday. All the principal tribes and their chiefs being present with the exception of Te Wahanui, absent at Mokau, he was, however, represented by T'lonui. The meetiug was most unanimous, that on the approaching visit of the lion, the Native Minister the native interests should be loft entirely to Tawhiao, and that the formal ceremony of opening the new bridge should be lett until the ariival of Mr Bryce, when, it is generally expected, the king will consent to the road being made through to Taianaki. The great dread of the natives* against the road being made is that the tax gatherer will appear amongst them as soon as ever tho Government have .secured the road. One of the speakers yestoiday remarked :—lf: — If my dog follows me into Alexandra, the Government will want me to pay fc or my dog will be killed, if the road is made they will bo sine to want road lates and tax all oiu lands, and for all we know put a tax on our horses, our cattle, and pigs, and if you build a house with a window in it, they will tax for the light it affords. We have no money, ami the consequence will be the Government will take the land. All these things will have to be considered by Tawhiao in any arrangements he may come to with the Government. The cattle presented to the Government, or what is left of them (as some have stiayed), ate in the Government paddock. Mr Bryce having telcgiaphed to Tawhiao, they will be kept until his ai rival beic after the Session of Parliament. No reference whates er was made by any of the speakers to the execution of "Winiata the pievions day. Tutua Te Ngakau is now the king's chief adviser, vice Wahanui absent, looking after the Mokau leases. , In consequence of the frightful weather of late, the settlement is almost unapproachable by the loads leading to it it is therefore more desen ing of the name " Muddymuddyhoe" than ever. The Armed Constabulary stationed here under the command of Captain Gascoigne have made numerous improvements on the roads and footpaths in the settlement, besides repairing the fences of the cemetery. Our postmaster. Mr Gentil, has had erected a veiy neat flagstaff with top-mast in regular ship-shape style with weathercock on top, on which Her Majesty's flag will be duly displayed on high days and holidays. — (Own Correspondent, Monday.)