AOTEA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1740, 30 August 1883, Page 2

AOTEA.

The Natives and the Road. Our couospondenfc writing on the 2jth mst. says:— The aspect of the Maori feeling as it exists in 1 elation to the pro* 4 gi-casioii of the Raglan and Kawhia road seems to be improving. The King having freely expressed his displeasure at the various annoyances which have been offered to the survey 01 a engaged inlaying off the road line, appears to have put a check — it may bs only temporary — to their continuance. Things now go smoothily, and at present there does not seem any probability of further opposition. '1 lie answer given by the Native Minister to Sir Geo. Grey in the House of Repiesentatives on his reading a telegram which he had received from Tawhiao, has assisted materially in proving to the Hauhaus that Tawhiao's feelings will not be consulted as to taking roads tin ought tribal tenitory, to which his only chum is kingly mana. The same objection would, however, not be likely to apply when his own tribe could establish a claim to owneiship. It is very J evident from this that the system of .Maori Lingism is fast drawing to an end, and probably few who understand, or in any way take an interest in native politics, will regret such an issue. At present a petition is being circulated amongst s the natives, not only in the immediate vicinity, but all through the North Island, having for its prayer the desirability of maintaining Tawhiao in his present position, and also soliciting a leform in the manner in which theJßi business of the Land Court is conducted. This will not, of course, be the first peti- 9 tiou of the same import which has been presented to the House of Representatives, but I believe it will be more numerously signed than any of its prede« cessors. Wahanui and Tawhiao do not seem to be in accord over thiB matter, the Ngatimaniapoto chief evidently being of opinion that the Maori king is assuming too much. I saw Tawhiao as he was returning from Waipa on the 22nd inst., and from the tone of his conversation any person would be inclined to give credence to the supposition. How this apparent rupture in Maori affairs will terminate I do not pretend to predict. The public, however, may be pretty certain that it will be productive of no evil consequences to the European portion of the colony. As regards the progress which has been made with the formation of the RaglanKawhia road, I may state that the first four miles of it are almost completed, and despite the wet weather which has been so prevalent lately, very fair progress is being made with the work. Six teams oiAt horses aie now employed upon it, and^~ some of the heaviest cuttings will soon be finished. The bridge across the Korunui creek is completed, and with an - improvement in the weather we may expect at an early date to see the road^^, made fit for traffic as far as Mota4HHJ kotako. '

The Weather. As a proof of the severe weather we have had lately, I may mention that on the 24 bh instant the southern slopes of Mount Karioi were covered with snow almost to the base. jTherc has been no snow seen on this mountain since 1862, and even then it was s in much' less quantities than that seen *on Friday last., A Maori who has Jived near tthe' mountain fqr v fifty years ,£toWi'ineib.Q bad. nerw ' t, &<»uq' mwlTon ft before^ , - 4 4