KIHIKIHI NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1861, 10 June 1884, Page 2

KIHIKIHI NEWS.

NATITK NKWS. TifK natives are getting up petitions to the Government against the proposed pie-emptive right. They say when they agreed to have the land .surveyed, they were told they would have sole control of their own lands, and now, when the survey is nearly finished the Government have bioken faith with them. They say as companies and speculators have been allowed for so long a time to deal with them for their land, they are puzzled to know why the Government aic so solicitous for their welf.ue. I do not question the advisability of the proposal, but it peems strange that the Government which withdrew the pre-emptive right should at this late hour return to it. The objection doe 3 not emanate solely from the Maoris ; they have been instigated by others to this course. The wholesale purchase of native land lias been allowed to go on unchecked for so long a time that any measure which tends to stop it will meet with a united and determined opposition from the speculators who ha\e bunk large sums of money in the venture, and on whom it will be very hard if they lose all their money. I do not defend the purchase of land in large blocks. We all know it is bad for the country, but this sudden determination of the Government, after allowing their friends to acquire large blocks of lands, is puzzling to more than th<r natives. However, if they really mean to put a stop to the trafficking on native land, it will go a long way towards re-in-stating them in the good opinion of many who were inclined to lose confidence in them. Mr Cussen was stopped by Whitipatato at Aotearoa last week. It is stated that this is the result of a letter written by Hitiri Te Pairata, urging the natives to stop the survey. This is all the more surprising, because Hitiri is one of those who signed the application for the survey, and was always loud in the praise of Mr Bryce's policy. There is some underhand influence at work to bring a bout this state of affairs However, very little importance is attached to the opposition.

MISCELLANEOUS. The streets here present a very altered appearance since they havebeen gravelled. As far as I can judge, the Government loan has been well and economically spent. Messrs W. J. Hunter and Co. held their initial sale here la»t Saturday, at which 30 horses were sold, realising fairly good prices. Hacks brought from £5 15s to £11 ; medium draught colts, £12 to £19 ; and quick draught horses from £19 to £24. There was an unsatisfied demand for medium draught "plough mares. The business of the land court is being proceeded with a? fast as possible. Four of the counter-claimants have stated thejr case 3. There are these to be heard besides the claimant Itewi,, so^that it is expected the business will be finished in about six'weeks. As the, natives here have no money, nor are likely to get any since, Mr Bryce's bill hits becdmq law, : the court has not dope so much good to the place as was flntwip^edv-*(Offa Cctrrca-'