THE PREMIER AT TAUPO.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2298, 2 April 1887, Page 2

THE PREMIER AT TAUPO.

[BY TBM«JHAI'H.--OWN COIUIKSI'ONDKNT.] Taui'O, Friday. Sin R. Stout and Lady Stout arrived here on Wednesday, accompanied by Dr. McGregor and Mr Lecky, private secretary. On Thursday they visited Wairakei, and expressed themselves greatly pleased with die sights there, the geysers, etc., being in full play. In the evening a large meeting was heid in the Public Hall. The European deputation first spoke, consisting uf Mr Grace, M. H. R., Messrs Gallagher, Noble, Crowtlier, George, Blake, Ellis, Oussen and others. The first subject mentioned was the bridge over the Tongatiro river on the road to Kana. Mr Grace, tho member, explained that the bridge on the main road was now being formed by the Government ut a cost probably of £1000 to £1500. The second subject, Mr Grace explained, was the want of a medical man in the Taupo district. The nearest doctor was at Rotorun, 67 miles away. Thirdly, the deputation desired a school-house at Tap'.iaeharuru. It was suggested that the present Resident Magistrate's Court would do when the Public Hall was altered to suit the R.M. s business. Fourthly, a steamer across Taupo Lake was suggested onco a week, the cost of which would be £150 or £200 per annum. •In answer to the first, Sir R. Stout said the matter would receive attention'. The river having to be crossed on the road to Waimarino woidd influence him y. In answer to the second, Sir R. Stout asked what hospital and charitable board district they were in ; also if they had any friendly societies in the district. It being explained that they belonged to the Tauranga hospital district and there were no friendly societies, Sir R. Stout said he would look into the matter. In answer to the third, the Justice Department would have to see about the matter. In answer to the fourth, it must be done through increased mail subsidy. He would see about it, and endeavour to meet their wishes. The deputation thanked Sir R. Stout. Prior to this, over 300 natives had assembled outside tho hall, singing waiatas, which seemed made for welcome. Te Heuheu led the way into the hall, and addressed the usual salutations. Aperahama Te Keure, the spokesman appointed, saluted the Premier. He said: The first thing is this. The Rohe Potae_ of Tuwharetoa is finished, and we are inside it. We wish a committee to be appointed under the Act of 1883, so as to be separated from Rotorun, Wanganui, Waikato and Hawke's Bay. This committee to have power to arrange all land matters, within this boundary. Secondly, the land being purchased by the Government is too low in price ; we want the price increased because the survey costs are heavy. A surveyor should be appointed for the district, to abide here and receive a yearly salary, and the people who own the blocks would arrange about cutting the lines to save expenses. Thirdly, natives want a railway to Taupo, because on the north-west and south there are railways, but none at Taupo. We have heard about a company to make a railway from Tauranga to Rotorua. We wish that the Government should consider that they own much land about Taupo, and also the natives do, and that both Government and natives should give land to the company to make the railway to Taupo, and we want to get a Bill passed for this purpose. Sir R. Stout, in reply, thanked Te Heuheu for his welcome. He knew the Maoris were kindly disposed to Government, and was glad the boundaries between the tribes had been settled. It would always be better that each person should know his own laud, and it was a step in the right direction. He saw no objection to the proposal. The committee had always urged that the natives should manage their own affairs. Hapu committees should be formed and steps could be taken under the Act. Pie felt sure Ministers would assist. As to the price, he did not know enough to offer an opinion. The Maoris knew that prices varied with the quality of the land. He hinted at a new Act next session whereby land might be sold to the general public. He believed a good price had been offered, and thought the survey the only trouble, and if the Maoris cut the lines, the survey might be cheapened. Government did not want to make money out of the surveys, and would make it as cheap as possible. He could not give an answer about the appointment of a resident surveyor, which would depend on the amount uf work to be done. The railway was not an easy question. The railway from Auckland to Wellington goes wide of Taupo, but the Government are making a road from Tokaano to Roto-aira, and thence to Waimarino. A contract was in existence with a company to make a line from Tauranga to Kotorua, but the company was not programing. The making a railway to Taupo would depend on what the company wanted. He would be very loth to say anything he could not carry out, and could make no promise until better informed. If ths company made a railway to Rotorua perhaps a suit able proposition might be made. He would like to see more people settled first. When they saw what the company did in reference to the railway from Tauranga to Rotnrua, they would consider what could be done to meet the wishes of the deputation.

Aperahaina expressed satisfaction nt having been answered so courteously. Mr Grace M.H.R. explained more fully about the Tauranga and East Coast Hailway. A hundred and sixty thousand acres of land had been given to the railway, but this had not proved enough to make the scheme float. If a larger area were given, say five hundred thousand acres, better success would be met with in London. Last year he wrate to the Premier, putting these facts before him, and asking if they would be willing to give more land and stating that the natives were now putting land both at Tan i)o and Rotorua through the court, which they would give for construction of railway from the East Coast to Taupo. He hoped the Government would introduce a measure enabling land to be given. If native owners and the Government combined, it could be done. Sir R. Stout said he could not give a definite reply. It required consideration. He thought the Government could not grant lands without definite regulations as to settlement. He would lay the matter before his colleagues. Hetiri te Paerata made some remarks in reference to the trouble on the boundary line between the Maniapoto and Rankawa, and some matters personal to himself and other persons. Sir R. Stout said there were two matters he wanted to speak about. First —The school site at Tokaano. lie made some interesting observations in reference to the necessity of educating the children of the race to be preserved. This was backed rip by several natives, and a site was practically agreed to. The second was health matters. He referred to the mortality amongst the natives at the settlements, and ascribed it to want of drainage and sanitary arrangements. He recommended them to read a late work published by the Government on the matter, and promised to send copies to them. Lady Stout was present during the proceedings; also Major Scannel, R.M., and N.L.C. Judge. The Premier seems to have created a very favourable impression during his stay, everything he had to say being clear and straightforward. He left for Rotorua next morning.