THE NATIVE MINISTER AT TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2922, 7 April 1891, Page 2

THE NATIVE MINISTER AT TE AWAMUTU.

The Hon. -I. Cadinan, the Native Minister, F Lawry, Esq., M.H.U., with Mr Lewis, Under Secretary, paid us a visit here on Friday on their return from Otoroiianga. Ailvantace was taken of their presence, by the inhabitants of the district, to interview the Native Minister, accordingly a deputation consisting of .T. Walton, Esq., J. P., Chairman of the Town Board, Messrs J. B. Toasflalc, C. J. .Storey. \V. Taylor, \V. Rutherford, J. Scott, W. J. Hunter, J. Pottg, A. Uloth, G. A. Ahier, J. Wills, W. J. Thompson, W. Searancke, R. K. Davidson, R. T. Miller and R. Brown, waited upon him at Lewis' Hotel where they were staying. Mr P. Lawry, M.H.R., having introduced the deputation, Mr Walton as spokesman, addressed Mr Cadman, and oxiihuned the reason of their visit, viz., to welcome him to the district as a member of the government, also to request the assistance of the government in getting the Puuiu Railway LSrid«e, converted into a trailie bridge. Mr Walton explained the great advantage this work would be both to the inhabitants of the district and the natives, by the long distance that would be saved in reaching the township from the King Couutry, were the alteration made, instead of the present route via Kihikihi. The natives were favourable to the work being done, and would assist in the work.

Messrs Teasdale and Airier also strongly supported the application, and enumerated the aflvautages such a work, if done:, would bt! to tli« district. Tlio Hon. tin; Native .Minister, in reply, H.iid lie was afraid the work ap plied for was out of the hands of tlip (iovcrnment control. Jt was a matter that entirely concerned and came within the duties of the Railway Commissioners, over whom the Government had no control whatever. Personally he thought the request was a reasonable one. At the same time they must remember their existed :i <;rc;U prejudice in having n railway and traiuo bridge together, and the Commissioners, lie thought, were not favourable to such conversions, as there was more danger to htunau life. Neither was he favourable to making costly works m an entirely native district, enhancing the value of their lands, without the Government- receiving some equivalent from them.

After some discussion with tlio members of the deputation, Mr Caduiau advised them to place the matter before the member of the district, Mr Joliu Bryce, and let that gentleinau interview the Railway Commissioners on the subject, and he (the Native Minister) would do all he could to assist him in getting the work ("'one as the deputation requested.

Mr Walton, after thanking the Hon. tlis Xativo Minister for his courteons ii> ception of the deputation, terminated Hit: proceedings.