Notes of an interview between the Hon. Colonel Haultain, Acting for the Native Minister, and thirty five Natives of the Ngatiraukawa Tribe, on the subject of the sale of the Manawatu Block.

"After some preliminary conversation, Henere Herekan, in the name of all present, stated the object of the interview. He said that those present represented the Ngatiraukawa tribe who were opposed to the purchase of their land by Dr. Featherston. In the first instance only eight of their tribe agreed to the sale; subsequently, however, in consequence of the representations of Dr. Featherston and Mr. Buller, seven more agreed, and ultimately seventeen. Those present, however, were unanimously opposed to the sale, and not one of them had signed the agreement.

Parakaia Pouepa then spoke, and said that he came to protest against Dr. Featherston's statement that 1100 Natives consented to the sale. He had not seen that number, and those who consented belonged to strange places: they came, he believed, from various parts of Whanganui.

Colonel Haultain then informed them that Dr. Featherston had not sent in any report to the Government of what had taken place in respect to the purchase of the Manawatu Block, but when Mr. Buller came down, a full report would be made to the Government. In the meantime they were not in a position to state what they would do, not having sufficient information to enable them to judge of the case.

He wished them to leave a document, signed by all of them, stating their objection to the sale to Dr. Featherston. Parakaia then read a document (enclosed) which was to be accepted as expressing the opinion of all present.

In reference to this document, Parakaia said that they had applied first to Mr. FitzGerald, secondly to the Bishop, and thirdly to the Government, and expressed in general terms strong disapproval of the course taken by Dr. Featherston in respect to their land.

Colonel Haultain then told them that he would take the letter, and it should be considered by the Government when they had received Dr. Featherston's Report. In the meantime they might rest satisfied that no sale would be allowed unless the owners of the land agreed to it.