The following is taken from the New Zealand Herald of the 19th March:—

"The Premier and party arrived at Kawakawa about 8 o'clock on Friday evening, after a long drive over exceedingly rough land, and were met by Mr. Houston, M.H.R., and a large party of residents. The party immediately adjourned to the hall, where a sumptuous banquet was provided by Mr. Stewart, whose efforts were much appreciated. The Chairman, Mr. Kirkpatrick, proposed the toast of the Premier.

"Mr. Seddon, responding, said the reason of his visit was the desire of the Government to settle people on the land. They were met with the difficulty of procuring land, which was held in large tracts by Natives—unoccupied, unused, barren, and untitled. With a view to remove this difficulty the present tour was undertaken. Mr. Seddon referred to the extremely involved condition of the Native-land legislation as absolutely retarding settlement of the question. The time had arrived, he said, when this entanglement must be removed. The Natives should be consulted in the matter, and should have indicated to them the course of action which the Government intended to take. The sooner they knew this the better for themselves and the colony. The Natives should know that the lands which they do not intend to use must be disposed of to Government.

"The Hon. Henry Williams, M.L.C., said he had long entertained the opinion that some change was absolutely necessary in the methods of procedure. He felt sure that the Natives would readily fall into place if made to understand that special concessions would not be made in future,

"The Premier and party, accompanied by Mr. J. S. Clendon, Resident Magistrate, and Mr. Houston, M.H.R., journeyed to Waiomio, where they were met by an influential representation of the Ngapuhi Tribe. They intimated to the Premier that they had nothing to say regarding their own affairs.

"The Premier said he took it that silence indicated perfect contentment and happiness, and urged them to avail themselves of this opportunity to ventilate their grievances.

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"The party next proceed to Waimate, where one of the most important meetings will be held."