"The Natives' Reply.

"Ihakara te Rango, an old and influential chief, over seventy years of age, was the first to speak. He welcomed the Premier, briefly referred to the matters that had been brought forward, and expressed the hope that Europeans and Maoris would be one in all things.

"Hiraka te Eango (son of Ihakara, and leader of the progressive party among these Natives) asked specially for an administrative committee to deal with the lands, and negotiate with the Government on the tribe's behalf. Between now and next session they would meet and consider whether there was a necessity for bringing any other matters under the notice of the Government. Hiraka then referred to the Motukawa subdivision, the position of which he said was peculiar, as a portion of it had been included in Rangipo-Waiu, a block purchased by the Government. This overlap delayed further partition. He therefore asked that the Government should legislate, if necessary, to rectify this trouble. He also asked if the portion of the Awarua Block acquired by the Government could not be partitioned off.

"Mr. Seddon: This has been arranged for, and we wish to know where it would be most convenient for the Court to sit.

"Hiraka: Utiku and I have agreed that here will be the most convenient place.

"Mr. Seddon: The Judge now sitting here could not act, as he had purchased the shares claimed by the Government; but the case will be taken immediately.

page 6

"Hiraka: No. 2, No. 3, No. 3A, No. 3B, No. 4, and No. 4A might be heard at the same time. We want this Court to take up the work of that partition as soon as Oruamatua is concluded. He then proceeded to say that, with regard to the school, a census of the children had been taken, and three acres had been selected for school-buildings. As to the necessity for a policeman, they lived in an isolated part of the country, which was frequently visited by the scum of European society. They had agreed to give a portion of land for the station.

"Mr. Seddon: Put that in writing, and a surveyor will be sent to lay off the site.

"Mr. Carroll: It has pleased me that the Premier has come personally to see you. It was my wish he should meet you face to face, and not hear your grievances second-hand. We have heard them, and they will receive our attention. If there are other matters you wish attended to, send your word to us. Do not delay, or be frightened to come forward.