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at Patutahi, which is in the possession of the Government, will be reserved for you; with regard to the others, I can make no promise. You are living in the midst of an increasing and prosperous community of Europeans, by whose example you should profit. I hope you will learn from them their habits of industry which you see they possess, and which you will find will be much more beneficial to you than fruitless agitations. You should bear in mind that Europeans are an increasing people, and that it will be greatly to your advantage to avoid unnecessary contentions, and to dwell with them on peaceable and friendly terms. Wi Pere: The charge against me is unfounded; there is some one here from Wiremu Kingi's place; we are going there and can have the matter cleared up. When Te Muhunga was taken, it was arranged with Mr. Atkinson that he was to have 5,000 acres, with the understanding that we were to have the balance, if any; on survey, it was found to contain 5,390 acres; the balance he refused to return. You are not to blame for this. Mr. McLean here read from notes that, according to the wording of the agreement, it was 5,000 acres, more or less. Wi Pere: If it was over, it was to be returned; if under, it was to be made up. The Hon. Mokena Kohere : Friend Wi Haronga, I rise to answer your objections about us chiefs from distant parts having the administration and management of your lands at Turanga. This is my word to you. You had the opportunity of dealing with your lands, but you threw it away. You have had your lands given to you; my hands are clean; take your land. Meiha Ropata: Wi Haronga, there is one mistake you make with regard to us chiefs from other districts administering matters connected with your lands at Turanga. If the Government had seen any fault in our administration, they would have told us to cease; it is not for you to dictate to us. In 1865 the troubles commenced here, and they have existed ever since, and we, chiefs from other districts, have done our best to prevent matters being worse with you. and we have succeeded to a certain extent; if it had been left entirely to the people of Turanga, you would never have succeeded in anything for your benefit; if the troubles of this place had ended, we should have ceased to visit you. Ihaka Whanga ; Ido not agree with what Wi Haronga has said about us strangers having the management and making arrangements about land at Turanga. It has been plainly seen that Wi Haronga and his people have not been able to manage their own affairs properly, or the troubles would not have come on them. If Wi Haronga is competent to administer affairs among his people, why did he not prevent these troubles ? When Kereopa came here with his mischief, you were eager to support his cause, and that was the commencement of your downfall. We (the Government) have rescued you from those evils. We have given you your land and taken some for the misdeeds of your Hau Haus; and what land has been given to you you have either sold, mortgaged, or disposed of in some other way; and now you are dissatisfied; you should be glad to welcome a state of peace, and show a good feeling towards the Government. Wi Haronga .- lam found fault with and blamed for not exerting my influence in restraining my people; if they had listened to my advice they would now be in different circumstances; they are easily led away, and when Henare Matua came here they followed him. I was sorry, but was not listened to; the blame of all is thrown upon me. Let my words be proved by each hapu looking after its own affairs; it would then be seen how such were administered, and they would each become responsible for their own conduct. Henare Potae .- What you have said, Wi Haronga, about our coming to Turanga and taking the management of your lands is correct, but we have never come among you yet without being first asked to do so. The Government saw that you were unable to manage matters by yourselves, and they asked us to assist you. However, in future you can conduct your own affairs yourselves, and we shall then see whether you are capable of administering for yourselves. Anaru Matete : Salutations to you, Mr. McLean ! May you live long ! I did not go to Wellington with Henare Matua with any intention of doing wrong, but to try and get a hearing from you about my troubles. One of my troubles was that I had been cursed by Paora Kati, and I did not feel satisfied until I had seen you, for you to tell me that I was safe (or not). You told me when you were last in Turanga that I was to remain quiet. I have at last made up my mind to tell you that my lands have all been leased by the Government Natives; my relatives have participated in those leases, and none of them have handed to me any moneys accruing from these rents. I am agreeable to lose the greater portion of my lands for joining the Hau Haus, but I think I am entitled to a portion of land besides what has been given up to the Government. Ido not ask for a portion of land that has been sold or confiscated; all I ask for is a portion of the land that is leased. Mr. McLean: 1 think you and Paora Kati had better meet and settle matters between you; also your relative Tamihana, who is not present. Wi Pere .- It was proposed that a committee of twelve should be appointed to adjust the surveys, which were a constant cause of irritation. Eopata was named as one of the committee. Mr. McLean: There will be no cause for such complaints under the new law enacted by the Government, which will remedy all such; and no lands will be brought before the Court for adjudication that are of a questionable nature. (The Native Minister here read the names of several Hau Haus who had been sent to Opotiki, some of whom had returned to Turanga, and some had died.) The meeting then broke up.
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