dressed. I wear a beaver hat. But to what you say, I say Yes.'' then arose, and said he and his people had come in answer to the invitation. The words of Heremia were good. He had often heard the Pakehas on the other side of the river, speak of the natives as ''The Bloody Maori,'' and so forth. He thought the Maoris should all join and be one; and there should not be so many differences of faction. He would agree to what Heremia had said. If the present good feeling continued, this was the beginning of a new year. Hurrah! followed by three cheers. then spoke; and suggested that Ngatiapa be allowed to speak before anything more be done. then arose and said, -- ''Salutations to all! to fathers and sons; This was a new month, a new year; this was the year of Tite Kowaru and Te Kooti.'' He had heard the words of Heremai. There were other words about it. As he had said, -- this was the year of Tito Kawaru and Te Kooti. Heremia knew that he (Ratana) was Heremai's ''hoa riri'' (fighting friend). He would not sheath his sword. He would continue to oppose him. He would continually have the sword in his hand, so that if the Government wanted him to go and seek Te Kooti, he could go. He would not bind himself not to go. He could not agree to what Heremia had wished. He was a Government man. , (of Wanganui) said he had