AN INTERVIEW WITH TE WHITI BY A EUROPEAN LADY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 55, 31 January 1880, Page 2

AN INTERVIEW WITH TE WHITI BY A EUROPEAN LADY.

* (by telegraph.) New Plymouth, Jan. 30. The “ Herald” publishes a detailed account of a visit to Te Whiti by Mrs. Bartlett, of the Opunake Hotel. She received quite an ovation from the Maoris. Te Whiti supplied her with an interpreter, and had a long korero with hex*. He said she had nothing to fear ; he was father of all in the district. He would live at peace with Europeans. Mrs. Bartlett was the fh’st woman who had come to Parihaka, and he was very pleased to see her there. If she wanted anything, to let him know. To Whiti then asked her if she had seen the prisoners-when in Wellington, and all questionsshc answered fully. Hesaid there would be no fear of any fighting taking place, for the Europeans and natives were to live peaceably together. The English he knew, were a very strong people—much stronger than the Maoris—and could crush Maoris to the ground if they chose, hut he knew they would not do so. Mr. Gordon, who was present, asked if ho would permit of his portrait being . taken, but Te Whiti positively refused to permit it. In reply to questions put, Te Whiti said that he would like to see the Governor if ho would visit him in an unofficial manner. He would not ask him to come ; he must come of his own accord. Ho wished to be friendly with Europeans ; they did not want to fight them. The difficulty was about the land ; but that could be settled with their tongue.