THE PARIHAKA GATHERING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 348, 19 May 1881, Page 2

THE PARIHAKA GATHERING.

From a Wellington telegram we gather the following particulars : The monthly meeting was held at Parihaka yesterday, when about 2,500 natives were present, including all the returned prisoners, 256 in number. Te Whia first addressed those present, in which he said—“ There shall be no fighting in this generation, evil must give way to good." Tohu said ; I have nothing different to say. This generation must pay attention to the words, nothing can prevent good. I know what the prisoners were taken for; everything has been said to-day; there shall be no more fighting, Formerly Christ taught, but now Te Whiti does. Christ told us formerly what was right. You have disowned Satan. There will be no more fighting. I did not let you go to be distressed, but as a proof that we were right. We all bow to those who have come back. May you all be wise in future. Money would not buy what has been said here. It is good for the ears; they (the Europeans) think fear caused you to be taken prisoners, and that Te Whiti was afraid to seek payment. Later on, Te Whiti said : You have conquered Satan and his braves; war was on his throne, but has now ceased through his banishment. Had you not succeeded in this Tohu would not be here to-day. You were not imprisoned for adultery, nor for stealing blankets, but for carrying out and upholding the words of Te Whiti. Prison houses, under the circumstances, lose their disguise, and become houses of joy. You must remember that great things depend on you. Your opponents in the quarrel shall be scattered and imprisoned and their works will turn against them. Tohu said: There will be a new God; the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost have ceased as was ordained; Te Whiti and myself will take their places. We don’t know for what you were imprisoned. I did not select you for death, but as emissaries to enter into kings’ houses. If you say in future that God is speaking you will be wrong ; I will tell you it is Tohu. The general tone of the meeting was very peaceful.