THE NATIVE MINISTER AND TAWHAIO.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 786, 6 November 1882, Page 2

THE NATIVE MINISTER AND TAWHAIO.

Mr Bryce met Tawhiao on Saturday at ele -en o'clock in the big house at Whatiwhatihoe, some 300 persons being present. Tawhiao said the people were there to listen, not to speak. He would keep on his own side, but would be willing to learn from the Europeans. He had not from the beginning separated from the Queen. He loved the pakeha, but he must keep his mana. Mr Bryce said this was the day for the decisive answer, which had not been given. The proposals ho had made were so good and liberal, lie would be blamed through parts of the colony for making them. If they were accepted they must be so in plain words, and not in dark sayings. If not accepted to-day they would be definitely withdrawn. Ho did not expect that he should ever think it right to make them again. He left this afternoon for Auckland, and should take his proposals with him. He was entitled to a plain answer. After a groat deal of beating about the bush, Whanui, speaking with some zeal, said that Mr Bryce had told them that the flood of civilization would not bo stopped, but he could stop it with God’s help. They might take all that was offered, but they could not give up the King’s “mana.” Mr Bryce replying, said no good c >uld arbe from discussing old affairs. What evil could result from the “ mana ” of the Queen being re-estab--1 shed ? If no evil could accrue let it be done at once. Whanui had said he was a strong man, and could keep back the flood, but he should remember that he had friends drowning in the flood he was attempting to stop. Instead of doing so let him rather help to build the canoe and save the people. If Whanui understood the grave importance to the decision the Maori people came to that day well and good. Ho, Mr Bryce, would go away knowing he had done his duty to

the colony and the Maori people. He should never reproach himself with not having been. more kind to them. The burden was now shifted from his shoulders to those of otheis. His last word to Whanui was that he was sorry, not angry, and his last word to Tawhiao wa* this, “ Was there any other reply ?” After a pause Mr Bryce continued, “It is right the whole people should hear Tawhiao’s reply, which was that the responsibility of accepting or declining the offers were thrown on Whanui, and they were rejected.” Mr Bryce then rose, and le'.t the house and ground.