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Bay of Plenty Times, Volume II, Issue 108, 13 September 1873, Page 3

The following obituary notice appears in the kelson Colonist ■. —“ Passed to her spirit home, on July sth, Mary, wife of Charles Williamson, aged 37 years. Her memory will be sincerely cherished by a large circle of Harmonial Progressionist s, from whom aha has departed.”

CAPTAIN MORRIS AMONGST' THE N vTIVKS.

According to arrangement, Captain Morris mot the principal chiefs and native electors ofTauranga on VVednesday last, at W hareroa,- —the hospitable kainga of the chief Mori Ngati. Although the weather was Bnyshing but “ propitious, still each particular settlement was well represented, and before the meeting had commenced nearly 150 were present, all on political thoughts intent.

Captain Morris was accompanied by Mr Samuel Clarke and Mr \\ arhrick (who acted as interpreter in his usual able manner). Several other gentle* wen from "IV i’uwi were also present. 1 be rumnura was held in the handsome building erected by llori Ngati pome few months ago in honour of a great ami good ancestor of the Ngaererangi (proverbial amongst bis tribe as a lover of peace and truth) named liauru, and dedicated for public purposes. Mr Clarke briefly introduced Captain Morris to the assemblage. Hori Ngati then came forward in an impressive and courteous manner. He read the requisition (which appears in another column), and handed the document to Captain Morris. Captain Morris (through the interpreter) briefly replied. He thanked the electors for the kind exhibition of feeling evinced towards himself in the requisition. Me was a man of few words, and would not enter into any promise ho would be unable to fulfill. The power of doing good for natives as a member of the Provincial Council was very small and very limited. Such Councils had no power to assist with mills, schools, &c., these matters resting solely with tho General Government. Nearly all ho saw present were strangers to him, and he would therfore advise them to consult with other natives who did know him as to bis character, beforring to educational matters, he would like to see a native school at Matipihi, as the situation would Jbc more central. Ho recognised the great importance of education, and would do all ho could to promote tho same. They, however, must bear in mind that the Provincial Government paid nothing as yet for native school purposes. If returned to the Provincial Council he should also come forward for the General Assembly, and, if elected, his power for doing good would be greatly extended. Captain Morris again thanked tho meeting for his reception, and sat down amidst loud and prolonged applause given in the orthodox style. Mr Samuel Clarke, who was well received, and listened to with marked respect, explained the nature o f Provincial Councils, speaking of their limited power as regards native matters. It was a matter of congratulation, he thought, that such was the case, as if the province of Auckland had had the power to take matters into their own hands at tho time of the murder of poor Sullivan, the colony would now undoubtedly be in the midst of a terrible and cruel war between the races.

Enoka te Whanaki then rose and said : Welcome, welcome, Captain Morris, Wo are glad to ?ee you here under this roof, the building which we have dedicated to one of our ancestors who was well known for peace and truth. You and jour friends are welcome, and your coming gives us an assurance that you are in earnest, iou will receive our support, for your words to

us are good. When elected, don’t forgot ua, but come again to visit us t by that means we shall learn what you are doing. Don’t treat us like ivfr Douglas, the late member, who, after receiving our support, never again looked upon us. Here followed a Maori song of welcome. Hohepa Hikutaia said : Salutations to you Captain Morris, and your friend Mr Samuel

Clarke. Wo are glad to see you with your other European friends. It is good for you thus to come amongst us, that we may learn your views upon subjects which hitherto we have been ignorant of, concerning these elections—namely Superintendents, Provincial Councils, and House

of Kepreaentatives. You will receive our support to a man. * Songs concluded his speech.) Akuhata Tupaea rose and, with much earnestness, said: Oh, Captain Morris, this is a great day to us. We are rejoiced to see you with our old friend, Mr .Samuel Clarke. We shall not bo forgetful of this respect when the day of election comes, but will one and all accord you our support. We have met you here, at this place, at

Mr Samuel Clarke’s wish. But there are many whom we have left at our settlement equally interested with ua who are deairous to see you. Oh comeagain to see us at this my request, that our hearts may bo at rest with you, who have become the choice of the Maori electors of Tauranga, not only in the Provincial, but in the higher Councils at Wellington, where the laws of the colony

emanate. Your words for establishing schools are good and sound, for without education wo shall be an ignorant and foolish people. Enough. It is good for you thus to come amongst us. Te Kuku t,e Mea, an assessor from Motuhoa,

then rose and said: Captain Morns, you are welcome, right welcome. You have no occasion to doubt as to our views and feelings respecting your election. The presence of all these chiefs from every settlement in Tauranga is sufficient to convince you that you are universally supported by Maori voices Your election is secured. We don’t want strangers to represent ns. We want a man like you, who hag invested capital and is employing labour, and not men who are fickle and undecided, here to day and away to-morrow. Indeed, no. You are our choice and the choice of all the natives, who called you out into this field of strife. Take courage, you shall not only be elected for the Province, but so far as wo are concerned you shall represent us at Wellington in the councils of the wise and great men. To Harawira, after the customary salutations of welcome to Captain Morris, followed the strain of the previous speakers of assurance of support. Turning to Mr Samuel Clarke he said ; Your presence amongst us reminds ua of years which are now past and gone. Your visits of instruction to us illiterate and ignorant people have nob been erased from our minds. It is good for you thus again to come forward to assist us in our choice that we may be strengthened by your advice and counsel. Our ; e ifi? rejoice io mingle with Ivorope-ir 8 whom we are convinced wish ua well from their I.carte, it is well.

S.ga Mano, full of salui-.V said :It ia good for you to call the Maori r ( .ether by WhSI means we know how to .A* ld understand European customs and we have heard from you ? ro good. We shall watch over you to sec if your actions ia Council hear fruit; if they do. the tree must stand, and you will from time to time be elected. IJiunioru Tangiawa rose. He said : Greetings to you all. Wo are (.turning to Captain Morris) glud thus to meet you. loot your words and actions be sincere. We have long exercised the privilege ol voting, but no sooner had the persona got in than they forgot all about us. (The speaker here said Messrs Gillies and Douglas were kakino no good.) This is not so with Mr Kelly ;he got elected,and ever since has been doing Lia uttermost tor the people. Oh, Captain Morris! follow in ms zeal for the district, and good will bo the result. You shall have our support. The meeting was addressed by Te Para, Hone Mutu and others, all expressive of support. The proceedings, to use a stereotyped expression, then took a convivial turn, and songs, and ot her dances became the order of the day. Captain Morris and party, shortly after the meeting had concluded, left for Tauranga,

(E koro e taea to wakahua i nga kororo wakapai i nga wniata hoki a nga tanguta Maori i nga hui o Wharoroa a Kapeno Mori hi. Ka kapi katoa te nuijwpi i to malm o nga korero.)