NATIVE MEETING AT PUTIKI

Evening Post, Issue 263, 11 December 1865, Page 2

NATIVE MEETING AT PUTIKI

In compliance with the request of the deputation of native chiefs who waited on his Honor the Supeintendent on Wednesday Hoy. 29, Dr. Featherston met the Wanganui natives on Thursday afternoon at Piitiki. There were about three hundred natives present, including the Ngatiapa from Rangitikei. Standing near his Honor we observed the hon. Colonel Haultain, Minister for Defence, Walter Butter, Esq., R.M., Major Yon Tempsky, Major McDonnell, Jas. Booth Esq., R.M., Rev- R. Taylor, &c. The fighting men who have just returned from Opotiki were in Maori costume, and performed several imposing war dances as a preliminary to the speechifying. Two of the dances were of a novel character, and seemed to excite considerable interest among the Maori bystanders. Both are Arawa dances, and quite new here. They combine a clever musket exercise with the usual gesticulations, and are free from some of the more objectionable features of the common war dance At the conclusion of this exhibition the ceremony of unfolding the Moutoa Flag took place. The native constable, Spain, supported the staff, and as soon as the flag opened to the breeze the old chief Hori Kingi sprang to his feet and addressed a short speech of welcome to the Superintendent. He pointed with evident triumph to the Presentation Flag, and recounted the victories that were now to be inscribed upon it in commemoration of their devoted attachment to the Queen. The battles of Moutoa and Ohoutahi were succeeded by two other victories equally important—J'ipiriki and Weraroa, and that of Opotiki would now be added to the list. He was anxious to see all these victories recorded [on the Wanganui Flag. He was himself satisfied with what the Contingent and the " Kupapas" (volunteers) had done. He believed the Government was also satisfied with the manner in which the work had been performed. If they were required for further services they were prepared fo,' it. The Militia were prepared to execute the orders of the Government at once, but the " Kupapas " would probably expect some arrangement to be made respecting pay before they engaged in another enterprise. His Honor the Superintendent replied to the Following effect: —He congratulated the chiefs and their men on their safe return from the Bast Coast, and on the very satisfactory results that had attended their operations there. His congratulations on the occasion of their first victory in this district were mingled with expressions of regret on account of the chiefs who had fallen. On this occasion there was nothing of that kind to sadden the event. They had been ¦ to Opotiki; they had swept that district, and they had returned victorious without having lost a man 1 He remembered how they had stood in the gap, and fought for the protection of the district when the llau Haus threatened the river. He knew how they had behaved at Moutoa, and that had convinced him of their loyalty and fidelity. Since that time they have fought other battles—they had fought at Ohoutahi, where Hoani Hipango fell. They had taken the Wereroa Pa. They had relieved the post at Pipiriki, and not content with these local achievements they had offered their services to the Government for a remote district, and had left their homes voluntarily to assist in suppressing rebellion among the natives on the East Coast. While, however, congratulating them on the successful issue of their mission, he had also to remind them that there was still work to be done. Hori Ki'igi had asked whether their services were still required. He would remind them that the murderers of Mr. Broughton and of the policeman, Keriti, were still at large ; that the tribes who harboured them were still unpunished, and that until the criminals were brought to justice, there con hi be no permanent peace in the district. He felt assured that those who had already accomplished so much would also accomplish this, and had no doubt that the Government would gladly avail itself of their services. He was glad to say that there was a minister of the Crown pr. - sent -Colonel Haultain -who would be able

to inform them as to the wishes and intentions ' of the Government fa this matter, ffia Honor concluded by again congratulating them on the events to celebrate which the Wanganui Flag had this day been unfurled ; find he promised, on behalf of the ladles oi Wanganui, that the recent victories should be immediately inscribed on the banner. His Honor's speech, which was received with erident satisfaction, was interpreted by Walter Buller, Esq., R.M. Colonel Haultaiu, Defence Minister, then made a short speech, J. Booth, Esq.., R.M, f [ acting as interpreter. The gallant Colonel endorsed all that had been said by Dr. Featherston, and expressed his extreme satisfaction at the manner in which the Native I Contingent had done the work allotted them. Speeches were afterwards delivered by Meti Kingi, Aperaniko, Te Kepa, Tarnati Puna, and Haimona Kiroti. The drift of all their speeches was to the effect that both Militia snd Volunteers — " Kupapas "—were prepared for further service, but that before undertaking it, the latter (who have only been receiving rations) will expect some arrangement to be made by the Government in regard to pay. Haimona concluded his speech with an Arawa war-song, in the chorus of which the whole assembly joined, and the proceedings then terminated.