THE NATIVE MEETING: SHAM FIGHTS.

Evening Star, Issue 3129, 28 February 1873, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING: SHAM FIGHTS.

DISGUSTING CRUELTY, # The following particulars of proceedings at the late Native meeting at are published in the Crust ; — The King party numbered about 600, including the chiefs Te Tawhaio (son of the King), Manuhiri and his daughter, Te Reinga, Manga or Rewi. Te Wahaimi, To Ngakau, Takiwaru, Aporo, and many others of inferior note. One enterprising Maori opened an extempore publichouse, consisting of a tarpaulin, a barrel of beer, and one pannikin. This the proprietor stated was for the refreshment of the pakehas only, but this I am inclined to think was a ruse of the proprietor’s, he being aware of the general impecuniosity of the Natives: of course the pakehas could not, under the circumstances, do less than stand treat for their Maori friends, thus cut off from obtaining their beer. As it was a hot day, the tap was kept running till empty. As the Maori charged 9 A for each part of a pint (he never filled it) he must have made a good day s work of it. At night a guard of about fifty men were told off by the Kingites, and any persons found away from their camp were arrested by the patrols. One gentleman from Hamilton was arrested and placed in durance rile in the guard hut until morning. On Wednesday morning ft native named Rui left camp on horseback at a gallop for Cambridge ; he had not proceeded far when bis horse fell, throwing him heavily. At first great jokes were passed on him—one remarking that he hoped, if he was killed, he was fat, so that they could eat him After some considerable time, the horse having returned, a number went to see the unfortunate, when they found that the man had broken his nick, His body was brought in, and a great crying was made over it. Our publican, having sold all his beer, had this morning replenished his stock with rum. After the accident his public was rushed, the tent pulled down, aud stock taken away. In the afternoon the Arawas arrived, and were received with shouting, dancing, and gesticulations. A large quantity of food, consisting of potatoes, dried shark, and mussels, was presented to the Waikatos and Ngatimania potos, which they divided amongst themselves, giving a good share to the pakehas. Some 200 ef the Ngatiraukawas also arrived to-day iu great style ; their dancing was most energetic, notwithstanding the intense heat and the distance they had travelled from Patetere. Thursday, the 24th, was the day oft feasting. In the morning cooked food was presented; afterwards a drove of 42 large pigs were led, dragged, driven in front of the Kingites’ camp by the Ngatihaua, as a present. A most cruel and disgusting scene then occurred; hundreds of the Ngatihaua, having armed themselves with billets of firewood, commenced slaughtering the pigs by knocking them on the head. It was the most savage sight I ever witnessed; women and children took part in it. When some of the pigs were partly stunned, many of them were forcing sticks in their eyes. I have been at many meetings before, but am informed that this manner of presenting pork is peculiar to the Ngatihaua. When the pigs were at last quieted they were placed iu a row and delivered over, though many of them half an hour afterwardi would get up and stagger away—to be again captured and tortured. After the business of dressing and consuming the pork, the Queenites went down and gave a dance, and challenged the Hauhaus by throwing sticks at Rewi’s feet; it was promptly ac epted, and some four hundred of them at once turned out and had a sham fight wi hj the challengers. Hakas and dances finished the day. Several European females were present while this was going on, which somewhat surprised me, as a great number of the m-n had nothing on but their birthday suits, or an ammunition pouch at their backs, secured by a strap an inch wide. Had they understood the remarks made of them by many of the Natives, I do not think they would have been so anxious to secure front places. There was nearly being a row during the day. An old chief of Ngatihaua Hauhaus, having taken too much grog, disputed as to the division of some food with a Ngatiraukawa chief. After a long altercation they at last closed, and several blows were exchanged. The two young (homrsons, who were present, however, seized and parted the combatants. The old chief, however not satisfied, went away and returned with his mere under his arm, expressing his determination to kill his antagonist if he could find him. He was again seized by Hote and Te Wabaroa, and the mere taken away during the dance, Paora Tuba I .re arrived from Auckland; he at once proceeded to Manuhiri’s quarters. In consequence of the confusion going on. his arrival was not noticed, or there would have been a .turn out to welcome him. Talk was concluded on Saturday evening, when spirits were handed round. It was expected to be resumed next day, but on Sunday moiui-ig the Natives began to disperse, and the meeting concluded. 1 have heard that the King Natives intend to define their own boundaries, when all will reside under his law ; if this be true, there will, of course, be another meeting. I must mention the great kindness and liberality shown to the Europeans present; food was plentifully and ch erfully provided for all who chose to partake of it. Rewi was very civil to the Europeans, and was introduced to numerous gentlemen.