THE DEFENCE MINISTER AND THE KING NATIVES.

Evening Star, Issue 3158, 3 April 1873, Page 2

THE DEFENCE MINISTER AND THE KING NATIVES.

THE LUNA’S TRIP.—INTERESTING PARTICULARS. We f are indebted to the Hon. Donald M‘Lean for the following interesting account of the Luna’s trip from Auckland to Wei* lington, and his interview with King Natives at Kawhia Bay : The Luna crossed f the Manakau bar at half-past twelve on Monday. A strong south-easter was blowing, with a heavy sea. During the afternoon and evening the sea grew heavier, and the weather became so disagreeable that it was determined to take shelter for the night under Albatross Point. About half-past ten the Luna was snugly anchored, and on the Wednesday morning, as the sea had not abated, tbe vessel steamed into Kawhia harbor; Captain Fairchild finding the entrance to this beautiful haven just as he had known it when he last visited it in May, 1867. On that occasion he piloted H. M. 8. Eclipse, Captain Freemantle, which had on board Sir George Grey, then Governor. There is still the sanie ease of entrance, and, when inside, the same splendid shelter and anchorage. The Luna first ran into the southerly branch of the harbor formed by the river Waiharekekei, and (anchored pics* to the house formerly occupied by Mr S. A. Joseph, now of the firm ©f Messrs Montefiore, Joseph, and Co., Sydney. Some Maoris at once came off, accompanied by the chiefs Manehao, his two sons, and Haupokia. During tbe morning other parties of Maoris were received on board, and at lengtb there came from the northerly (or Kawhia river) side of the harbor the Chief Tapibana, who gave the Europeans so much trouble formerly. An animated scene then occurred on deck. Tapibana then addressed Mr M Lean in words of ivelcome, and he, as well as the other Maoris, said that if the Luna had not been a Government vessel with Mr MLcan on board, she would have been ordered to leave tbe harbor. The threat w r ould not have been an idle one, for several hundred Maoris could have been collected in a few hours. Tapibana, however, expressed great pleasure at seeing Mr M‘Leau, and made use of the remarkable expression that, when Mr MLean first visited the Kawhia, it was open to him, that now at his second visit it would be open him and the Government vessel, and that at his third visit it should be open to all vessels. Mr M ‘Lean replied in friendly terms, and Wi Tako, who displayed unwearied activity during the day, followed in a long speech, in which he pointed out to the large number of attentive Maoris the advantages of peaceful and friendly relations with the Europeans. Mr MLean now became aware that on the Kawhia river side of the harbor there were some important personages, and he sept a boat across. On its return he received the information that the elder of the King’s sous, l utawahia, was staying in the King’s bouse at Kawhia, together with Hone Wetere (John Wesley) and other chiefs, and that if the Luna went across, Tutawahia would meet Mr MLean. Accordingly the Luna steamed over, and Mr M‘Lean, with two officers in attendance, landed. He was received on the beach by Hone Wetere, and at the gate of the garden of his father’s house Tutawahia met him. A most remarkable interview followed. The accidental arrival of the Luna was hailed as a good omen for the future. Mr M ‘Lean was invited to enter Kawhia whenever he pleased, and he was finally asked to stay until The “King” could be sent to meet him, Mr M Lean said he could not stay, but be invited Tutawahia and the attendant chiefs to visit the Luna, &nd be introduced to His Excellency the Governor. After eome hesitation they con*

Rented. Twice Tutawatla aske<l, But will you carry mo away if I go.'* He was assured, in reply, that ho might go on board or not, as he pleased, and that if ho u ent he would be conveyed on shore again as soon as he wished. On reaching the Luna, Tutawahia and his followers were introduced to the Governor, the Colonial Treasurer, and other gentlemen, including Mr Pearce, M.H.K., and Mr Christopherson, ConsulGeneral of Sweden and Norway, who is on a visit to New Zealand for the spocia' purpose of reporting to his Government as to the capabilities of thecountryrespectingimmigration. Tntawahia is a tine manly, handsome young fellow about nineteen years old. tie displayed throughout much feeling, and on his arrival on board he was deeply affected. The unexpected and sudden breach of the isolation in which he had dwelt seemed to impress him most powerfully, and for several minutes he had to be left in the midst of his followers, who seemed to vie with each other in manifestations of affection and respect for him. After partaking of luncheon and being shown the engines, etc, of the Luna, the visitors took leave of the Governor, who E resented to Tntawahia a pair of saddle olstcrs, which he bad much admired. The visitors then returned to the shore, accompanied by Mr M‘Lean. Before leaving Tutawahia and the chiefs, Mr M'Lean announced that he would return to Kawhia in as short a time as possible, for the purpose of renewing his friendly relations with Tntawahia, and in all probability meeting the “King.” It is likely that from this visit of the Luna to Kawhia most important results in the interest of future peaceful relations with the King Natives will arise. Had the visit been planned, Instead of accidental, the Maoris would doubtless have resented it. As it was, nothing could exceed the good feeling and friendship they manifested. Hanpokia accompanied Mr M’Lean to Wellington. The Luna arrived alongside the wharf about halfpast six. _____________