THE MAORI KING AND SULLIVAN'S MURDERERS.

Evening Star, Issue 3200, 23 May 1873, Page 3

THE MAORI KING AND SULLIVAN'S MURDERERS.

On the 27th ult. the chiefs Hargreaves an Tarika te Hura proceeded to Te Kuiti, nndei instructions from the Government, to ascer tain the feelings and views of the extreme Ilauhau party re^erence Sullivan’.murder. On passing through the various settlements on their way, they met witl chiefs who entirely denounced that murder, and expected that the liiuropeans would seek revenge for the outrage. They expressed their willingness to stand their ground, and to suffer for the misdeeds of their friends On arriving at To Kuiti it was evening, A very large number of Natives were assembled from all parts of tie district. The two friendly chiefs could not get audience of Tawhiao that night, but were informed that Tawhiao would be willing to hold a conversation with them next day. Accordingly they proceeded next day to Tawhiao’s house. The whole of the most influential Hauhau chiefs were there assembled. In their midst Tawhiao sat. Hargreaves was asked what mission he was on. He replied that he came to ascertain their view's upon the murder committed at Moanatuatua. They at once displayed a little surprise upon this announcement, and asked upon what particular spot the murder was committed. They were at once informed by Hargreaves that it occurred on the Hauhau side of the line. Tawhiao immediately stood up, and asked what liue? Hargreaves answered, the line laid down by the Government. Tawhiao asked what chiefs on the Hauhau side were present when the line was drawn? Hargreaves could not answer this question. Tawhiao said he acknowledged no line of demarcation hut that at Maungatawhiri. Hargreaves told him that he did not come there to discuss boundary lines, but came to know whether that murder was committed with their consent, or, if not, whether they were willing to hand the murderers over to the law. Tawhiao answered that he could do as he liked with the murderers, whereupon it was answered by Hargreaves that it was for that very reason he came up, because ho knew that Tawhiao ruled absolutely over the Hauhaus. Immediately a chief named Te Tuhi stood up, and informed Hargreaves that he must not construe Tawhiao’s words into a different meaning. Tawhiao’s meaning in saying that ho could do what he liked with the murderers is this : that Tawhiao, if he chose, could bring the murderers to Te Kuiti and protect them. Hargreaves was requested to take this as a final answer to his inquiry.