SIR GEORGE GREY AT WAIKATO.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1224, 5 February 1878, Page 3

SIR GEORGE GREY AT WAIKATO.

[By Tbleuhaph.] [PBB PBBBS A3HHOY.] Alexandba, February 4. Sir George Grey, Mr Sheehan, and party yesterday met Tewhiao, his two sons, Manuhiri, Rewi, Hanuari, Taonai, Te Ngukau, and all the principal chiefs, with about t wo thousand five hnndred other Natives. Manuhiri, who was the iirsi speaker, congratulated the Premier and gavo him welcome. He said he had not seen Sit George Grey for iseventeen years, but all that time his heart had been longing for an interview. Hanuari then said " Come, Hone Nahe, to see us—those who are living and '(hose who are dead. Welcome to you who belong both to Hauraki andWaikato." Hone Nahe replied—- " I reciprocate your welcome, but this day is for Sir George Grey agd, Tawhjao, We wjl}

not interfere." Grey then said— "Oh Waikatos and Ngatimaniapotos, I am glad to meet you here. It will be work for me and Tawhaio to reunite our people, who have been so long separated. It is for us to plant this day a tree that may flourish and benefit not only us but those who como after us." Rowi said—" Welcome Governor Grey. Come and see us all. Welcome in the name of those who have passed away. You must see Kingites four times. The first is the planting of the tree; the second will be the promoting of its growth; tho third and fourth times the tree will be flourishing and bear fruit." Rewi then produced a seal belonging to Potatou, saying-"The owner is dead, but his spirit is here. Look at it. None of you chiefs speak. There is only one man to speak (meaning Tawhiao)." This concluded the meeting, but all chiefs then visited Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan, the Kins staying in Sir George Grey's tent, where they supped together. Nothing was said at the meeting about giving back the confiscated land. A second meeting is fixed for March, and it was agreed that Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan should pay a private visit, should stay with Tawhaio, and go with him into the interior. At Tawhaio's request Sir George said he should havo the privilege of sending letters and telegrams to the Premier franked. All tho European party returned to Alexandra to-day. Sir Goorge Grey rifling overland, calling at Kaipatai and other places. The whole party leave here for Te Awamutu, probably to-morrow. 8 p.m. The Premier, the Native Minister, and party, on arrival at Te Awamutu were received with cheers. A large number of settlers presented an address congratulating Bir George Grey, who replied. A deputation, consisting of the chairman of the Road Board, and others, interviewed the Premier and other Ministers, enquiring if it were true that the railway was to be leased to private parties. If so, they were of opinion it would not be advantageous to the district. The Premier, in reply, said he was not aware of any such arrangement being contemplated. They might depend that anything of the kind would not be done by private tender. Sir George Grey and party having visited the mission house and the church proceeded to Cambridge. After Sir George Grej's departure, Wanguhira, with 124 Natives, arrived from Mokau, intending to arrange a meeting in memory of Sir George and Mr Sheehan's departure. Visits between all sections of the Hauhaus were exchanged, the meeting being considered strictly non-political, Rewi himself expressing that opinion. The meeting in March will be fully discussed.