THE MEETING WITH TAWHIAO.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1242, 28 February 1878, Page 3

THE MEETING WITH TAWHIAO.

The following are the contemporary opinions on the subject of the meeting between tho Premier and the King, referred to in our leading columns : [“ New Zealand Herald,” February 4th.] Among all the manifold meetings of Governors and Ministers with tho King Natives during the last four years, none lias given promise of such results as the friendly meeting which has just taken place between the Native King and Sir Q-eorge Grey, exGovernor and now Premier of this colony. The fact that this meeting has taken place in the preßei.ee of two thousand Natives, who will carry its infiuonces with them, and will perceive tho advantages which will accrue from a re-establishment of friendly relations, is of great importance. Tho Natives cannot fail to recognise that the first step has been taken toward this end, and toward the harvest of mutual benefit.

[“ New Zealand Times,” February 25th.] What, are we to expect from the precipitate visit of the Premier to the so-called Maori King on his own ground without an object, and on such conditions as the Maori chose to impose ? Unfortunately all this foolish procession to the King country, and the more foolish talk ensuing, cannot be got up for the amusement of the newspaper readers during the “silly season” without ulterior consequences. The end of the Maori difficulty that was near lias been postponed again for an indefinite time. The Premier of tho colony, who allowed himself apparently to be addressed as Q-overnor by tho Natives, has paid his visit, has been told to come again bye and bye, and that then they may talk about business, and in the meantime has been called upon, and agreed to recommend the pardon of tho Maori murderers. Does nob everyone know that the business to be dealt, with on some future occasion will be a demand for the cession of the Waikato, and perhaps the pardon of Winiata who has been excluded from the present batch of pardons. What nonsense the whole business is, and mischievous nonsense too.