THE HIKURANGI MEETING.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1291, 9 May 1878, Page 3

THE HIKURANGI MEETING.

[By Tbxegbaph]

fPBOM OTTB ACT/ELAND COBBBSPONDBNT.] The " Star" special reporter at Hikurangi telegraphs a long report of the preliminary proceedings, of which the following is a summary : At nine o'clock on Tuesday Sir G. Grey, Messrs Potts and Mitchell proceeded in a war canoe to Te Otia Reha te Whakaiaroa, close to the scene of the last meeting. It was a magnificently exciting scene when the canoe crossed the rapids, the regular stroke of the paddlers and the long peacock feathers in the hair of the time-giver marking time, adding to the effect. Messrs Sheehan, Nahe, Grace, Buss, Brown, and your special proceeded on horseback to the same place, where there was about 300 friendlies and Te Whero's people waiting for the canoe. After a short stay the party mounted their horses and rode to Hikurangi, a distance of seventeen miles south-west. For some distance the road runs over comparatively level country on the tops of low ridges in fern land generally of excellent quality, but there are some nasty creeks and slippery slopes at Ngatunui. When half a mile from Hikurangi Mr Barton's son directed the long cavalcade to form into twos in cavalry. Within a quarter of a mile from Hikurangi they were joined by another division of friendly Waikatos numbering 158, who proceeded on foot. The reinforcement brought the total up to about 420. The advance party received the Premier with a long and hearty cheer, and formed open ranks on each side as the party passed through. The others brought up the rear. The Kingites had cleared a grand coach road through the fern. The quality of the soil in this part is magnificent. The horses sank over their fetlocks in black loam. The road gradually ascended by a long range upon which Hikurangi is situated in shape like a magnet with the deep half a cleared valley. On mounting a magnificent scene burst suadently on view. The vast delta lies stretched out north • east, upon which the white houses of Hamilton, Cambridge and Whaka Whaka are dotted. The Maungatautari ranges formed a grand view in this direction. Looking eastward are seen the Te Araha ranges, Bangitoto Rua Peahu, half enshrouded in white clouds resembling curtains. The small volume of smoke ascending is plainly viable. Ascending the hill, Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan leading, wo discerned what at first might be mistaken for a close fence with a palisade on tho top, but on closer inspection it became ranks of men, women, and children in one long dense line of 500 yards. As the dotailß became distinguishable, the lines were seen in an animate state. Fuglemen and women were running about in front. We are now on the southern half of the amphitheatre, with extensive half wooded valleys on the left. Every shade of colour is flitting before our eye with kaleidoscopic variety. Simultaneously one long shout of welcome burst forth from the left. The exultant like cry of the people was suddenly restored, and then the regular tramp of the war dance followed, the weapons bristling in line, and a regular chorus of welcome. " Draw hither the canoe to its resting place. Come here visitors from Heaven. I was the man who invited you from the distant horizon.'' Few shots were fired, the Natives sparing their powder. The Natives continually used the words " Come here Governor." The first welcome being ended the Natives filed off, Tawhaio in the rear. The place selected for the European camp is on a small flit, made round and bounded by fern breastwork on the edge of the valley. The Natives halted, and ranged themselves on the slope of the hill within fifty feet of the visitors. There were an extraordinary variety and contrast in colours, red being predominant. Both sideß regard each other with absorbing interest. Sir George Grey seated himself on

j a fallen tree. Tawhiao came forward to welcome him. After a few preliminary observations, Sir George said—" You do not look so well as when I saw you last." Tawhiao —"I have been unwell, but am recovering. You are old, too." Sir G-eorge Grey —"Youmust not think mo an old man yet. I have many years of work in me I hope." It w»s a most gratifying sight when the Maori children, who were numerous and healthy, camo forward and shook hands with the Europeans. Tapihana passed wearing his wife's petticoats. It is not known whether she wears the breeches. The Natives next escorted the party to the encampment, where till the distinguished men shook hands. The tents were pitched, and SirG. Grey and Tawhaio took tea together in one. An unusual body of men and women were present. There were 300 small kits of potatoes, kumeras, apples, and yams, half a bullock, and two pigs. The chief came forward to present this to Sir G. Grey, Mr Sheehan, and friends. Mr Grace interpreted. Ho next presented these to the whole party, and there was immediately an onslaught. A Maori clergyman conducted the Church of England service Sir G. Grey and other Europeans attended. A Hau Hau service followed some time after, and was largely attended. During the day the Native police kept excellent order. The king's body guard is 100 strong, and dressed in clean white shirts, wound round their waists as kilts. One Native carried a sword which evidently belonged to some Infantry officer, probably a captain. The Natives maintained

splendid order last night, and their police were stationed all about, excluding interruptions of ;dogs, and quiet reigned. Thero is a law here against drink. Europeans may havo it only inside their tents. Your special was taken in the evening; by Whitoro Wikomiti to his own whare. There he met Tawhaio. Whitoro presented your special with a splendid mat. Tawhaio was reticent. I asked, "Do you object to reporters coming here?" His reply was, " Hare not you been here twice before P Did I not tell you then that. I objected to you." He appears always absorbed in thought. Apparently some trouble weighs on his mind. Various estimates are made of the numbers present yesterday. The line extended 500 yards, varying from eight to five deep, but many were not 'present. The following are th<» Kingifce chiefs here :—Tawhaio, Tutawhio (his son-in-law), Manuhau. p*---te Huki, Whitiora, Ta«w, xiau to Ngakau, Arama, Karaka Taupiri, Rewi, Hoani, Wetere, Tamihua, Pakeha Rehua, Te Teheratu, Kercop:i, Honi One, Teira, Whakaari, Ahipene, Kaipau, Tnpihana, Paroiho. Of the Ngatimaniopoto Paku, Rawatu, Honouru, Eawreti te Ruhina, Tu Horo. There are 150 to 200 of the Ngatimanipoto tribo. In all 5000 are presents Tawhaio's house is temporarily fenced. Six sentries with guns are posted round, and no Natives or Europeans aro permitted to enter. Candles were sold in the camp last night at four shillings eaeh for card playing. Some Natives proposed a big dxnee. The korero commences after food is taken on the top of the hill. The aspect of affairs is promising to-day. Large parties have presented food. They marched to the tents in procession, and made the ground shake with dancing. An old song was sung with each present.