THE LATE NATIVE MEETING IN THE WAIKATO.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1300, 20 May 1878, Page 3

THE LATE NATIVE MEETING IN THE WAIKATO.

The following telegram from the “New Zealand Times ” correspondent at Hamilton was published in that journal on Thursday : Despite statements put about by the Government of concessions from theNgatamaniopoto, in return for Sir George Grey’s concessions to Tawhiao, it is confidently believed that, nothing has been promised by the Maoris in return, and the Ngatamaniopoto hold themselves aloof from the arrangement. This morning Rewi sent to the settlement for the “ Herald ” to see what was said concerning Sir George Grey’s meeting with him at Punui. On the report being interpreted to him, he instructed the interpreter to wire as follows: — Rewi denies all the statements in Monday’s “ Herald ” rc taking a seat in the Legislative Council, &c., nothing having been mentioned excepting conversations, of which a translation is sent. The translation is as follows: —On the 12th I saw Governor Grey. The first words which Governor Grey asked me were if I had heard what had been said at Hikurangi. I answered, Yes. He then asked—Have you heard what we said on the second day ? I replied, Yes. Mr Grace then asked —Are you satisfied with what Sir George Grey and Tawhiao said P I asked —Is Sir George Grey satisfied ? Sir George Grey then asked—Will you go with mo to Parliament ? I answered —No. He said—Why won’t you come ? I said—When you and Tawhiao come to conclusions that enlighten mo then it will bo my time to speak. These telegrams were sent to a European settler who is intimate with Rewi. This settler then applied to Rewi, saying— I am sorry I cannot see you again before you telegraphed if it has been talked about making a railway through your country and buying blocks of land hero and there along the line. Has your meeting at Mokau anything to do with the meeting at Hikurangi ? Rewi replied to this by wire at once, marking the original manuscript with his seal. He said—As to the question you asked me about the railway, it is not correct, as they have said that I have agreed to the railway. They did not ask me this question, to let the railway come on our land. All I said to them was that I was going to Mokau. Tu Tawhiao, the King’s son, and To Ngn-kau returned from Tamahero to Hamilton to-day, and remain here to-night to attend a ball given by tiie Hamilton contingent of Volunteer Cavalry. The Government’s position with the King is simply this : —The King made a demand. Sir G. Grey refused to comply, but made an rffer which Tawhiao has not: yet accepted, and even if Tawhiao accepts, the Ngatimaniopoto will have no part in she matter.