NATIVE MEETING AT KAIAPOI.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1303, 23 May 1878, Page 3

NATIVE MEETING AT KAIAPOI.

The moating of the Maoris of the Middle Island to discuss their land claims and hear the post-sessional address of Mr Taiaroa., tho representative in tho General Assembly of the Southern Maori electoral district, was commenccd'at St. Stephen's pah, near Kaiapoi, on Wednesday. There were about 150 present, including a number of women. Others are expected to arrive, and in consequence of this the food which has been collected is still stored, awaiting distribution on the arrival of the whole of the Natives who intend to be present at the proceedings. The meeting will probably extend over eight or nine days. It was first fixed for the 15th, but at the suggestion of the Hon. Mr Sheehan, Native Minister, who wishes to be present with the Hon. Hone Nahc, was postponed till the day in question, and only preliminary business will be discussed prior to thenarrival. Mr Taiaroa arrived on Wednesday, and with him Chiefs Pere Pakeuui, Port Levy ; Tu Kaha, liaupaki; Heni Kami, Terauka ; and 1 haia Tainui, West Coast. The visitors were duly quartered in a new brick house, as well as in other houses to which additions have rccgntly been made. The meeting was held in the Runanga house, or assembly room, which is a commodious place built of a timber frame-work, covered very artistically with toi toi reeds, so laid as to effectually kerp out tho wind or rain. This place is about 70ft. in length, and has been lately enlarged. Beyond one or two Maori carvings on the pillars, which support the roof of the first erected portion, it is devoid of ornamentation. The floor—of earth well beaten—was cleanly swept, and the natives sat on the floor on newly made matting, the meu in a hick row and the women in front, all round the building, a clear space being left in tho centre for the speakers to walk about. At one end of the hall was placed a polished table and two chairs, one of which was occupied by Tare Wi Teihoka, as chairman, and the other by Mr Taiaroa on his right. In addition to the chief named, Pita Poihipi Tehua, chief at Kaiapoi, was present. The whole of tho Maoris were well dressed, and the decorum of the children even within the building was very noteworthy. Outside this edifice there is a securely fenced enclosure. At the entrance to the same, on a scarlet placard in white letters, were the words signifying " Look fer the strangers," on another was another inscription. In similar form was placed above the hall door, " Haeremai ote manuhira etc Kotuku rcrcnga tain," viz., "Welcome to the visitors—tho white crane comes but once"—white crane referring symbolically to the chief. All being assembled in the enclosure, the Kov. G. P. Mutu, around whom were the members of the reception committee, wearing red, white, and blue ribbon rosettes, presented to Mr Taiaroa an address expressive of welcome, thanking him for visiting them, and hoping that before he went away they would be able to devi-e a means to bring about a settlement of the land claim?. They then entered tho hall, when prayers were read from the Anglican Liturgy, the Rev. Te Koto also taking part in the Rervico. The Chairman briefly introduced Mr Taiaroa, Mr Taiaroa, M.H.R. for the Southern Maori Electoral District, then came forward, and addressing tho.-o present explained his conduct in the Honsc during the term for which he had been elected. He paid lie had at one time intended to tender his resignation to the Speaker, but on reconsideration decided to leave that question in the hands of the electors, and if they were averse to it, he hoped, to still remain as their member. If he had resigned, he explained that he should have asked the Runanga to appoint a trustee in his place to take charge of the funds collected to carry on tho efforts being made to procure a settlement of their land claims. He hoped at the present meeting they would discuss matters fairly, and without any feelings of jealousy as to whether any of them had superior claims to others. Therefore he wished that if any hapus might fall into any difficulty in what was brought forward, the meeting would look into it. In the Assembly he had endeavored to the best of his ability to bring forward the land claims in such a way as to effect a speedy settlement. The present Government had promised that a certain commission should be appointed with a view of making enquiries into the same. This was proposed about seven months ago, but as yet no other steps had been taken. He therefore desired, if those present thought proper, to petition the Imperial Parliament on the subject, or to send some of the chiefs to England to represent the justice of their claims, and in that way try to get the settlement which was so difficult to secure here. He would carefully consider the matter. Some of the Maoris of the plains had gone to a place called Amarama to settle on the land in dispute, thus to assert a claim it. It was said that he had caused them to go there, but that report was not true, as he did not send them there. These were persons who had become quite weary of waiting Inline settlement of the claims, and had come to the conclusion that possession was nine parts of the law. In conclusion, he thanked the reception committee and those present for their welcome that day, and if it was the wish that he should continue to act as their representative he would be glad to do so. On the motion of Heni Parateno, seconded by Hone Uiu, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Taiaroa ; which was spoken to in general and energetic terms by others of those present, and on being put by the president was unanimously agreed to. It was then resolved that the meeting be adjourned till next day, at 2 p.m., and be continued ejqh day at the same hour till Mr Sheehan arrives, during which meeting the hind matters will pr.bably be discussed with considerable energy, in order that a definite conclusion may be come to before the arrival of the Ministers. •