NATIVE MEETING AT KAIAPOI.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1306, 27 May 1878, Page 3

NATIVE MEETING AT KAIAPOI.

A further contingent of Maoris have arrived to take part in the political discussions which are now engaging the attention of the native mind. Several fresh visitors reached St. Stephen’s from Otago on the Queen’s Birthday. One of the arrivals was a passenger in the coach which met with the serious accident at Moeraki, and another intended visitor was so much injured he had to remain behind. In accordance with an expressed wish from the chief, the people agreed to observe the day as a holiday, and for a time politics were tabooed. The distribution of the largo collection of food having been made, it was further resolved to hold a dinner in honor of the eventful day. At 2.30 p.m. the Maoris assembled in the runanga enclosure to receive the visitors, which they did with waving of shawls and fancy handkerchiefs, calling out “ Haero mai e te Manuhiri ’’—welcome to the strangers. The visitors having passed the compliments of the day and performed the ceremony of rubbing noses, were escorted into the Assembly Hall, where all were soon seated, and an excellently-cooked dinner was speedily served. About 250 were present, and in consequence probably of the Maori manner of serving, the attendants numbered about forty, who performed the duty of waiters. Grace was said by the Rev. A. Koti, of Raupaki. Mr Taiaroa, M.H.R., occupied the chair, and after dinner, in a very enthusiastic speech, proposed “ The health of her Majesty Queen Victoria and the Royal family.” He said it was the duty of all her subjects to remember that day, and those at that table who could not drink wine did equal honor by drinking a glass of water. Ho expressed a wish that so good a Queen might live a long time. Three cheers were then called for and given with great enthusiasm. Ihaia Tainui, of the West Coast, in an appropriate speech, proposed the healths of “The Marquis and Marchioness of Norman by,” which was received with every demonstration of genuine loyalty. Te Koti (Raupaki) proposed “The New Zealand Parliament,” paying a tribute of praise to the ability shown by Mr Taiaroa, and to the faithful manner in which he had fulfilled his election promises. He also acknowledged the services of tbo pakeba members who had supported the Middle Island claims. The toast was well received. Mr Taiaroa, who was received with rounds of cheering, thanked them for their expression through Mr Kotc, and its endorsement by their applause. Ho would only repeat what he had told them before that it was his wish to represent them honestly. The Rev. G. P. Mutu, on behalf of the reception committee, proposed the healths of the visiting chiefs, coupled with the name of Matiaha, whom ho was pleased to see present. He hoped the subjects

succeeding days would be discussed with patience and moderation. [Cheers.J Matiaha responded, The mention of his name with a toast was a great surprise, and the Kaiapoi people had kept it from him. He expressed himself greatly pleased with the Natives of Kaiapoi, and the neat and clean look of the women and children, [Cheers.] Hone Paratene, Tare Wi, Wiremu Wi, and others, proposed other toasts, after which the company dispersed. The estimate of the food in store for the meeting is 15owt. biscuits, Bcwt. flour, 70 do. sugar, 40 do. potatoes, 2 largo cheese, 6 boxes tea, 17 kits fish, 12 sacks mussels, and other kinds of food. The Hons. Mr Sheehan and Nahc are expected to leave Auckland on Saturday or Sunday, and will arrive during the coming week.