NATIVE MEETING AT KAIAPOI.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1341, 1 June 1878, Page 3

NATIVE MEETING AT KAIAPOI.

During the past week the Maories, who are assembled at St. Stephen’s Pa, near Kaiapoi, from all parts of Waipounamu or the Southern Island, including the West Coast and Otago, have been busily engaged in discussing the land claims, in which they assert a title to possession of a large proportion of the lands of the island, on the ground of alleged errors in the agreements made with them, and the taking of certain lands without their consent, the same haring been purchased by the Government from chiefs whom they maintain had no right to so dispose of them, notably Te Rauparaha, whose incursions to this island from the North are well known to those acquainted with Maori history. The question has been fully discussed during the present protracted meeting, which was continued longer than intended, pending the arrival of the Hon. the Native Minister. A conclusion is said to have been come to by those present, and, if the same is considered reasonable, will be agreed to by the Government, pending the approval of Parliament. The business affairs of the meeting having been considered, preparations were made for the reception of Mr Sheehan on a grander scale than has ever been attempted for any important personage previously. The Natives seem to have resolved to give him a very enthusiastic welcome, and when a telegraphic message informed them on Friday at noon of his intended arrival by special train, everyone was filled with excitement. The finishing touches to the decorations were forthwith carried into effect. A large double triumphal arch over the road at the entrance to the school grounds was neatly decorated with evergreens, and, surmounted with strings of flags, had an imposing effect. The bunting was lent to the reception committee by Messrs Miles, Hassal and 00. It may be noticed that the decorative genius displayed in the work on the arch and other similar erections was of a superior kind. On the arch were displayed the words “ Haere mai te Hiane kite wahaoti te Waiponuamu ” Welcome to Mr Sheehan to settle the troubles of the Middle Island. Waiponuamu referring to the greenstone with which the South Island abounds, and to which the Maoris attach great value for weapons as well as ornaments. At the entrance to the runanga enclosure was a second arch of evergreens, over which were festoons of bunting producing a very gay effect. At the left of the opening was the figure of a man formed of evergreens and toi-toi, raised about Bft. from the ground, the figure being adorned with feathers and a mat. Within the enclosure there was quite an animated scone, Maoris of all types seated or standing, the men either dressed in full European costume, surmounted with dress hats and green veils, or in a semi-Maori-English dress, or quite in Native fashion. The display of mats and ornaments of Native kinds was larger than has been seen here before, and Mr Sheehan must feel sure that his mission was a success so far as the regard shown for him personally was concerned. Some of the men wore mats with large cheek patterns of yellow and blue colors in them, which formed a contrast to the sombre shades of other costumes. The females were also well dressed, many of them in expensive articles of English dress. There was a profusion of evergreens, worn in wreaths and festoons by the men, and each Native had a white feather or the more pretentious feather from a peacock’s tail stuck in their hair or head dress. The entry to the enclosure was guarded by the Native police officer against intruders. Opposite the gateway, and near the Runanga house, was a raised dais, covered with a canvas awning. The dais was floored with newly made flax mats, the awning decorated with laurels and other boughs, A lane from the dais to the gate was made by the school children, in care of their teachers. On the right side sixteen boys, dressed in blue jumpers with scarlet jash and white trousers, under Mr H. J. Reeves ; on the }eft, fifteen girls in white dresses trimmed with scarlet, in charge of Mrs Reeves. Outside these lines the Natives ranged themselves in an orderly manner to the number of 350, awaiting the Minister’s arrival. The time which they waited for the carriage with Mr Sheehan was spent in rehearsing a chant, or song of welcome. A Native named Hopa got up in true Native style, wearing a potai of white feathers, a mat of elaborate local manufacture, and brandishing a greenstone mere, began the song at the first arch, the chorus being taken up 200 yards away in the enclosure, and as Mr Sheehan and his secretary, Mr Grace, came up, thp enthusiasm was very great. Suddenly it ceased and a loud voice began the cry of ‘t Haere,” a ponderous arm of the lay figure referred to, deftly worked by a string from behind a fence, performing a beckoning motion and waving a flag. On reaching the enclosure the Hon. Minister was somewhat surprised with the military salute of the schoolboys and the frantic waving of large white scarves by the people. He was accompanied by Hone Nahe, Taiaroa, the Revs. J. W. Stack and G. P, Mutu. On reaching his chair on the dais, which was covered with very fine specimens of mat making, he expressed his readiness to receive the addresses. Haia Tainui stepped forward and in a clear voice read an address of welcome, first to Mr Sheehan and then to Hone Nahe, which was merely of a complimentary character, expressing the joy of the people in seeing them present. He then read a statement setting forth the claims of the Natives to compensation or a return of the land alleged to have been wrongly taken, which the various speakers would explain more in detail. The petition set forth that the land had not been acquired by fair means, and alluded at length to the points which ip was desired to have investigat'd. T-t as--1 t t '>d that the Government had made a mistake in t v, a i n g at jy of this island from Te Rauparaha who jierodiWy claim to it, nor had fairly acquired it by conquest, T ( ' rOII this fact of the Government purchasing the lands in the south from the North Islanc Natives had originated all the trouble and heart burnings. Lengthy reference was made to former investigations by commissiunprs and Mr Mantell, as well as to the promises which it was asserted had not been carried into effect Altogether a very elaborate document was read on the subject, for a summary of the contents of which we are indebted to Mr Grace, A petition was then presented respecting the purchase of the Chatham Islands, the prion jififtiiwiof} ~ stetiog that the proper

people did not sell the whole of the land, but only parts of it. A petition was presented by the Rev. Te Koto for a grant of money to enlarge the St. Stephen’s school and improve the master’s house. A petition was also put in by Rev. Te Kote in reference to a claim for a piece of land in the Wairarapa Yalley. The petitions, it may be noted, were contained on about fifty sheets of foolscap, closely written, the penmanship being that of some of the boys attending the school. The Hon. Mr Sheehan, in reply, thanked the Natives for their warm reception on his first visit, and said that later on he would be prepared to discuss with the older people the questions which were engaging their attention. He was pleased with the school children, whose intelligent and neat appearance would certainly have some weight with him in deciding upon the improvements asked for to school and master’s house. [Cheers.] He had to offer apologies on behalf of himself and Hone Nahe for keeping the meeting, but they were not to blame, as they had to attend a meeting with the King and his people in the North, and could not at once come here. At the same time ho was happy to meet them, and witness their healthy appearance as well as their apparent adoption of many useful European customs. [Cheers.] Some people said—“ What is the use of going to see the Naitahu ? They are weak and can do harm.” But if they were weak that was one reason why they should have more care bestowed on them. [Cheers.] Lest they should say that his words at the beginning were evidence of deceit, ho might add that he was glad to meet Naitahu, because Naitahu had always been the friend of the European, and there was not a single offence against the law could be laid to the charge of them. [Cheers.] He would quite admit that the Government spent much time on the tribes who had been in rebellion; nevertheless friendly Maories must admit that quiet in the country meant prosperity and security to both races. [Cheers.] It would be learnt soon that the result of two months’ work in the Waikato would make the two races as one, and the mistakes and blunders of the past would then be forgotten, and they would all be equal in the race which will lead to civilisation and progress. [Cheers.] In that race the Naitahu would have an advantage over the Waikato, as the people before him had already adopted many English improvements. [Cheers.] As Mr Nahe had to say a word, he would not detain them longer than to deliver the message which he was charged to bring from Sir George Grey—viz., that he regretted he was not able to come, but he hoped he (Mr Sheehan) would listen to their grievances, and be able to give them a substantial promise of their settlement before taking his departure. [Continued cheers.] Hone Nahe thanked the people for their reception, and expressed a hope that the tribal difficulties between the North and South would be forgotten. He expressed his pleasure at seeing European customs so largely taken advantage of, and he hoped the Naitahu would become a very prosperous people. [Cheers ] The Natives then attended a levee, the Rev. J. W. Stack introducing each in turn. An adjournment was made to the school, wherein maps, drawings, and copy-books were inspected. Te Hira Mutu, a scholar, exhibited his skill as a musician on the harmonium and piano. Mr Sheehan stated he would inspect the school at 9 a.m. to-day. The visitors were then invited to dinner at the Rev. G. P. Mutu’s. At seven o’clock the discussion of the claims was resumed in the Runanga house, which was closely filled. The speakers were Taiaroa, Pohipi, Kaia Tairui, Hone Paratore Tere We, Wirumu We, Wiruma Naihira, and others ; but as there was a prospect of the meeting being kept up till early next morning, the proceedings could not be reported in this issue. Mr Sheehan will return to Christchurch by special train at II a.m. to-day.