THE HIKURANGI REPORTS, TAWHIAO'S VIEWS, &c.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1348, 10 June 1878, Page 3

THE HIKURANGI REPORTS, TAWHIAO'S VIEWS, &c.

The following is telegraphed by the Press Agency : Alexandba, June 8. My attention having been called to some correspondence which has appeared in the " New Zealander," in which accusations bearing on my " mischief -making " propensities and political partizanship have been particularly dwelt on, how is it that after the many years I have represented you, and during several consecutive Q-overnments, my alleged partizanship has never before been questioned? The truth of my report appears to be doubted because the alleged partizanship was not on the side it should be. I am taunted with not giving the names of my informants. Does anyone do so ? I give all information after sifting its truth as far as possible. I see no reason why my reports should be called in question, unless opposition parties have evidence to produce to controvert them. In regard to the veracity of my report of the Hikurangi meeting, the Auckland " Star " and " Herald " reporters were the only ones recognised by the Government party aB portion of the Government staff. Those gentlemen, whose veracity I do not for one moment impugn, doubtless thought and wrote their reports with full faith in their correctness. But it must be remembered that those reports were simply dictated by the lips of Ministers and their interpreters, the reporters themselves being unacquainted with the Maori language, and on more than one occasion during the meeting the reports received the benefit of Sir George Grey's corrections. The charge of producing my own opinion, or that of any other European, is simply ridiculous, as I have always carefully avoided anything of the kind. But if, after nearly a quarter of a century of personal acquaintance with many of the present King's adherents, I had given an opinion, I do not think it would have been more presumptuous than what has been done by some others. It has been published that Hon. J. Sheehan will before the meeting of Parliament again come here to formally receive Tawhiao's acquiescence to Sir G. Grey's proposals. This lam informed will not be the case unless alterations be made. Tawhiao will demand that all the land weßt of Waikato and Waipa rivers shall be under his sole control, including part of Whatawhata, Harapipi, and wci>r, side of Alexandra township ; all lands confiscated on that side of the river to be entirely under his control and occupied by him. The £SOO per annum will be refused, the Kingites being of opinion that to lose his prestige for that sum would bo ridiculous. It should be, if anything, £IO,OOO per annum. But money, however, will not be the question. This will doubtless be called my opinion. But it is from conversation with those chiefs high in the King's confidence, and whom Sir George Grey delighted to honor, and some of whom were with him when Tawhiao's son was taken on board the steamer to Ngaruawahia. (Signed) H. H. Beynolds.