THE WAITARA MEETING.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1361, 25 June 1878, Page 3

THE WAITARA MEETING.

[PEOM THE COEEEBPONDENT OP THE I’EESS.] Waitaba, June 24. The weather is very stormy and there has been no meeting. A few Natives arrived Te Whiti refused to permit Parihaka Natives to come. No Southern Natives arrived. Wi Kingi has not arrived and it is doubtful if he will come. The reception huts are empty. Rewi with a few followers is at Manukorihi, East Waitara. Rewi is a mild but shrewd old man, thin, and slightly tattooed. He is more of a diplomatist than warrior. He is disinclined to cross the Waitara till Wi Kingi arrives. Enquiries are made where are, the Maoris ? The meeting promises to be a failure. The Premier is unwell. He has his leg resting on a chair. The meeting is to be held to-morrow at 10 a.m., in the open air if it is fine, in the store= house if it is wet. [PEB PEE SB AGENCY.] Waitaea, June 24. News has been received that 300 Natives, with sixty dray loads of provisions, are delayed south of the Opunake owing to the Hooding of the river. The meeting is postponed till Wednesday at Eewi’s request. A special train from New Plymouth, bringing the Wellington natives, arrived here at noon yesterday, and immediately afterwards went to Rewi’s quarters, when cordial greetings wore exchanged. Rewi, and; Te Teira, spoke words of welcome on behalf of the Ngatimaniapoto, Waikato, and Ngapuhi, Mete Kingi, We Tako, and Manataui To Whetu on behalf of Wanganui and Ngakatio. Rewi then crossed over to the wharo in which Mr Sheehan was sitting, and after a short private interview the meeting dispersed. It was rumoured this morning that Rewi is likely to have the meeting postponed in consequence of the small attendance and the non arrival of Wiremu Kingi, and the unfavourable state of the weather.