THE WAITARA MEETING.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1367, 3 July 1878, Page 3

THE WAITARA MEETING.

[By Telegraph.] [FROM ORB OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Waitaha, July 1. The conference concluded to-day, and Sir GK Grey embarked in the Hinemoa for Wellington at 5.30 p.m, Mr Sheehan, with the Civil Commissioner, goes overland. Rewi dined with Sir G. Grey on Sunday, and accepted a seat in the Legislative Council. There is an air of mystery about the proceedings at the banquet to-day. At the Waitara Rewi said—At the sight of the concourse of Europeans before me this day lam exceedingly pleased. I am also glad, because they come to Waitara to give us this large feast at this time, and I and Grey have made ourselves one. Sir G. Grey said—l am not well enough to say more than the few words needed. It has been the dream of my life to see Taranaki, with its magnificent lands and excellent people, occupy its legitimate position in the colony. Daring the last few months progress hag been made in the North Island, and in making this progress no man has assisted more than Rewi, a chief of courage and intelligence, unstained by any discreditable act, and who is determined to devote the remainder of his life to assist in establishing peaceable relations between the races. He trusted the settlers would assist in the work, and hoped shortly to see permanent relations of peace established. Mr Sheehan was glad the negotiations, begun in Waikato, had been brought to a successful close at Waitara. It was not a matter affecting party politics, but the general good. He hoped the settlers would assist in building up friendly relations. Rewi —My heart is glad because this work is done this day, for we are seeking means of uniting two races, so that all may be one in the same island. Sir George Grey will conduct affairs for Europeans,and Tawhiao those of Maoris. Their arrangements will be in unison, so that the laws of the country may be one. The Natives are holding a saturnalia tonight. [Per Press Agency] Waitara, June 30. After a fortnight’s almost incessant raining, the weather at last shows signs of improving. A special train went from here to New Plymouth, Inglewood, and back yesterday to convey the Natives attending the meeting on a pleasure trip. They were highly delighted, and on their return to Waitara there was great excitement. Telephoning was the order of the day with those left behind. There was a meeting between the chiefs during the afternoou, at which the Hon. Mr Sheehan was a listener, but nothing of any importance was said. The talk was mostly “chaff” at Rewi about his seat in Parliament. July 2. The dinner yesterday was a grand success. Sir George presided. About. 1000 sat down. The whole concluded with a war dance, in which a Pakeha-Maori took a prominent part, much to the disgust of all Europeans present. The band paraded the streets last night. The Southern Natives had all their drays packed early this morning, and left en route for Parihaka. The Waikatos remain a few days longer. Sir G. Grey left Waitara yesterday. The Hon. Mr Sheehan and Major Brown go overland to-day to meet Titokowaru at Parihaka. Rewi dispatched a special messenger to the King at Perhawiaki yesterday, stating his very great satisfaction at the cordial welcome he had received, and the mutual agreement he had made, which he hoped would lead to the union of the two races for ever.