THE NATIVE MEETING AT KOPUA

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1530, 13 January 1879, Page 3

THE NATIVE MEETING AT KOPUA

[Special Wire] Kopua, January 11. At the Nativo meeting held here to-day a good number were present. Taonui, who accompanied Rowi to Waitara, was present. The promoters of the meeting, Tukorehu and Tupotahi, did not carry the meeting with them for the removal of Europeans and halfcastes residing on Native land. A number of petty tribal grievances amongst themselves have been discussed, but nothing definite at present lias been come to. Hau Hauru, one of the principal Ngatimaniopoto chiefs, after a long speech, required Taonui to inform them what was the reason of his and Rewi's apparent desertion of Tawhiao and their own tribe as reported, and why Rowi had not come to meet his people. Who was this pakcha, Mr Sheehan, ho thought so much of ? Rewi had himself told him he only knew one Government officer, Major Mair, of Alexandra, who had truer to them than any Ministry. Major Mair had found them wild at Te Kuiti. He had brought them into peaceful relations to the pakehas, and no trouble had taken place or difference amongst them. Now it appeared to him Mr Sheehan was trying oil ho knew to cause trouble amongst them. Taonui replied lie could answer for himself. He had received and accepted their invitation to be there to-day. Ho had frequently differed with Rewi, and told him he was doing wrong ; but Rewi would not listen to him. He still was in heart with Tawhiao, and would continue so. When they arrived at To-Kuiti on their return from Waitara, he told Rowi he disapproved of his work, and refused to accompany him any further. All the time he had been away he had himself acted consistently for his people. Ho was watching Tawhiao's and their interests. Let them keep togethor as heretofore. If Rowi liked to go another road, lot him do so. The meeting will probably be continued to-morrow.