THE NATIVE MEETING AT KOHIMARAMA.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1565, 24 February 1879, Page 3

THE NATIVE MEETING AT KOHIMARAMA.

[Press Special Wire.] Auckland, February 23. The special reporter of the Press Agency visited the scene of the Maori parliament at Orakei, four miles from Auckland, and was hospitably entertained by Paora t uhaere and the leading chiefs of the settlement. About five hundred natives are already assembled, including representatives from the Ngaihua, Earewo, and Waipara tribes, of Lower Waikato. Two chiefs came from Hikurangi to watch the proceedings for Tawhiao The natives are encamped on a well sheltered flat, some in marquees and tents. Two marquees are pitched for refreshment booths for which temporary licenses will be granted. There is a large marquee for European visitors, and a large, well lined weather-board house, capable of seating 250 people, built specially for the Maori parliament. Paul christened the building ‘‘ Kohimarama,” in memory of the large meeting held by Governor Browne in 1860. Immense stores of food have been prepared, including a plentiful supply of dried shark and stingaree. All tbe natives had not arrived, aboutlOO being expected to-morrow, Archdeacon Maunsell, Episcopalian, and the Rev. Mr Gittos held well attended services. Mr Gittos had a special choir from Kuipara. A telegram w. s received to-day by Paul from Te Nga au, Tawhiao’s secretary from which it is thought probable that Te Ngakau will attend the meeting. In consequence of the wet weather on Saturday the food is not yet ready. Preparations will be completed to-morrow, and the meeting will commence at two o’clock on Tuesday. The Parliament will be formally opened with a tpeech from Sir G. Grey, followed by another from Mr Sheehan. Ihe following are the be ds of Sir G. Grey’s speech, gathered from authentic sources. The speech refers to the great meeting he d at Kohimarama in 1860 by Governor Browne, and the conclusion come to by the Natives to acknowledge the Queen’s supremacy, also to the treaty of Waitangi. It says the present meet mg is held to dig up the bones of ancestors who were at that meeting, and renew old friendships between the two races. That Parliament is held for the purpose of uniting chiefs who have been consistently friendly to Europeans with the K npitos, in order to discover a means of permanently uniting borh races in friei.dsu.p and harmony. *he speech invites the Maori Parliament to select representatives to express thi ir views at the mee ing at e Kopua, which will finally terminate all troubles between the two races, ihe speech expresses Sir G Grey’ own kindly feelings towards the Maori race, and refers to his past efforts on th- ir behalf. It concludes with the hope that the result of the meeting will be beneficial to both ra^es. A large Union Jack will be hoisted over the Parli -ment house. Paul, who is an old member of the Auckland Provincial Executive, ex oressed some admiration at the enter; rise shown on behalf of the Press in coming from Wellington to attend his meeting.