WAIKATO.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1590, 25 March 1879, Page 4

WAIKATO.

The Own Correspondent of the “ New Zealand Times ” writes The day for the March meeting is fixed, but there seems to be indecision as yet about (he place. Manuhiri, who appears to hare control of the arrangements, wishes it to be held at his own kainga, Hauwae, at Kopua. Tawhiao says very little, but he has dropped a few expressions which are not interpreted favourably for the success of the great personal influence of Kawana Kerei. Persistent efforts are being made to conciliate the King; the Native officials have been waiting for weeks past to be sent for, one of them, Mr Grace, getting impatient, tried to make his way to Manuhiri, but was stopped by the chiefs, and sent back. Major Te Wheoro has organised an eel-fishing expedition to Whangape, thinking, no doubt, that a present of dried eels might soften the heart of King Tawhiao; but eels will bo in vain. Tu Tawhiao, the King’s son, was at thoraces on the first day, and attempts were made to get him to Hamilton to the race ball; but even this small triumph was denied to the personal influence, for he stoutly declined, saying that he had offended his family once by going with Mr Sheehan as far as Tamahero, and “he would not now go to Hamilton for the Government.” Very little has been heard of Rewi’s movements at Taupo. Waikatos say that his mission will be a failure, inasmuch as the Taupo and Ngatiraukawa chiefs will not give him the support that he expects. He will probably be back at Puniu in a few days. The prevailing opinion amongst the Natives is that the March meeting will take the form of a Runanga or Court of Inquiry into the conduct of Kawana Kerei since the last meeting. I suppose the delinquent will plead guilty and throw himself, whining, on the mercy of the Court.

He may as well do that as anything else. Walker’s land at Panihakua is still occupied by Hauhaus. None of his cattle are permitted to run outside of the confiscated line. It has transpired that some of the Maungatautari Natives told Sheehan when he was here last, that they would patu any white man who attempted to eject them from Panihakua. This will probably bo denied; but such denials don’t go for much here now. The “ Waka Maori ” has obtained a good circulation among the Kingites, and whenever an article appears showing up the Native Minister, it is read with great avidity and discussed with satisfaction. The female agents are still flying about. They know the game is up, but they must do something for their pay, like the army that was hunting lliroki. Paul’s meeting, the “ Treaty of Kohimarama,” does not create any interest in Waikato. This is rather a busy month with Maoris, and not convenient for political meetings.