THE KOPUA MEETING.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1627, 8 May 1879, Page 3

THE KOPUA MEETING.

[Bx Telegraph.^ ALEXANDRA., May 7. Yesterday afternoon, Te Ngakau sent a letter, through Honana, inviting Ministers to visit Tawhiao with the Ngapuhi. Ministers did not afceept the invitation, as it would be contrary to Native usage to go before the commencement of the korero. The Waikato Kingites prepared a large marae, or talking ground, in the centre of Tawhiao'a camp, titree and fern being spread to sit on. Three deaths of children have occurred in the camp. The other night, a woman gave birth to twins. Last evening, after food was taken, Te Kooti's people held service in front of their tents. They sat down close together in the camp, facing Tipene, the minister, Te Kooti's secretary and Te Kooti himself standing up in the middle, Te Kooti being attired in nearly a new suit of European clothing. About eight persons sat down in the group. About one hundred spectators stood outside. Amongst the latter were many Ngapuhis and other northern Natives. The service closely resembles that of the Church of England, with the difference that prayers are offered up for Tawhiao. The worshippers chant the Psalms of David in a monotonous voice, men and women blending a loud sounding note unmelodiously. One feature of the singing is the very rapid enumeration. Tipene offered up prayer, referring to the Trinity. The tenor of the prayer was mostly an appeal for protection of the Maori people. The Deity was invoked to make Tawhiao a good man and enlighten the Europeans. At the conclusion of the prayer Te Kooti gave a short exhortation, concluding with a benediction. The sermon contained nothing remarkable. After the service Te Kooti walked away and sat down in front of the tent, where he became the cynosure of over 200 eyes. Many chiefs went forward and shook hands with him. Te Kooti's religion is almost a return to Christianity, No doubt under good auspices and proper direction Christianity may supplant Hau Hauism, as well informed Natives ahead of the ruck already regard the latter as foolish and profitless. Te Kooti is under surveillance by Ngatimaniapoto. Yesterday, Te Ngakau and tho Rev. Lawry had a lively sparring match on the subject of Native land tenure. Apparently the Wesleyan clergymen here are doing their utmost to assist a good understanding between the Government and Kingites. It is said that Christie, Sir G. Grey's personal attendant, who strikes the light guitar, has received the Royal commands to perform before Tawhiao.

An influential young chief, and s oecial messenger of Tawhiao, came over a while ago with a letter for the Government. His mission showed extraordinary superstitions still existing amongst the Natives. It appears this relative had his ring taken by one of the tohungas, or priests, as utu for some former matter, and was afraid he would be bewitched. Ho could only get it back by making payment, and, therefore, came over to get money, which was given him. At about noon to-day, Te Wetere went over to Tawhiao's camp to arrange for the commencement of the korero. The ground is everywhere very wet, and very inconvenient for an open air meeting. I had a long conversation with Whitiora respecting the murder of Packer at Epsom. Whitiora and his immediate followers admit that Winiata's crime was murder, and that it was a murder outside of Maori quarrels, and without cause. It was not in consequence of any land dispute. This is the feeling of even the extreme Hauhau party, but they protect Winiata for reasons of relationship. Winiata has made his friends believe he was cursed by Packer, which in the eyes of Maoris would be a sufficient excuse for killing. Newspapers hsve been in great demand here. One side of Thomson's house has been utilised as a bulletin board for all papers reaching hero. The Europeans encamped here have had to bear great hardships from the severity of the weather. Sir George Grey, though severely tried, bears up with great fortitude. At twelve o'clock Major Kemp came'over as a deputation to Ministers. The whole party then formed in procession, many Europeans carrying chairs and boxes as seats. Tables were provided for Press reporters on the ground. Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan headed the party. Ngapuhi and Paul's people followed. The whole party numbered about 200. As they proceeded Rewi was seen in front carrying a white handkerchief in his hand. They found Ngatiamaniopoto and Ngatikahunga seated in a great circle with the Waikatos outside. After a short delay the King party came, To Ngakau leading. All the chiefs had feathers in their hair. Tawhiao sat down with a white sheet round his shoulders. All the King party marched forward armed with guns. Many had long sticks. The Hauhau service was then performed.