CONCLUSION OF THE KOPUA MEETING.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1634, 16 May 1879, Page 3

CONCLUSION OF THE KOPUA MEETING.

[Press Special Wire.] ALEXANDRA, May 15. A private meeting of Ngatimaniopoto chiefs was continued last night. Wahanui figuratively said he had cut off his hands and feet in supporting the Maori King, and on leaving him he washed his hands of any consequences of Rewi’s action. He would watch the result. He would not obstruct him. Only one Ngatimaniopoto chief held out in favor of supporting Tawhiao. It is stated that Tawhiao intends to propose another meeting with Government in December. This is authentic, and absolutely certain. In future Rewi will administer his own affairs within his own boundaries from Pukerehei to Alexandra, to Taupo, and along the sea coast. Ho will not support Tawhiao’s claim to dominion over New Zealand, Early thir morning Rewi, Wahanui, and Tawhiao held a long discussion in Tawhiao’s house. Subsequently Ngatimaniopoto and Waikatos held a meeting outside Tawhiao’s quarters. Tawhiao was present the greater part of the time, attired in a gorgeous striped blanket, I was seated in the centre of the circle, within twenty yards of Purukutu. Tawhiao’s secretary came over and took notes close by. He writes almost a full report of the speeches in Maori, Te Ngakau expressed disappointment at the non-fulfilment of the prophesies. Some said the dead would rise, but how could that be done. The discussion degenerated into an argument respecting Tawhiao’s claim to divine right. Many uncomplimentary references wore made to sectarian differences amongst Europeans. A fanatic insisted that Tawhiao’s name should be combined with prayers, while others contended that Maoris should pray to Jehovah. Only To Ngakau deprecated the waste of time over religious discussion. Four poles wore put up, representing Protestants, Catholics, To Kootis, and Hauhaus. One chief pulled down three poles, leaving one standing to represent Jehovah, The whole discussion was evidently an adroit dodge of the fanatical Kingites to prevent definite business. To Wheoro said many years ago ho offered a resting place to Tawhiao. His (To Whcoro’s) mind was now darkened, because Waikato had not accepted Sir G. Grey’s proposals. There were now four parlies. While Potatau defended the Europeans from the charge of depriving the Waikatos of their lands, the Waikatos had confiscated them by selling and leasing. What was the use of talking any longer about stopping sales and leases. Tumutumai said the Waikatos had brought death by selling and leasing. Rewi (who was getting impatient at the idle talking)—l have looked into everything. I am the same as I was at first. All this talk of the last day I have not understood. It ha* been wasted. Who placed that stick there. This is my idea (placing the stick on his head), Tawhiao is like an unicorn. He is like my way of holding this stick. You talk of Grey going, but if you get the man that did the mischief, put him down like a stump that is rotten. But the roots are green. Let us destroy the roots. There is a Land Court sitting now. If you have anything to say, go and stop that if you are able. Tawhiao claims to rule over the lands reaching to the South —why do you not go and stop that portion P Te Ngakau—lf you sell or lease I will interfere. I have no land; it has been placed under Tawhiao, If you hear of anyone leasing or selling, go kill him. Tumutumu—You have lost your land, and now you want to kill the man. Let those who wish to sell or lease do so, I will not permit any killing. Rewi —I shall commence a new road and make an end of all things. Tawhiao says leasing and selling are stopped, but it is not so. if I saw that you could now enforce that I would deal with you.

Patate —You are like schoolboys crying over lost lollies. The basket broke and some slipped out. Nuku (the supposed murderer of Todd) — This is all talk and nothing done. I shall protect mine. Wahanui —Tawhiao claimed from north to south. I will look after my own land. (The speaker referred to former laws promulgated by Tawhiao.) Tawhiao has said he has found no wisdom in his chiefs, therefore he and Rewi must manage affairs.

Te Renata contended that the land owners should please themselves as to leasing and selling. There should be a definite understanding, so that the people should go away satisfied.

A long discussion of no public interest succeeded. Te Ngakau told Whiti Potati he had gone over to Rowi, Some inflammatory speeches were made by men of no rank, alluding to killing Europeans who occupy disputed land. During this Rewi contemptuously walked away, Aporo remarked to Te Wheoro—“ I am with you, but you must take care of me.” Towards the afternoon the assemblage dwindled down to a small number, only a few fanatics discussing hauhuuism and endeavoring to incite mischief, but without effect. The Kingites are evidently completely disorganised by Rewi’s complete defection, and there are others with a strong disposition to join him, Tawhiao is now only supported by a few superstitious and ignorant, a few outlaws and mischief-makers, whose occupation was gone when Rewi’s policy commenced. Tawhiao bitterly complains of the plundering of his principal councillors. lie wall return to Hikurangi a sadder but wiser man. The Government have reason to congratulate themselves on a happy release from the necessity of making one-sided concessions. With reference to the deed produced by Rewi which caused such consternation on Tuesday, it is drawn in Mr Jackson’s handwriting, dated November ’do, and is a lease by certain Natives to William Jackson, Major of the Forest Rangers of Waikato. The area is thirty miles by thirty-five, and the term of lease twenty-one years, at a rental of £SO annually, a clause being in the deed that the Natives shall not sell to anyone but Jackson during the term of the lease. The deed is signed by the Natives, and witnessed by two others. The rent was to begin in January, 1866. It is believed a considerable sum was advanced. The seal bears the signature of Thomas Buddie, notary public, Auckland, Mr Jackson’s own version is that Huamari and two or three

others ermo to him, and offered the lease at a rental of £l5O, improvements during the leasehold to bo compensated for afterwards. He hoard Resvi had a claim of four thousand acres in the block. Mr Jackson said the Haubaus accused him unfairly, tore up the deed, and claimed restoration of the amount advanced. Mr Jackson also says ho rode over the block, which took him three days. He disclaims any existing interest in it.