THE NGAITAHU

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1640, 23 May 1879, Page 3

THE NGAITAHU

FINAL MEETING. Last evening a pleasant reunion rmoug the members of the Rgaitahn tribe, assembled at Tuahiwi from all p -.rts of the Middle Island, was held in the runanga house, to which the representative of tho Press was specially invited. The Maoris assembled in their holiday attire about 6.30, and at seven punctually tho door of the hall was opened, when two long tables up tho centre were displayed, spread with the viands for the repast. The chiefs took their seats at prominent parts of tho table, and the Natives were then seated. Grace was said by tho Rev. G. P. Mntu. In addition to roast and boiled joints, s-rved in European fashion, with vegetables, there followed the plnm pudding and sweetmeats. A number of the half caste men performed the duties of waiters with surprising ability. The Native women, it may be noted, sat at the same table with the men, and the treatment of tho “ wnhine” as a slave seems to have gone past, as they on this occasion received the same marks of attention and respect which Europeans accord to tho softer sex. After the repast, two relays of guests having been entertained, an adjournment was made to tbe courtyard, where some amusement was provi ’ed by a violinist, and a variety of step dances on a box beneath suspended lanterns. As the night drew on a number of fireworks were discharged, much to the delight of every one. The hall being arranged for the meeting, the audience seated, and provision being made by the nomination of a skilled interpreter to assist the reporter, Tamati Haereroa was elected chairman. The Chairman said since his arrival he had been very much impressed with the order kept by tho Kaiapoi Natives, and he need hardly ask them to observe silence during the speeches of the evening, and the congratulations they had to offer on parting. Rev. Teoti Pita Mntu in a brief speech, proposed the thanks of the home Natives to the visitors, and referred in terms of praise to the excellent order which had been observed in the discussion of thc-ir affairs, which he thought must have produced a favorable impression on their pakeha neighbors. Hone Paratene Tananniorongi was glad to second the proposition, and he thought the Press reporter was also entitled to the best thanks of the assembly for his kindness in recording the proceedings correctly. [Cheers.J He was glad this dinner had been managed so well and had put them into good spirits. He was pleased to see the ladies and children so treated as they had been that day. He concluded by eulogising the perseverance of Taiaroa in respect to their claims, and tho chiefs of the Ngaitahu on their friendly relations. He concluded by alluding to the arrival of the first settlers, who, in his opinion, would have given more than .£2OOO for the 29,000,000 acres, which amounted to loss than a farthing per acre. Some of the whalers gave tho Waikouaiti people Is Od per acre. The Government should bo ashamed to offer so small a sura.

Honi Topi, from Ruapuku, expressed his pleasure at tho way in which tho Ngaitahu had received its visitors. Before parting, he had to return his thanks, cud heped that the Almighty woiffd keep them all out of danger. _ He also Was glad to see the women placed in an improved position. With regard to the election, he hoped the people would decide upon one man of tho three elected, and ask the other two to retire.

Wiromu To Uki returned his thanks to Taiaroa for his exertions, and to the visitors who had come to prove the rights of tho Natives. In saying farewell, ho was sorry far the women who had been brought from great distances, and souio of whose children had died on the way. Ho trusted that Providence would guide their action®, and in the end aoo justice done to tho Maori.

Holrpa Horomona also thanked Taiaroa and the visitors, ending by saying he had forgotten the best prt of his speech. [Laughter]. Hakopa To Ataotu, addressing tho-o from the north and south, and tiro ladies and children, said they were ever welcome. Welcome to Whitiroin, their present place of meeting. The argument hid lasted many days between tho sun and the moon. The former was Taiaroa, the latter tho Government. He could see that the Maoris wore rising in tue estimation of the Europeans, and they would increase m spite of all drawbacks.

Tooti Kahn, from Temuka, nlao spoke, hoping’ t’'at the blessing of God would remain with the tyjbe. Ho was glad to sse tho Press reporter whoso writing could ho relied on. Ho ah'o thanked Taiaroa for his earnest work in the interests of the Ngaitahu and the Ngathuamce. Ho folk glad to see the union which had taken place between the Macrles and the half-castes. Timeno Rickurs spoke in a similar strain, re. feryrug to the good conduct of the chairman of theruuanga.

The Hon. Hori Kcrci Taiaroa, M.L.C., said— T return you my thanks, not for myself alone but for all the chiefs lam afraid I cannot do full justice in th inking you. May we all live to meet again frequently in social meetings—the men, tho women, the children, and the I Europeans [Cheers.] _ T have not finished my workthat you have praised me so much for. I am pleased, and trust you will now support the return of a good man to assist our cause in Parliament. It is not that he has to support measures for ns alone, but to assist in making the la ws for both races. I have already ail to you to-day tho advisability of having a law passed for our welfare in reference to our local government and sanitary matters. No doubt the Parliament will support this 1 shou-d Ike to see this cam of ours carried on straightforwardly in the cause of truth, and i feel certain the best members of Parliament will support us, as we are not without many European friends throughout tho colony I said to you not to depend on that. As for myself I shall do my utmost in your interests. if there is any measure to come before tho House yon do not approve, say so. it is my purpose to support only good measures. I will now give you a toast. Here’s your very good health, and a long life to you all. bare Teihoka, chairman of tho runanga for the past eight years, expressed his pleasure _at seeing so many present, and the way in which tho members of the tribe bad behaved. He thought they had finished tho work well. This was the last day of the meeting, nnd he thanked thorn for the way in which they had supported his authority. T here hid been no misconduct. This was his word to them. He hoped they would all live long, end be prosperous. Ihaia Tc.inui said—l was told to-day there was to be a parting banquet, and I am delighted to see the way the Natives have carried it out. I hope they will not forget these plea ant meetings, but that they will bo repeated. I might ssy that our behaviour has boon ns goM as that of the Europeans. Why I think so is became during the month I have been here I have not seen any wearing mats. I therefore think, because they wear the European clothes, they are all children of tho Queen. I hope you will all return homo safely, and that the Maker of us all will give us His blessing, and not only us but the pakeha. The Chairman said one of the last speakers at public dinners was the reporter ; perhaps he would say a word. Mr Wilson said he had to thank the people for their kindness on many occasions, and on behalf of the Europeans said tho management of tins meeting and tho orderly conduct was tho subject of favorable comment everywhere. A dance t' ok place afterwards, when the majority of tho women wore dressed in white costumes, and one or two appeared in white kid gloves. The proceedings terminated about midnight, and tho Maoris will to-day return to their respective kaiangas.