THE PARIHAKA MEETING.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1946, 20 May 1880, Page 2

THE PARIHAKA MEETING.

[Br Tklbgbafh ] NEW PLYIIOUIH, May 19. The Parihaka meeting is over and the Natives are now returning home. There was an average number of Natives in attendance and four Europeans, Messrs Messenger, Burr, and two others. Preparations for feasting had been made with the accustomed liberality, and sheep and cattle were slaughtered in large numbers. On Monday Te Whiti addressed bis auditory about noon, and the most marked respect was paid to him during the whole of hiß address. He delivered an impressive homily upon the necessity of living virtuously, and of cherishing feelings of brotherly love towards one another. They must shun all that would be likely to lead them into evil habits. The selling of the land, he said, was the greatest stumbling block to the Maori, and he urged upon them all to strictly adhere to his former counsel, not to sell an inch of land which had been given them by God for an inheritance. Speaking of the roads which the Constabulary wero makirg, he said he was not opposed to these roads in any way. He hoped that the roids would be made thoroughly, by metalling them and rendering fit for all kinds of traffic. He had stated before that the Constabulary roads wjuld not meet. He did not mean that he was opposed to them and would stop them, but simply that because there was a largt swamp which ho was certain cculd not be crossed. The Constabulary would have to alter the direction of the road they were making or they could never force their way through the awamp. They must first come nearer the beach, and then they would be able to make the roads meet.

There was nothing of nnusual interest in the Bpeech, the greater portion being a reiteration of former addresses. A remarkable instance of To Whiti's influence occurred previous to the meeting. A certain chief who was noted for his niggardliness has, through the power of To Whiti's exhortation, developed into quite a new character. He is now the most libt-ral of men, and a few days ago made a magnificent present to a less fortunate brother in the vicinity of Parihaka. Te Whiti told him to make the offering, and he obeyed tho prophet's direction with great promptness. The Natives are returniLg to their settlements, well pleased with the words of their leader.