THE KINGITE MEETING.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2524, 11 May 1882, Page 3

THE KINGITE MEETING.

[PBBSS ASSOCIATION TELBSBAMj ALEXANDRA, May 10,

To-day again is wet, and the Maoris in the settlement are oocupied in shooting oattle, slaughtering pigs, and presenting food to the visitors. Tawhaio and Wahanui were conferring together with Bewi in Bewi's tent, which is pitched among Topia's Upper Wanganui tents. About noon Tawhaio gave _ a sing song weloome to the visitors, and said the korero would begin tomorrow if fine. He only would speak to-morrow, and Wahanui the next day. It was probable some might not agree with what he said j if so, all he could tell thorn was they must go away home, lhe Maoris said the pakehas were no good, but he had found them very good, and they mußt make friends with the pakeba. They should be all one. people, the pakeba and the Maori. Topi* responded to the welcome, and said Tawhaio's speeoh was good. Tawhaio then made another speech, indirectly hinting at Mokau, and challenging him to vindicate himself.

Te Wetere came forth from the neighboring tents, and replied that ho did not mind being blamed, but let the person finding fault be sober. He would be able to throw a new light on the proceedings at the Mokau. Wahanui called out that the time was not come for that. Let him do it at the meeting. With some incoherent remarks from Te Heuheu, the talk came to>n end. Intelligence has been recoiled that a number of Europeans landed twenty miles north of Mokau to come over to the meeting. Application was made to Rcwi to turn them back.

Nothing beyond the distribution of food was done at Whatiwhatihoe thiß afternoon. Tho kovero commences in earnest with Tawhaio's speech to-morrow, if fine. An absurdly exaggerated telegram has been circulated from Wfllington professedly on information coming through Mr Bryce, to the effect that general intoxication prevails here, and " foar is felt, some dispute may anoe among the crowd of excited and wholly or partially intoxicated Natives." There has undoubtedly, a 3 before telegraphed, been some drinking, but considering the number of strange Natives passing through Alexandra there has been comparatively little intoxication, and in daily visits to Whatiwhatihoe I have neither seen a drunken Maori nor _ft bottle of grog. As for any fear being felt in Alexandra of the posaiblo "fruits of the meeting bting spoiled by prevalent drunkenness the statement is eo devoid of foundation as to bo absolutely childish. The place where tho Europeans have lauded to cross the King Country is tho Marokopa Eivor, about twenty miles north of Hokau,