THE NATIVE MINISTER AND TAWHAIO.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2678, 6 November 1882, Page 3

THE NATIVE MINISTER AND TAWHAIO.

|[PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.] ALEXANDRA, November 4.

Mr Bryce met Tawhiao at eleven o'clock in the big house at Whatiwhatihoe, some 300 persons being present. Tawhiao said the people were there to listen, not to speak. He would keep on his own side, but would bo willing' to learn from the Europeans. He had not from the beginning separated from the Queen. Ho loved the pakeha, but he must keep his " niana." Mr Bryce said this was the day for the decisive answer, which had not been given. The proposals ho had made were so good and liberal, he would be blamed through parts of the colony for making them. If they were accepted they must be so in plain words, and not in dark sayings. If not accepted to-day they would be definitely withdrawn. He did not expect that he should ever think it right to make them again. He left this afternoon for Auckland, and should take his proposals with him. He was entitled to a plain answer.

Tawhiao said, with much consideration and deliberation quite solemnly—"lt is crood, it is good. Go back and think over what is said. Don't take your proposals with you." Mr Bryce said Tawhiao expected him to turn the proposals over in his mind, i.e, Tawhiao wishing to keep his " mana" as Kin" - . He told him and the tribe, if this was the end, a dark day for Tawhiao and his people had dawned. The opportunity was passing away. He spoke in love to the people, and should leave in deep sorrow if his offers were rejected. If there was any man of influence there, the friend of Tawhiao. let him stand up and urge the acceptance of the proposals. If he went away thus he should leave much cause for sorrow behind.

Whanui rose and objected to Tawhiao losing his " mana"—a thing in itself sufficient for long consideration. The light was coming in upon them. They were not going back into darkness and isolation. Mr Bryce pointed out that Whanui gazed on the main objection to the proposal in the loss of the "mana" of Tawhiao, but he never had and never would acknowledge any other authority in New Zealand than

the Queen's. What was claimed by Tawhiao was only the flitting shadow of authority, and the shadow itself was passing away. If the King movement were to be removed, let it be done properly and not by defections of individuals. He had no faith in the morrow. To-day only was ours.

Whanui rose and said the flowing of the tide was regulated by God, but there were people who troubled the waters. There was no trouble in the beginning about the Queen's sovereignty. The trouble came afterwards by degrees. Mr Bryce had said that two sovereignties were not wanted in this island, but who sent for them ?

Mr Bryce, replying, said Whanui had left the main point out of his second speech, which was inconsistent with his first. If they were prepared to accept the Queen's authority, let Tawhiao get up and say so, when the two races would be one.

| Whanui, speaking with some zeal, said Mr Bryce had told them that the flood of I civilization would not be stopped, but he could stop it with God's help. They might take all that was offered, but they could not give up the King's " mana." Mr Bryce again replying, said no good could arise from discussing old affairs. What evil could result from the " mana "of the Queen being re-established? If no evil could accrue let it be done at once. Whanui had said he was a strong man, and could keep back the flood, but he should remember that he had friends drowning in the flood he was attempting to stop. Instead of doing so let him rather help to build the canoe and save the people. If Whanui understood the grave importance of the decision the Maori people came to that day well and good. He, Mr Bryce, would go away knowing he had done his duty to the colony and the Maori people. He should never reproach himself with not having been more kind to them. The burden was now shifted from his shoulders to those of others. His last word to Whanui was that he was sorry, not angry, and his last word to Tawhiao was this, " Was there any other reply?" After a pause Mr Bryce continued, " It is right the whole people should hear Tawhiao's reply, which was that the responsibility of accepting or declining the offers were thrown on Whanui, and they were rejected." Mr Bryce then rose, and left the house and ground.