THE NATIVE WAR.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 501, 1 April 1869, Page 3

THE NATIVE WAR.

THE GREAT NATIVE MEETING AT TOKANGAMUTU. ONE THOUSAND NATIVES PRESENT. [From the Correspondent of the S. Cross.] Alexandra, March 16. The natives held their meeting on Thursday last, at Tokangamutu, and, as usual, they have determined to have another next month ; but this time a representative of the Government, and all Kupapas in the Waikato and elsewhere who have remained neiitral, are invited. My informant, who was present at the meeting, states there were 1,000 natives present ; but [ think in this he must be mistaken, as I do not see where they could all come from. None of the Ngatimaniapoto were present, with the exception of Rewi. They are all off to the White Cliffs, expecting hostilities will be commenced there. The Rev. Heta Terawhiti had an interview with Tawhiao and Tamati Ngapora last week, and is the bearer of a message to the Government. The alarm felt here last week is now entirely . subdued. A great many Waikatos have come up the river these last few days on their way to Tokangamutu. The Rev. Heta Terawhiti, who arrived | in town on Thursday evening from Waikaito, returned yesterday morning. His mission to Auckland was of an important nature. It appears that, while on his way to attend the great native meeting at Tokangamutu, Heta had an interview with Tamati Ngapora, near Hangatika, and a conversation took place on the subject of the meeting. Tamati said that the Maori King and his party were anxious that a representative of the Government should be present at tile meeting, so as to hear the views of the natives, and take part in the discussion on behalf of the Government. Tamati Ngapora said his heart was formerly very dark, and he was choked with anger against the Europeans, j but lately his disposition had undergone) a complete change, and he was now i anxious to be on peaceable terms with the ' settlers. It was arranged that the Rev. Heta Tarawhiti should be the bearer of the proposals of the King party to the Government, and we believe a letter was written to the Resident Minister containing the views of the Maori King on the subject. Of course we cannot tell how the Government may be inclined to treat the proposal, but we believe that Heta Tarawhiti has been authorised to inform Tawhiao and Tamati Ngapora, that the Government will be quite willing to send a representative to the meeting provided they will guarantee that, he will be safe, and that he will not be molested in any way by the Hau Hau party. A preliminary meeting has been held at Tokagamutn, but no practical result was arrived at, as Tikaokao, Reihana, and the extreme party were not present. It is believed, however, that the great meeting to be held in the course of a week or two will be productive of much good. The loyal natives will be well represented. There appears to be no reason to doubt that Tawhiao and his party mean well, and the only question appears to be whether the influence of the so-called King will be suffictent to deter the turbi> lent party from precipitating a war. The weak point of the King party consists in their inability to use actual force to restrain the war party. Tawhiao seems to be in a somewhat unpleasant position. On the one hand his claims to royalty are very properly ignored by the Europeans, and on the other he is suspected, by his own people, the great majority of whom act in utter 'defiance of his authority. What the ultimate issup of the present state of matters may be it is impossible to say, but those who possess the most intimate knowledge of the Maori character say that as a rule, where Maoris are at issue on the question of war or peace, the turbulent party will eventually carry the day. If our forces on the East Coast can but inflict a severe defeat upon Te Kooti, it will go far to influence the Tokangamutu meeting, especially if the Uriweras were punished by confiscation of a large tract of their land. Such a result might very much strengthen the hands of the Kupapas and moderate party. [From the Alexandra Correspondent of the New Zealand Herald.] March 16. The great meeting at Tokangamutu is over. There were over 1,000 natives present from different parts of the country. The chief speakers were Tamati Ngapora, Wiremu Kumiti Ngatimahuta, Kawhia, and .other leading men of the Waikato. Rewi was present, but did not speak at the meeting ; but his views corresponded with those of Tawhiao and Tamati Ngapora, which were for peace in Waikato. The Ngatimaniapoto were the most violent for war in the Waikato ; but the majority being for -peace, they were told to go! to Wanganui or elsewhere, but on no consideration to the Waikato settlements. Neither Keihana, Tikaokao, or Wetere,

all Mokau chiefs, were present at the meeting ; nor yet were Kereopa or Tapihana and his immediate followers at Kawhia, nor did they attend the meeting. It is reported, and confirmed by the natives of Mokau, that the Ruv. John Whiteley wa3 not shot by Wetere, as reported, but by two Europeans, who were living with him. They deserted sonic time ago from the Taranaki Militia, and have been residing with Wetere at Mokau Heads ever since ; but Phillips, the halfcaste, and others, murdered tho settlers. It is said that Wetere was against the murder of Mr Whiteley. The natives are now about building houses for the great friendly meeting that is to be held next month, when invitations will be sent to the Europeans and friendly natives of all parts of the country. Oraniri is named as the place of meeting. I forgot to state that Pohipi, of Taupo, was at the Tokangamutu meeting. There was any amount of food and hvrge quantities of eels disposed of. The whole affair went off very satisfactory. LATEST FROM THE EAST COAST. The Wellington Independent, of Tuesday last, publishes the following telegraphic intelligence from Napier, dated March 19th, 6 30, p.m. : — Ropata and his men are leaving in the Murewai. There is a report from Captain Spiller, Wairoa, about Hau Hans being in the vicinity, some eight miles above the block-house ; they are only stragglers. The following report was received from Napier at the same time as the above, but requires confirmation: — Te Kooti is at Tanpo, at a place called Tauaroa, to the north of Kuranga, two and a-half days from Napier. It is thought that he is on his way to join Rewi. He is largely reinforced. Natives say they will oppose him if he attempts to join Rewi in the Waikato. No immediate danger to this district. Rewi has written to Pohipi, at Taupo, asking him not to oppose the passage of Te Kooti if he should come that way ; therefore, it is thought he is on his way to join Rewi, and that he was expected. The King does not approve, by all accounts, of bands of murderers. He says — "March will decide whether is is to be ' life or death.' " He wants to get back to Ngaruwahia — then he would ally himself with the Government, and asssist in putting down murderous bands.