LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1456, 3 April 1873, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

IMPORTANT MEETING BETWEEN MR M'LEAN AND THE NATIVES.

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. .] PER FAVOK OF THE GBNERAL GOVERNMENT. The Luna crossed the Manakau bar- at half-past twelve on Monday, a strong • south-easter blowing with a heavy sea. During the afternoon and evening the .sea grew heavier, and the weather became so disagreeable that it was determined to take shelter under Albatross Point. About half-past 10 the Luna was snuglyanchored. ' On the Wednesday morning, as the sea had njt abated, the vessel steamed into Kawhea harbor. Captain Fairchild found the entrance to this beautiful haven just as he had known it when he last visited it in May, 1867. On that occasion he piloted H.M.S. Eclipse, Captain Freemantle, which had on board Sir George Grey, then Governor. There is still the same ease of entrance, and when inside the same splendid shelter and anchorage. The Luna first ran into the southerly branch of the harbor formed by the River Waiharekeket, and anchored close to the house formerly occupied by Mr S. A. Joseph, now of the firm of Messrs Montefiore, Joseph, and Co., Sydney; Some Maoris at once came off accompanied by the chiefs Manehao and his two sons, and Haupokia. During the morning other parties of Maoris were received on board, and at length they came from the northerly (or Kawhia river) side, of the harbor, the chief Tapihana, who gave the Europeans bo much tronble formerly. An animated scene then occurred on deck. Tapihana then addressed Mr M'Lean in words of welcome, and he as well as the other Maories said that if the Luna had not been a Government vessel, with Mr M'Lean on board, she would have been ordered to leave the harbor. The threat would not have been an idle one, for several hundred Maories could have been collected in a few hours. Tapihana, however, expressed great pleasure at seeing Mr M'Lean, and made use of the remarkable expression, that when Mr M'Lean first visited the Kawhia, it was open to him; that now, at this second visit, it should be open to him and the Government vessel, and that at his third visit it should be open to all vessels. Mr M'Lean replied in friendly terms, and Wi Taka, who displayed unwearied activity throughout the day, followed with a long speech, in which he pointed out to the large number of attentive Maoris the advantages of peaceful and friendly relations with the Europeans. Mr M'Lean now became aware ihat on thft Kawhia river side of the harbor there were some important personages, and he sent a boat across. On its return he received the information that the elder of the King's sons, Tutawhea was staying- in the King's house at Kawhia, together with Hone Wetere (John Wesley), and other chiefs, and that if the Luna went across Tutawhea would meet Mr M'Lean. Accordingly the Luna steamed over, and Mr M f Leah with two officers in attendance, landed. He was received on the beach by Hone Wetere, and at the gate of the garden of his father's house Tutawhea met him. A" most remarkable interview followed. The accidental arrival of the Luna was hailed as a good omen for the future. Mr M'Lean was invited to enter Kawhia whenever he pleased, and he was finally asked tq. stay until "the King" could be sent for to meet him. Mr M'Lean said that he could not stay, but invited Tutawhea and the attendant chief .to visit the Luna and be introduced to his Excellency the Go : vernor. After some hesitation they consented. Twice Tutawhea asked "but iwill you carry me away if I go." He was assured in reply, that he might' go on board or not as he pleased, and that if. he went he would be conveyed on shore again as soon as he wished. : On reaching the Luna Tutawhea and his followers were introduced to the Governor, the Colonial Treasurer, and Other gentlemen, including; Mr Pearce, M.H.R., Mr Christopherson, Consul-General of Sweden and Norway, who is on a visit to New Zealand for the special purpose of reporting to his Government as to the capabilities of the country respecting immigration. Tutawhea is a fine, manly, handsome young fellow, about 19 years old. He displayed throughout much feeling, and on his arrival on board he was deeply affected. The unexpected and sudden breach of the isolation in which he had dwelt, seemed to impress him most powerfully, and for several minutes he had to be left in the midst of his followers, who : seemed to vie with each other, in manifestations of affection and respect for himji'<> After partaking of luncheon, and being shown the engines,. &c, of the Luna, the. Visitors took leave of the Governor, who presented to Tutawhea a pair of saddle holsters, which he had much admired. The visitors then returned to the shore accompanied by Mr M'Lean. Before leaving Tutawhea and the chiefs, Mr M'Lean announced that he would return to Kawhia in as short a time as possible, for the purpose of renewing his friendly relations with Tutawhea, and in all probability of meeting "the King." It is likely that from., this visit of the Luna to Kawhia most important results in thS interest .of. future peaceful relations with the King natives will arise. Had the visit been planned instead of being accidental, the Maoris would ; doubtless have resented it ; as it was, nothing could exceed the good feel. \

ing and friendship they manifested. Haupoki accompanied , Mr M'Lean to Wellington. The Lv na arrived alongside the wharf ab^ut half-past six.