IMPORTANT NATIVE NEWS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 853, 28 October 1870, Page 2

IMPORTANT NATIVE NEWS.

SUBMISSION OP TAWAI KOWHA. INTERESTING KORERO. [southern cross, octocer 25.] The name of Tawai Kowha has so frequently been mentioned in connection with outragea on the East Coast, that it is quite unnecessary to enter into a notice of his career. It seems, however, that he has determined to follow the example set him by others of the Hauhau party, and has evinced a desire to surrender, Mr Mair, R.M., writing from Whakatane on the 18th, gives an account of an interview he had with Tawai Kawha in the Waimana Valley. Mr Mair was accompanied by the chief Wepiha, Hori Kawakura, Hoani Ngatimuj and others, with 80 men of the Ngatiawa, Ngatipukeko and Arawas. The party proceeded from Ohioa to Te Koinga, and met Towai Kowha who was accompanied by thirty men, and an equal number of women and children. Two bullocks were killed and the party was received with profession of friend-* ship- , . , Tawai Kowha said he was glad that peace had been established by Major Kemp, and he (Tawai) had determined that he would never strike another blow either against European or natives, unless forced to do so. There were three things which would cause him to fight, land; 2nd. The murder of any of his people by the government side ; 3rd. Surrounding his pa by night. He wished to live in peace with Europeans and natives ; and. would allowany number of Europeans to pass over his land, provided that if they went over his land in pursuit of Te Kooti, they would respect his cultivations and villages. Tawai Kowha further protested that he had never been a soldier or joined Te Kooti, and that he had in every wav discouraged his followers from, joining Te Kooti- Those who did so and returned, lie retained, and aa for those who still regained with Te Kooti, the Europeans might hack them to pieces if they eMose. He would for the future abstain from all fighting, and cultivate. Tepeui, Mfthia, and utfeef

chiefs made speeches to the same effect. Mr Mair, in reply, expressed his gladness that Tawai Kowha had adopted this very sensible course, and he believed that after all there was really some good in him. He assured Tawai Kowha that his land would not be in-, terfered with, Jind that his property would not be molested, but those natives who had offended against the law would be tried for it. After speeches the meeting terminated, Tawai Kowha promising to remain cultivating his land until the wishes of the Government wm> known. Tawai Kowha, is, we believe, • one of the roost influential men on that side of the Uriwera, and he has proved himself to be a shrewd, bold, man. Mr Mair also saw Te Whinanui and his followers, some of whom •were hunting, while others were planting. He, and the chief Akiata appear to be anxous to remain quiet. Those who have the w elfare of .the'country at heart, cannot but be gratified at these signs of an improved feeling amongst the natives.