NATIVE MEETING IN WELLINGTON.

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1606, 28 August 1874, Page 338

NATIVE MEETING IN WELLINGTON.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT,) [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] Wellington, 27ih August. A dinner was- given this day by Henare Matua and the Wanganui chiefs to the natives now assembled in Wellington. About a hundred and fifty sat down to dinner. Amongst those present were Karaitiana, Wi Tako, and Mokena, members of Parliament ; Major Kemp (Wanganui); Kopata (Tauranga); Paul Tuhaere (Auckland) Messrs Sheehan and Kelly were the only European members present. A first-class repast, had been prepared, which being disposed of, the health of the Queen was given, followed by other appropriate toasts. Henare Matua then addressed the meeting in reference to the agitation which ho has kept up. He denounced the existing land-laws, and complained that the native people wore not sufficiently represented in the Parliament. Te Pohoka (Arawa) followed, and blamed the Government for persisting in teasing the natives to sell. Te Keepa, Wi Maehe (Arawa), and Paora Tuhaere also spoke. Another speaker commented on the absence of the three Maori members. Karaitiana shortly explained what had been the action of Parliament in native matters. The chiefs then called upon Mr Sheehan to address them. He said that he could not agree about buying up the land—it. should be left to Lite owners,to say whether they could sell or not; but it was right that the Government should negociate with the chiefs in the first instance. He pointed out that the Natives had not need to be frightened at the Colonial debt, as it did not affect or apply to their lands ; not should they be alarmed at the arrival of Europeans, for the law would protect the Maori people, and every new arrival increased the value of their lauds. He admitted that the present Parliament had not shown much regard for the Maori people upon the Native Lands Court representations and other questions; but they were not without friends in the House, and the new Parliament would increase the number. He urged them not to be discouraged, but to come again and again as loyal subjects, and lay their grievances before the Parliament; in the end so much of their demand as was just would certainly be grunted. He did nob disapprove of the action of Henare Koura—it was a common practice among Europeans to "stump" the country; but Jet their agitation be loyal and peaceful. The whole meeting applauded, and gave three cheers for the speaker, and promised to abide by his advice. The meeting broke up about seven o'clock, but not before arrangements had been made for an annual gathering of chiefs in Wellington during the session, to watch the proceedings of Parliament.