THE MAORI KING’S FAREWELL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2375, 8 April 1884, Page 3

THE MAORI KING’S FAREWELL.

[new ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Auckland, April 1. Tawhaio has published the following farewell address:—“To the Editor of the Herald. Friend, greeting. Publish my statements so that both races living in this island, both Europeans and Maoris, may see them. I am going from New Zealand to England. This is my word, which I leave with you. After my departure, dwell all of you in peace; in no wise allow any disturbance to take place during ray absence in Land Courts or in respect to roads, or taking of money by Maoris, i.e., accepting instalments on lands or permitting any publicans’ licenses or introducing any matter affecting Maori lands, as I have an interest in the whole of the Maori territory. These are the grounds of my council to prevent any Europeans or Maoris from heedlessly doing anything herein mentioned. In my absence, let matters remain in abeyance till my return. I will then make known my decision. Tawhaio, King.”

The party loft in the Tarawera for Sydney to-night. A great crowd assembled on the wharf to see them depart, expecting Tawhaio would make a speech. Neither Tasvhaio nor any of his party appeared on deck, and they left without any demonstration.

His Excellency the Governor having heard Tawhaio would like to see lam before lie left for England, kindly animated to him that lie would be Mid to receive a visit from him at any lime. Tawhaio at once determiue-d to go, and proceeded to the Government House, accompanied by Putara Te Tala and

Topia Tuvoa. C. 0. Davis went as intrepreter and Brnme as representing a Committee of the Temperance Mission. The Natives were introduced to his Excellency, who said he was "lad to see Tawhaio. He hoped lie would have a pleasant voyage to England. On his return he would see the Governor, and tell him of things he saw and heard in the mother country. By the route they were going to England they would have an opportunity of seeing Sydney, Melbourne, Aden, the Bed Sea, Malta, and Gibraltar. They would also see that celebrated city London, where he (Sir W. Jervois) had resided for twenty years. That city had a population of ten times greater than the whole population of New Zealand. They would probably meet with some people in London who knew him (his Excellency) and they were to tell them that he was well. He was glad to see that they wore the blue ribbon. He hoped they would wear it all the way, and bring it back with them. He was glad indeed to find that a number of Maoris had adopted this badge, because it was a veiy excellent thing. If anything came before him officially affecting the Maoris in regard to this question, he would be glad to give it his most serious consideration.

Tawhiao said : I rejoice exceedingly that I have had this opportunity of meeting your Excellency. Although I know something about your utterances at Kawhia on the drink question in relation to Europeans and Maoris, your sentiments were most excellent. lam bidding farewell to Sir George Grey and to you. I shall also see many strange people and many strange countries. I shall feast my eyes on those people and places, and judge for myself. This is my proverb, “When the sea is calm like the polished greenstone, there are signs in the atmosphere.” This figure denotes that I am going on a peaceful mission, that everything is bright and clear, and it is a feeling of my own heart. My heart rejoices in- the fact of my meeting you face to face and hearing from your own lips your utterances, which I consider very good.

Patara then asked the Governor for a map, that they might understand the countries through which they were to pass.

His Excellency said he would obtain a suitable map and mark the route from New Zealand to England, Both Tawhiao and Patara were much interested.

His Excellency then shook hands with his visitors and left, Tawhaio exclaiming when they got outside the door—“He is a fine man, how clear were bis words, and looked so pleasant through all.”