THE NATIVE QUESTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VII, Issue 486, 1 July 1857, Page 3

THE NATIVE QUESTION.

(From, the Southern Cross, June 5.)

We have kept back our further observations on the native question, and suggestions for a solution of the difficulty, until we should be fully informed of the result of the meeting of the Waikato tribes convened by Ngatihana, for the purpose of instituting Te Whero Whero into his office, as Maori King. The King's flag, for the present.has been struck to that of the Queen, but the idea is far from being yet abandoned. The movement still goes on ; while the propriety, the thoughtfulness, and the caution with which it is conducted, render it only the more serious in nature. When we add to this that they have already shown a greater aptitude for combination than had been expected of them, we touch upon the vital point at present, of European supremacy. It is becoming more and more evident, even to the most incredulous, that a crisis in native affairs is coming on. We do rot, indeed, believe that a Ki<»g will be actually made ; but it is clear that a great change is approaching, either for good or for evil, in the relations between the races. The 1 natives thoroughly understand what they want, and it is not a plaything that they seek. They are resolved upon making an effort to preserve their existence, not only i as a race, but, as they understand it, a i nation, before they shall be overnumbered, and therefore outmastered by the whites. The majority of them are most desirous of living in amity with us; they are fully sensible of the advantages to be derived from the spread of civilization ; their feeling toward the Queen is still most loyal, although they manifest some jealousy of the Assembly; but they persist upon being enabled to see further into the future than they are enabled to do as yet. They look back upon sixteen years of European rule, and observe that, of all the successive governments, not one has presented a fixed or even consistent line of policy,—that it is impossible to fortell, from the course pursued by (^l^fsiment under a prior condition of events, the course that would be adopted under the like circumstances on a new occasion. We fear that in Auckland, excepting among a few who are better informed than the generality, these matters are not yet rated at their due importance; while in Wellington the existente in the country of afpowerful body of men, courageous and intelligent, who might easily be converted into one united mass of enemies, seems to be entirely ignored. It cannot be too often repeated, that the coming". cKange is either for good or for ill — that it cannot be indifferent. It is for us to take the tide at the full. The opportunity is fairly presented, if we know how to use it; we may easily guide that which is already in motion, while our utmost efforts would fail to move it as an inert mass. All depends upon the strength being applied in the right direction. But let us disabuse ourselves at once of the idea that the Maori is to be any longer controlled .through articles in the native newspaper, by good advice irom magistrates, or even missionaries. Governor Grey's palliatives—the humiliating " flour and sugar system," are of none avail. The principles upon which the relations between the races shall be henceforth caiTied on are demanded. If the European does not lay them down, the Maori will. In our present number, we confine ourselves to recounting what took place on the occasion of the rival flags being displayed ; with the intention of continuing the subject in subsequent numbers . The place of meeting was Rangiriri, the centre of Waikato; and the occasion was the feasts given by th: tribes of lower Waikato to their brethren of Waipa and Horotia when they met to lament the death of Wetere.. The guests were mustering foi; several days at Kaumatuku, and on the Thursday

May the 9th. the last detachment arrived. These were the Ngatimaniapoto, the large tribe resident about Mokau. On Friday, the whole body started down the river to Rangiriri, a distance of twelve miles, tearing away down the river at a tiemendous pace, the whole distance. There were about, fifty canoes containing the visitors, and about fifty had already arrived convey- ■ ing the " tangata whenua." Several Europeans accompanied the expedition. After the usual reception, Ngatihaua formed- four deep. Proceeding into the ■ centre of a large open space, cleared for the occasion, they planted Ihe flag of the new dynasty. His Majesty's color was a white flag with a red border, and two red crosses, (as a symbol, we heliive, of Christianity); • upon it the words, "Potatau King of New Zealand." The next day- was devoted to eating and talking. The following is an account of the amount of food provided. Bullocks , 15 . Sharks .20,000 Eels, fresh 20 baskets Eels, dried 100,000 Patiki and Mataitai 50 baskets Sugar 30 bags Potatoes and JCumeras 8,000 ketes Tobacco .: 150 lbs. Besides flour, and other things the amount of which could not be ascertained. On the Saturday afternoon, Mr. Ashwell, the clergyman, and Mr. Fenton, the matyis trate, came down the river. The former returned on. Monday morning. Sunday was devoted to worship; three denominations were represented, but the \Church of England had a great majorily. Indeed the Wesleyans seemed to be united with that body. On Monday, the 11th ultimo—the anniversary of the great native feast at Remuera thirteen years ayo, and, so far as regards the settlement of the native question, thirteen years thrown away,—the business commenced. Our informant proceeded along the temporary town, and endeavoured to count the numbers present. The tents and houses extended for about three fourths of a mile. As nearly as he could ascertain, the number present was about 2,200. On Monday, at about tea o'clock, the large open space began to fill. The .Maories were clothed almost entirely in blankets and native garments. It had been previously arranged that this day should be devoted to a reconciliation of old hostilities. The great men from the different tribes sang songs to each other, and finally all ancient hatreds, and the remembrance of former battles were, by common consent, buried in oblivion. They thus prepared the way for a complete union on the important question that was to be discussed on the morrow. The war hatchet was buried, and a solemn compact made that, if ever dug up again, it should not be employed against any of the tribes present. On the Tuesday, at about ten o'clock, a long line of iVlaories, dressed in black cloth suits, black neck-kerchiefs, &c. were to be seen, presenting a surprising contrast to the Maori assembly of the previous day. They defiled from the southern end of the town, headed by Ngatihaua, bearing the flag of the new king. They advanced to the open space, planted the flag in the ground and sat down, arranged in long rows, occupying one side of the square. The leaders and principal speakers took up their position in the centre, each man with his pencil and paper to take notes of the proceedings. They seemingly did not anticipate much opposition. There they sat half an hour; a bystander would have thought that the Queen was not going to be represented at all. But at last a Union Jack was seen displayed on a little hill about a quarter of a mile off. Another soon appeared a short distance inland. Shortly afterwards: a procession advanced from the hill, headed by Waata Kukutai, bearing the Jack, and occupied the side of the square, opposite to that taken by the King party, immediateiy after which another body advanced bearing the Union Jack No. 2, and took possession of the ground to the left of the other party, when both Jacks were planted in the ground opposite to the white flag with the. red cross. The principal men, and the magistrate, mustered in the centre. The larye body thus arrayed, and the organization that seemed to exist, was the first, but a very significant indication that the Government had not been asleep. The third side of the square was filled with Maories who did not appear to have joined either party—sitters upon the " cross benches." At the fourth side appeared the native teachers, headed by Hoera and Heta. ■ • Proceedings now commenced. Heta read prayers, including the prayer for the Queen, and Hoera delivered, a short address on moderation and temper. After the customary pause, Te Kereihi from the loyal side, rose and said—" Com-

mence your talking." Then Hoera, who, as a teacher of religion, occupied a sort of moderator posi'.ion, said " The talk would be about the flags; let them be disposed of; direct, all the speeches to that end." To give a full report of all the speeches, in our limited space, is obviously impossible. The most remarkable were the following, of weich the main points have been carefully preserved. Paoea: God is good; Xsrael were his people; they had a king; I see no reason why any na • tion should not have a king if they wish for one. The Gospel does not say that we are not to have a king. It says " Honour the kinglove the brotherhood." Why should the Queen be angry ? We shall he in alliance with her, and friendship (whakahoa) will he preserved. The Governor*does not stop murders and fights among us. A king will be able to do that. Let us have order that we may grow as the pakehas grow. Why should we disappear from the country ? New Zealand is ours ; I love it. Takikei Te Ratt : The first. Governor came and gave the word "friendship" (whakahua); r so did the second; the third; and so, does Governor Browne. The source of this word is God. It came in the Gospel; and now there is added the law (te ture); what more do we want ? I think this is the open road; the new one is overgrown (ururua) and dark. I will not walk in it. Friendship to the Governor is the road to the Queen. Go on this road; it is the road to good. Let us go on this road. Takirau: That is the road—that word " friendship ;" but it applies to both sides. Our king will be friendly with the Queen. Their flags' will be tied together.) (Hoists the king's flag and ties it to the Jack.) I say, let us be like all other lands who have kings, and glory, and honour. That is a clear road. Let us be strong to fasten on this. Let the blessing of God, which, rests on other lands and their kings, rest on us. If I asked the Queen to leave her throne I should be wrong; but all I ask is that the dignity which now rests on her should rest on our king; so that this land maybe in peace, and be honoured. Let the Queen and the pakehas occupy the sea-coast and be a fence (tarepa) around us. Wisejiu Te Wheobo : I agree to what Takirei says —friendship—alliance (whakakotahitanga). ' I know that road; I don't know any other." (Pointing to' the new flag)—-Let that flag go down ; I don't like it. Let its old honour (mana) remain, but don't seek any fresh dignity. Mohi : This is my word. 'Don't wander about. Wash out (horoia) the writing on the new flag. I don't like it: It frightens me. Wash out the writing, and let the staff help to support the Queen's flag. ' Lean to it, its ancient honor (mana). The honour of old, of old, of old. Paoea : Give me some soap to wash if out (i.e., Give me a reason). , ■;.',' . Mohi : Why did you write those words? The new flag must kill the old^ not the old one the new. What is the wrong of the old'flag ? Paoea : The Gospel came. Then came the Queen. At that time we were foolish and ignorant ; now we know. At first the missionaries said, make a king to keep convicts and bad pakehas- away. But we did wrong, we agreed to the Queen. Now, we are grown up, we are no longer children, we can walk alone. We are fit for a king. You can't find anywhere-in the Bible that the Queen should have the only honour. Shew me where, that I may know. We cannot be always in childhood. Taeahawaiki : Let me-speak: Don't say, Why. should we add fresh honour to Potatau P Remember, the honour conferred upon him will belong to us all. What is the use of eyes, arms, and body, without a head? Takieatj : (Many quotations from Scripture.) Heta [native teacher): Leave out the Scriptures. Don't bring them in here. If you bring in these quotations we shall wander about (marara noa atu), for they are inapplicable, and you do not understand the. context. Scripture is a very sacred thing, and should not be used lightly. I shall be angry with you if you persist. Wieemtj Te Awaitaia : lama small man; and a fool. I am ignorant of these Scripture quotations. Ngatihaua, don't be dark. Waikato, listen. Taupo, attend. My name has been heard of in old day, and sometimes it is still mentioned. lam going to .speak mildly, like a father. My word is this : I promised the first Governor, when he came to see me, and I promised all the rest, that I would stick (piri) to him, and be a subject of the Queen. I intend to keep my promise, for they have kept theirs. They have taken no land. Mine was the desire to sell, and they gave me money. Why do you bring that new flag here ? There is bother (raru-raru) in it. I can't see my way clear. But I know that there is trouble in that flag. lam content with the old one. It is seen all over the world, and it belongs to me. I get some of its honor! What honor can I get from your flag ? It is like a fountain without water. Don't trouble me. You say we are slaves. If acknowledging that flag makes me a slave, I am a slave. Let me alone. Don't -bring your bother here. Go back to the mountains. Let us alone in peace. I and the Governor will take our own course. That's all. (Silence for half-an-hour followed this speech, which made a deep impression, for no man present was so renowned as a warrior chief as Wi'remu.) Wieemxj Tamihana Tabapipipi : I am sorry my father has spoken so strongly. He has killed me. I love New Zealand. I want order iind laws. The king could give us these better than the Governor; for the Governor has never done anything except when apakeha is killed;

he lets us kill each other and-fight. A king would stop these evils. However, if you don t like the king, pull down the flag. Let Kewi pull it down if you wish it. Eewi, chief of Ngatimaniapoto, stepped torward, said nothing, but in anger took the king's flag and threw it down at the foot of the Jack, and sat down without speaking. He intended,, apparently, to show the Maories the state of utter subjugation to which they were consentm°*« "~ lioKi: That's right. But let the staff stand up without the flag. Tarahawaiki (considerably excited, took the prostrate flag and rehoisted 'it) : I love New Zealand. It shall not lie down in this way. Let it look at the sun, and we will support it. Waata Kukutai: Let the flag stand; but wash out the writing on it. Let us not talk like children ; but find out some real good for ourselves. We cannot do it by ourselves. The white men have the money, the knowledge— everything. I shall remain a subject of the Queen, and look up to this flag (the Jack) as my flag for ever and ever and ever. If it is dishonoured, I shall be ; if it is honoured, so shall I be. I accept fully the arrangement made between the Governor', and .vPotatau-r-laws, a director, and the assembly. I don't want to talk, for my mind is made up. I shall begin to work on the basis of that agreement. You may go on talking; and when you have done we will let you join us. . For if you follow your road you will be benighted, get in a swamp, and either stick there or come out covered with mud. Tarahawaiki got up again rather angry, and the meeting was becoming a little excited, which the native teachers, assembled in a body, observing, Hoera called out " Let us pray.", Silence reigned. He read the prayers—"Lighten our darkness"—and "In all the changes and chances," &c. —and proceedings ended for that day : the flag still down. On the Wednesday, stations were taken as before; but the loyal party seemed to look upon the matter as settled, and did not present that appearance of arrangement which characterised the former day's proceedings. Potatau now appeared surrounded by about ten <>r twenty of his friends, and took his station on the fourth side of the square. The King's flag was again planted,' but it was now rigged European fashion, on a running line, so that it could be lowered without removing the staff. The proceedings of this day seem to have been little more than a recognition by Potatau of yesterday's work. After prayer— A Chief of the Wherukoko: Our motto is love to New Zealand. (A Native song). Potatau : Wash me, my friends, I am covered with mud. Love gospel and friendship. Ngatihaua, work, continue your work. The kotuku sits upon a stump and eats the small! fish; when he sees one, he stoops down and catches it, lifts up his head and swallows it. William, you understand your work. . When, the sun shines, we see him. (A song.) Hoaki Papita : Fresh water is lost when it mingles with salt. (A song.) Te Wieiha: Song—For the land, that it should be retained; joined in chorus by the whole 2000. . Te Kereihi : I shall stick to the Governor; .1 remember his talk with Potatau at this place. I asked him for laws—for a director, for an assembly. He agreed to it. lam holding fast to this. I keep this firm.~lt shall be buried with me, but my children will perpetuate it. (Recounted the whole of the Governor's words). I will listen to no new things. That is the only road that conducts to prosperity. I have seen seen their friendship with these eyes. The remembrance remains. Don't bother us, we have work to do; we.are too busy to talk. Te Heuhexj, of Taupo, spoke violently, stating the causes of quarrel the M.iories have with the Europeans; the indignities shown to the chiefs by the lower order of Europeans when they visited the town; their women debauched ; the men made drunk; the chiefs called " bloody Maories," &c, &c. He advocated the total separation of races, and the ultimate expulsion, by force, of, Europeans. Wieejiu Te Awaitaia. and Waata KtrKUtai stopped him, and after some conversation made him sit down, Hemi Puitxi (nephew of Te Awaitaia), went into the centre and addressing Potatou, said, declare yourself about the flags, you have heard our views. ■ _ Paora moved the King's to the Jack, and tied them together. They were about a yard asunder. He then marked a ring in the ground round each. Rewi came forward and deepened the ring. Kukena, uncle of Potatou, came forward, and, amid a dead silence, lowered the flag half-mast, and tied it to the English flag ; then sat down. Tipene : Don't you be sad (to the Kingites) and don't you be joyful (to the loyal party) for remember, though the flag is down, the writing remains. After some speeches as to retaining the land, and several songs, the meeting separated. Waata Kukxttai then paraded the English flag, rang a great bell, and proclaimed that all who acknowledged allegiance to, and intended to support that flag, should follow him. (He brought three flags to the meeting.) All lower Waikato and the sea coast to Kawhia mustered. They moved in procession over the'hill, passed resolutions, and embodied them in a letter to the Governor. On the following day the King's flag was despatched to the,tribes in the South of New Zealand, to convene a larger meeting, and induce Potatou to accept the office.