NATIVE MEETING AT HAWKE'S BAY.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume II, Issue 8, 15 April 1862, Page 11

NATIVE MEETING AT HAWKE'S BAY.

"The chief topic of interest," says the New Zealander, "is the account of the meeting of Mr. Fox with the natives, which took place on the 3rd instant." A tangi had been held "at the same place a few days previously, from which it would appear that the meeting, if viewed in connection wilu the number attending it, was one of no ordinary importance." The Herald says:— '•The natives of this district have at the present moment visitors from NVaikato, Taopo, Bay *f Plenty, VNairoa, and Waira- : rapa, and other parts of ibe northern island ' probably numbering from a thousand to fifteen hundred. The meeting is ostensibly for a tang\ or cry, on account of the death of Moananui, a chief who expired some months ago. The proceedings commenced on Thursday, when six hnndred natives crossed the punt, and advanced towards the pa, where they were met and welcomed by the resident natives. Stupendous preparations for the event have been made, and the quantity of food laid up is enormous. Other arrivals have since been taking place, ; and hospitality is offered to all. On Thursday 150 Europeans were present, for whom , a separate tent and the best food were set apart. Of course politics enter largely ' into the objects of such a meeting; and the number present is greater on account of His Excellency having promised to be present. Mr. Fox will visit the pa to-day; notice of bis intention to do so having been sent out \ yesterday.

... ••'Mr. Fox, accompanied by ibe Superintendent and other gentlemen, amongst whom was the Rev. Samuel Williams, assembled in a large weather boarded, building in the pa," where they were met. by Renata and bis tribe, who received and welcomed Mr. Fox as the representative of the Governor, Renata expressing bis opinion that the Governor's intentions were good, and that . lie' trusted they would be carried out. Harawira, Te Taterje (Waimarama) said, '■. tlial although agreeing with the good words pi" the Governor, they should like to see the waltara and other vexed questions'settled before commencing the hew system. To this Mr v Fox showed that'.the blame lay with the'Maories in not having consented to the Governor's terms; what answer they gave will be seen when we publish the report or Mr: Fox's journey* Mr. Fox. in answer to a question, informed the Natives that the land on which the soldiers were now at work, belonged to the Queen, and expatiated on the large share of benefit derived 7 by the Maories in the construction of public roads, and the duty which dearly belonged to them to sbare in the expense of constructing the same. I "Very little took place besides. The I talk was of a general and very friendly character. The conclusion to be drawn ■ from it was, that the Natives of this place i were quite ready to accept the new system! whenever the pew Commissioner appointed I by the Governor should arrive; *nd indeed anxious Tor its operation/* The Ngatikabungunu and other tribes will ; be glad to learn that Lieutenant-Colonel A. i H. Russell has been appointed to the Civil Commissionership of Hawke's Bay, and we are warranted in believing that, under the ; supervision of so eminent a person, the I Natives of Aburiri will be elevated to a position that will be alike creditable to ; themselves, and to their friend, the ComI missioner.

[From the Tiines.} ; "On.Thursday morning last, the town ol Nayier was early deserted. At an early bcmr equestrians and vehicles were wend/nfl ?j-kr.'Z

their way to Moananui's pa, adjacent to? Clive. If was the first day of the Native J Tangi, and the curiosity of the Europeans was great to see so large a number as several hundred Natives assembled for feasting and paying the last tribute to the departed Giief. The Patebas were entertained in the most bospitabl&nanher, and every alien lion possible was shown to them."