King Tawhiao.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 3, Issue 39, 11 January 1883, Page 2

King Tawhiao.

(Herald.) King Tawhiao, with close on 200 followers arrived afc Upokongaro yesterday moruug at 11 o'clock, and proceeded on to the pah, where the royal host was received with all the hjnor the Natives could show to such a personage. The King left Waikatoon his Southern tour about a fortnight ago, travelling by easr stages, and accompanied by 180 Natives made up from the Waikato and Taapo settlements, his train being somewhat; added to on the way. His Majesty is dressed m European clothing, as are all his followers, but he is easily distinguished from them by his flaxen hat, deorated with the usual Native ornaments, while attached to his ears are ornaments of shark's teeth, so highly prized by the Maoris. In addition to the personal greenstone decorations, he I wnars on his breast the gold railway pass presented by Mr Bryce, and which be regards more highly than any other : ornament he possesses. Arrived at Kutuku the members of the royal fol-» lowing set to work tp^tie up their horses nnder the supervision of his Majesty, I while, the baggage was removed to safe keeping. In the meantime the Kotuka Natives were making every preparation to receive his Majesty with some show of grace. The men commenced, killing pigs, striking them a blow on the head with an axe, and with this quick despatch dragging them to a pile of wood to be cooked. The women were simuU taneously engaged m bringing m kits of potatoes and placing them on the fires. While the cooking was m progress the * visitors scattered themselves about the grass, and evidently enjoyed a rest after their long journey. Several Putiki Natives were m attendance to welcome the King on behalt of those whom they had left behind to make preparations for receiving him there. Topia, the well-known Taapo chief, is amongst those accompanying Tawhiao. Tawhiao will probably go out to Matatara, where ( the great reception is prepared for him, on Friday, but should anything specially ' attractive be found at Putiki or Wan« gsnui he may remain two or three days, la fact it was his intention to make 'a longer stay at Kutuku had Kemp and his men met him there as was expected. This, however, Kemp has failed to do. Tapa, Chief of Parakin, was also expected, and he had expressed his intention of making a presentation to the King of preserved pigeons. It. h now understood that he will come to Putiki, and make his gift there. A number of pakehas visited his Majesty the morn* ing of his arrival, and Tawhiao, who is rather a genial native of middle age, received them all very courteously. The thick tattoo marks, of course, are much againnt his facial appearance, but he is gentlemanly m his manner, and of good stature and build. Few of the Natives have ever seen him before, and they are most enthusiastic m their reception.