The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1869. WAIKATO.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 103, 4 May 1869, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY , MAY 4, 1869. WAIKATO.

THE GftEAT NATIVE MEETING. 2,000 NATIVES PRESENT. DECISION IN FAVOR OF PEACE. (From the Auckland Herald's Correspondent.) Hamilton, April 28, 7.40 a.m. The great meeting of natives came off on the 25th instant. Over 2000 na'ives were present, of whom a considerable number were visitors from the friendly tribes, who were most amicably received. Speeches were m- de by the King, Tainati Niraporn. and oilier leading chiefs, reviewing th. j causes of trouble, and the conduct of the late w,ir in Wiiikato. Allusions were made also to th<more recent nmrcl rs, which were indignantly repudiated and condemned. After many long speeches the voice of the people was loudly given in favor of peace, and it was declared that no attempt to invada any portion of the Waikato country would be permitted by the King and party. Mr. Searanckf, who attended on behalf of the Government, has returned from the King meeting. He and his friendly natives were well received. Of the natives present full 170 belonged to the Ngatimaniapoto and Waikato tribes The friendly natives were highly pleased with their reception. Kewi Ngatimaniapoto and K-reopa were both present. The only Europeans permitted to be present were Mr. Searancke and M Loui-i Hetit. Amongst the speakers was Tawhaio, th<? king. He expressed the most friendly feeling for tlie Europeans, and the manner of his speaking even more than th° words gave evidence of his sinsincerity. All the speeches, indeed, were of a pacific Character, nor did any one of them contain remarks hostile or offensive to Europeans.