THE HIKURANGI MEETING.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 114, 14 May 1878, Page 4

THE HIKURANGI MEETING.

We have already published a report ■of the first day's proceedings at this meeting. The continuation ana termination are thus chronicled in later telegrams : — > Hikukangi, Thursday. To-day has been a lost day again. The Government party are daep in consultation » n their tents, and the Maori King with his advisers, includW Purukutu. It was long past noon before tbe Kingites were ready with thoir ffern-apread breakfast, but the only spot of level ground, was large enough to accommodate those present. A etrong bitter cold wind and a lowering sky did not *dd to the comfort of the proceediogs. The Maoris crouched in heaps upon oue another, which doubtless assisted to keep up circulation of tbe blood, but Sir George Grey, Mr Sheehan and party, having tp keep up their dignity, bad no such advantage, and with the rest of the sufferers had a miserable time of it. After the Hau-haus were ready, Sir George Grey and Mr Shee* han kept his Majesty's subjects some liourß longer, the pahu or bell going fthe whole time. Karakia were sung and chanted before Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan. On arrival Tawbaio addressed the various hapus by name, saying that tbey aod the Ngatimaniopotos were one and the same, from Tnwaki to Mokau. On Sir George Grey'e arrival the King addressed him in a very low voice, scarcely audible in the high wind, saying that they had met together for good work. Sir George Grey replied he had come to unite in one people two races. Tuhi •wa Rapata and Tuhoro (latter slightly ineaue) were put down by Haukuuku, having ma de speeches. Paul Tuahere declared them perfectly incomprehensible. If they were men let them speak like men, that ihey could understand one another. Hopa snd Kurakoa also spoke on the King's side, but avoided making any proposal, or bringing any detinue business before the meeting, the Government party strictly following suit. At last tbey sugges- . ted tbat, be and Tawhiao would settle all business between them, they knowing each otber well, and he could lay Tt afterwards before the tribes. Tuhi,— "It is well." Te Aroha •« would not hide what he was going to say; he did not believe in private business; nothing should be hidden, but all matters be settled openly before all concerned." Tuhi,—" It is very cold, let us adjourn until to - morrow." Te Heira, "I agree with Te Aroha, 'let nothing be hid, and adjourn." This closed the proceedings until to-morrow. HiKBTjANGi, Friday 8 p.m. Tbe meeting is now over. The proceedings were far more satisfactory than yesterday, both eides speaking plainly and freely. The korero commenced by Taw iaa advancing to where Sir George Grey, the Hon. Mr Sheeban and staff were seated, saying : I will take up the last word spoken yesterday. I have this day — this is the end ot my worde. all listen. This pakeha (Sir George Grey) is tbe only one who can settle the matters which divide us. Let no one else ever be sent after him (putting his stick into the groundj. This is Mangatawhiri, from tbat place following all turnings of the river to Taupo, and from Hauraki into the sea and up to Mokau belongs to me; all living within are under my control. You take the other side under your government. Another word : if roads are required through my lands you must Bpply to me, I only can consent. Another word about surveying lands — I only must be consulted about that matter; no other word mußt be taken. Another word for the iast time — I evil! not consent to any leasing or selling of land; my authority must first be had. I would like to be alone consulted in this. No otber person — I alone have the word. I have nothing more to say. Sir George Grey said : Yoa must be aware you bave asked things I have no power over. I will tell you what lean do for you, and will if you listen to my words. You can have the right to forbid, if you think proper, ihe sale or lease of lands in your own boundary. The Government would keep you tbat. I wiil obtain for you 500 a.crea of the land at Ngaruawahia, where your father was buried, for your own property. I will offVr you £500 per annum for your support. I will build you a house ai Kawhia for you to hold your meetings, an.i grant any further Bum shoul] you require it for necessities for your people. You may choose any lands on the west bank of the Waipa to Waikato Hea>!s belonging to the Government in uny of the Waikato towusbips. Tbese alone would eveotutdly become valuable properties for your children. I would help you to s leet them by going over them on the map. Any roads tbat may be necessary to be made in your territory you and myself could settle between us. Ab to surveying lands in your boundary, it would not be done without your consent. It is my wish to see you and your people occupying the lands I propose to give back. I would get them secured to you, if you listen to my words, through the Government. These are the things 1 oan provide for you.