THE GREAT NATIVE MEETING.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 105, 3 May 1879, Page 2

THE GREAT NATIVE MEETING.

Alexandba, Saturday. sir G. Grey and party having arrived by steamer took up their quarters for the night. They were received in Maori style by the Ngapuhia, and the friendly natives who came on from the Bay on Sunday in the Hinemoa. Major Wheoro's canoes are here to convey the Ministers to Kopua. On the way np Sir George distributed Bibles to a number of chiefs and wrote their names on the fly leaf The weather which was very unpropltious has now cleared, and promises to be favorable. Accommodation is most difficult to obtain at Alexandra, and mil be worse as a lot more have to arrive. The real business of the meeting cannot commence till Monday, as to-day will be passed in feasting. The Ministerial party wiil be accommodated at the house of a half-caste named Thomas at Te Kopua, about a quarter of a mile from Tawhiao's quarters, and under the auspices of Rewi at whose invitation he is present. It has been stated that a letter was received from Ngakau informing Sir George Grey that he must stay at Alexandra but on this being referred by Major Wheoro to Tawhaio he said he had given no such instructions, and it is be'iaved to have emanated from some person antagonistic to the Government. The amount of food appears undiminished and a large quantity will be again distributed to-day. A number of missionaries are atKopua representing one Bible Society and they consider their mission as of equal importance to that of Sir G. Grey's The Rev. Mr Buddie, ex-President of the Wesleyan Conference, is here looking after the mission grants, the leases of which are nearly expired. A Government Surveyor came here to day to intimate to the Minister that some of the Ngatiraruns were willing to complete the sale of Patetere and other blocks between Cambridge and Tauranga adjacent to the Naihia Plains containing about 500 000 acres of the finest land. This will be welcome news for the Land Purchase Department who will be able to make a good show with such a block. The ceremony of welcome to Sir George it is understood, will be something entirely out of the common line, and will take up all the afternoon. The Ministerial party includes all the Secretaries and under-Secre-Vy^f*"™ Hobbs ' M °Minn, and George M.H.R.'a, interpreters and magistrates