THE NATIVE MEETING.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 109, 8 May 1879, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING.

;Tb Kopda, Tuesday. A Boyal proclamation has been issued that no meeting will take place to-day, but if tomorrow is fine there wiil be speechifying. Te Ngakaa, the King's adviser, interrogated Mr Sheehan this morning and a long and friendly conversation look place between them. There is every probability that matters will go on much more smoothly when once the business is really commenced. Thursday. Soon after the meeting commenced yesterday and the Hauhaus had had prayers Tawhiao rose and said, " Listen my grand fathers and people from the South to the _Sbrth Cape, listen; listen elders and tribes, listen to this word : there is no one to hurt as from one end of the country to the other. Potatau alone, the chief of yon all, only has a claim to this place right through. Rewi is there, but on one side; lam another. These are my districts, and for this reason I say the land is ali mine; it is for me to do as I like with the coantry. I do not conceal what I have to say : listen attentively. A letter was received by Potatau from the Queen informing bim that the Europeans were coming to this country, and Potatau told them to stay away, therefore I say Grey has no right to .manage the affairs of this Island, but I bave the power, and do not care for any interference. Ido not want these laws in my district, and that is the reason I say the thing called " fighting " should be taken right away from this country. There must be no fighting here for leases or roads; all these things must be left behind. These rules to interfere with us cannot be allowed in my district. There must be no evil this day or for ever." The Hauhaus again engaged in prayers, signifying the close of his speech. Kereopa te Hau then prayed aloud, asking God to make them clean that day. He also asked God to enlighten them. The speech was evidently intended to draw outtheNgapuhis, whose lands were included in the sweeping control the King claimed. A Ngatimaniopoto of Mokan, Mabanui, said : " I wish to say a few words in reference to Tawhiao's remarks. These are all come to-day to consider what Tawhiao says. Marsh, an Arawa native, began with a parable, meaning that all evil should cease and the races be grafted. It was aur ancestors wbo gave us these things, and we should respect them."— Te Hen said: "I am not going to interrupt these words. From the daysjof Potatau to the present tbey have not been changed. Hold fast to these things."— Kepea (Major Kemp), of Wanganui, said : "The bell bas rung, and we have had prayers, it is now time to speak, and what is to be said should be said this day in presence of Sir George Grey, when all things should be concluded. The Bishop on one side has spoken, bnt not the Bishop of the other."— Te Wheora (Waikato) said : "If the visitors wish to say anything, let them do so."— Te Te Ngalcau said : «« £,et ns go away apd con-

sider what has heen said, and come back tomorrow to talk further." I Tbe Kingitc Wen Jhebtbse _ _t_e. abrtintiy; j aud proceeded U file off, leaving the Nga- i katthall ahd Rewi rather disappointed- The < Europeans were touch disappointed at the i abrupt termination Of tlie meetinfft wMclf < only lasted tlit.e-quatters ot" an hour, and I left Sir George Grey and the Native Minister < as far off any settlement of affairs as ever. I*s is generally considered tiiaJ:.Ta\viiiao is as i obstinate As fevfetj, _hd tliat Itewi coincides &«_ mm to some extent. Ifc is clear that i Tawhiao is opposed to any settlement or opening of bis lands.