HIKURANGI. May 4.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1880, 6 May 1878, Page 2

HIKURANGI. May 4.

There has boon no business done yet. Yesterday the food was distributed, consisting of nineteen carcases of beef, 250 bags of flour, a quantity of sugar, and 50 tons of potatoes. It is said by the Natives that this is the largest assemblage of Natives for many years. It is estimated that some four thousand and upwards aro hero. It was a great sight to soo tho multitude can; !n^ tho food with tho usual ceremonies, singing, grimacing, and dancing. A large number of Natives are on duty as policemen, nnd a regular patrol is carried on. Their by-laws aro very strict and somewhat ludicrous. It is said that a reporter for one of tho Auckland papers was en route, but was stopped at Kopun, and requested to return to Alexandra to await Sir Q. Grey's arrival. Tho King has a guard ovor his quarters, and regular sentry-go is kept. Tho sontinals, to relieve the monotony, occasionally amuso thomsolves by firing a shot at a tree. This brings out his Majesty, who fires several shots himself, allowing that powdor is in no way scarce. It rained hore last night and up to this morning, which has made everything very uncomfortable. Tho roads aro anklo deep in mud. To sleep hero is impossible ; tho houses aro crammed to suffocation, and card playing goes on all night. Sir G. Grey and Mr Khcohan aro now most anxiously looked for. llewi and party aro not hore as yet.