MONGONUI.-OPENING OF THE RUNUNGA.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1716, 20 August 1862, Page 3

MONGONUI.-OPENING OF THE RUNUNGA.

(from our correspondent.) This has been a very busy week with us here Tuesday, the 29th July, was the day appointed for holding the first runanga. On Monday, the 28th, large numbers of natives assembled from all the neighbouring settlements—North Cape, Ahipara, Kaitaia, Awanui, Cahfornio, Waikainga, Oruru, Victoria, Wangaroa, Kohumaru, and Waihou, all poured forth their inhabitants to witness the meeting of the first runanga. A considerable number of the European inhabitants also attended the meeting, and appeared to take a lively interest in tho proceedings. On the evening of the 28th, the kareres (constables) were furnished with their uniforms; and, about 4 p. m., a number of semi-military-looking individuals were seen parading up and down the settlement. It was very gratifying to observe the general good conduct of the people assembled. On Tuesday, the chiefs ol the runanga, assessors, kaitiakes, and kareres, accompanied by a large number of natives, assembled in the very commodious building adjoining the Mongonui Hotel, where provision had been made for the meeting. The superintendent of the district, —who, of course, acted as president,—and Mr. Commissioner Kemp, attended by the interpreter, took their seats at 12 noon, all of the officers of the runanga having previously taken tho oath of allegiance to the Queen. A number of European gentlemen attended to witness the proceedings. The president having offered up an impressive prayer, read the proclamation constituting the district of Mongonui, after which he delivered his opening address. As this, however, would bo too lengthy for insertion here, and as there is little doubt it will be reported in full in the Maori Messenger, I shall merely advert to a few of the leading principles enunciated. Tho president remarked, that they were met to frame rules and regulations for tho general government ■' of the people, and pointed out that law was a necessity of mankind; without it there would be nothing but strife; and compared their present state of order to the miserable state they wero in forty years since. Men were not fit to be judges where their own interests were concerned, hence courts of justice were a necessity. He had for some years past been preparing their minds for tho present moment, and he sincerely trusted they would appreciate the benefits conferred upon them by their great friend, Sir George Grey. He hoped to see the day when they would sit side by side with their European brethren, and frame laws for their general benefit. Ho was anxious to impress upon them tho necessity of calmly discussing all questions submitted to them, and strongly urged upon them to bear in mind that when once tho majority had passed a measure, and it had received the assent of the Governor, it would become the law of the district - those who dissented from the opinions of the majority would be just as much bound to obey the law passed as if* they had assented to it. He would not advise them to bo hasty in passing any regulation respecting the boundaries of tho district, as it was generally understood that the liarawa of Hokianga were anxious to be incorporated with those of this district, so that the whole tribe might form one district. It would, therefore, be better to wait and see what changes time would make desirable. Government had been very liberal in providing salaries for the officers of the runanga, but it would ultimately be the duty of the runanga to provide means for paying these officers. He had prepared regulations with regard to fencing and for taking a census of tho people, which would be laid before them. He had also to bring before their notice several other important matters. A sum of £49 17a. had been collected as fees and fines in the various native courts of this district, which the Government had-placed at their disposal to be applied for the general benefit of the district. In future all subjects connected with land, such as the sale to Government, &c, will pass through the runanga. Mr. Commissioner Kemp is now here for the purpose of paying for a block lately purchased, as soon as the runanga shall have authorised him to do so. This being their first meeting, the president intimated he should propose the subjects for their consideration, leaving it to members to give notice according to the standing orders of any questions they wished to bring before the runanga. He would, in conclusion, beg to impress upon them the importance of setting aside all personal and private feelings, and to bear in mind that they had in their hands the general welfare of the district. At 6 p.m. a large number of European gentlemen ot the district dined together at the Mongonui Hotel, where a very excellent dinner was provided by Mr. and Mrs. Mcintosh. On tho removal of the cloth, the Civil Commissioner of the district (Mr.White) proposed the health of the Queen and Her Majesty's Representative in this colony, which were drank with the usual honors. Mr. Drury then proposed the health of tho chairman. He remarked that they had met for the purpose of doing honor to the inauguration of the new system of native management. He congratulated Mr. White on the success which had attended his labors hitherto; it was well known he had been most indefatigable in his endeavours to civilize the natives, and was an old resident here, where he had gained, and now enjoyed, the respect of both natives and Europeans. He sincerclv hoped that the policy now introduced would prove successful, and he was certain that every gentleman present would do all ho could to assist in carrying it out. Mr. Clarke then proposed the health of Mr. Commissioner Kemp. He had also been long a resident in this neighbourhood, and was of long official standing. He felt glad to see him present to lend his influence to this movement; his private worth as well as his efficiency as a public officer had won lor him the highest esteem of those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance; he had much pleasure in proposing his health. Several other toasts were proposed and responded to, and the meeting was kept up till a late hour; every one present was evidently well satisfied with tho evening's entertainment. At 10 a.m. next day the Commissionerr csumeci his seat. After prayer, standing orders were passed similar to those adopted by the Waimate runanga; it being considered that, as far as consistent, it would bo best to adopt regulations which should bear a character of uniformity. . ~ The meetings were continued by adjournment until Friday evening, August Ist, and were finally adjourned to l J twa7a subject of remark by tho European strangers who were prcseut to witness the proceedings, that the general dignity and propriety of deportment of many of the native orators would not have disgraced an European assembly of legislators. IVday, before the final dispersion of the natives, a largT amount was paid for several blocks of land, which have been lately purchased in this district. The natives officially connected with the runanga and their followers, were entertained by the Government at the hotels, the inclemency of the weather rendering it impossible for them to provide for themMongonui, Aug. 2, 1862.