MR COMMISSIONER PARRIS’ VISIT TO MOKAU.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 17, 20 May 1871, Page 3

MR COMMISSIONER PARRIS’ VISIT TO MOKAU.

Mr Parris, accompanied by Mr Kelly, M.H.R., and some twenty or thirty friendly chiefs, paid a visit to Te Wetere and his people at Mokau, after repeated solicitations. The chief wishes to abandon the King party and make friends with the Government, hence his desire to open communication with us. Mr Parris arrived at Mokau on Saturday night, and had a meeting with the natives on Sunday morning, in which Te Wetere alluded to the White Cliff murders, and said the King party was the cause and they were but the instruments. He said that if matters were settled between himself and the Government, that he would make the road to the White Cliffs. He previously said that if road making, land leasing, and gold seeking ceased, that the Government could then easily deal with the natives. Mr Parris informed him that lie had not come to flatter him or his people, that the Government were determined to go on with road making whatever would be the consequence. Referring to the murder of Mr Todd, Te Wetere stated that he had been warned twice by natives to desist from surveying within the native boundary, but would not, and that he was killed thirty-six yards within that boundary. Rewi and Te Kaokao were expected, but as they had not arrived and some time would elapse before they could come down the river, it was thought advisable to break up the meeting, as the return passage round the headlands would only be practicable for two days, and if not availed of within that period a fortnight’s detention would be unavoidable, owing to neap tides. This sudden departure from the programme somewhat disconcerted Te Wetere, who was ready to rush into friendly relations, if Mr Parris gave any encouragement. So without having in any way fraternised with them, the party left abruptly as some old ladies came forward to salute in the native fashion, and departed shortly after for Waiiti, which they reached at about 8 p.m. on Sunday, and arrived in town on Monday evening.—“ Taranaki Herald,” May 10.