THE NATIVE MEETING AT HIKURANGI.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5342, 11 May 1878, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING AT HIKURANGI.

(PER PRESS AGENCY). Hikdranoi, Friday, noon. Tawhiao demands Waikato to be placed under his control, from Maungatautari to Taupo. He says this must be settled to-day. Sir George Grey has offered him Government laud on the right bank of the river, 500 acres at Ngaruawahia, £SOO a-year, a house built by Government at Kawhia, aud some allotments in the township for his children. The meeting is going on. |EY SPECIAL MESSENGER TO PRESS AGENCY.) Grey, Sheehan, aud Tawhiao’s meeting is now over. The proceedings wore far more satisfactory than those of yesterday, both sides speaking plainly aud freely. The korero commenced by Tawhiao advancing to where Grey, Sheehan, and staff were seated, saying : “ I will take up the last word spoken yesterday. X speak this day. This is the end of my words. All listen. This pakeha (Grey) is the only one who can settle the matters which divides us. Let no one else ever be sent after him. (Putting his stick to the ground.) This is hlaungatawhiri. From this place following all the turnings of Revvi to Taupo, Hauraki into the sea, and up the Mokau, belongs to me; all living within shall ba under my control. You take the other side under your Government. Another word : If roads are required to be made through any lands you must apply to me; I only can consent. Another word, about surveying lands. I only must he consulted about that matter ; no other word must be taken. Another word, for last time; I will not consent to any leasing or selling lands ; my authority must first be had. I would like to be alone consulted ; there is no other person; I alone have the word. I have nothing more to say. Sir George Grey said; You must be aware you have asked things I have uo power ovext I will tell you what I can do for you, and will if you listen to my words. You can have the light to forbid, if you think proper, to sell or lease lands within your own boundary. The Government would keep you to that, I will obtain you 500 acres of land at Ngaruawahia, where your father

was buried, for your own property. I -vill offer you £SOO per annum for your support. 1 will build you a house at Kawhia for you to hold your meetings in ; and will. grant any further sum should you require it for necessities. for your people. You can choose any lauds on the west bank of the Waipa to \V aikato Heads belonging to Government for locating your people. You may select vacau lots belonging to; Government, and any in the Waikato townships. These alone would even- ! tually become valuable properties for yonr children. I would help you to select them by going' over them, or caking them from the map. Any roads that may be necessary to be made in your territory you and myself could settle between us. As to surveying lands in your boundary, it would not be done without vour consent. It is my wisli to see you find your people occupying the lauds I propose to give back. I would get them secured to you, ff you will ibfceu to my words, through the Government, These are the things 1 can provide you. Te Tuhi Parata said : We have heard your words. It is fur a committee of Ilangatiras to decide. Yesterday wo knew you could meet and decide all questions alone. Sir George Grey said : If you please, I will put all my words into writing so that you may read aud well consider them, and in the future they will record my love for you all. I would wish you to decide this day. The Europeans are getting very numerous in New Zealand; I would like to see the native race comfortably settled in my time, as I am getting old. When young I knew your relatives, aud now I would like to see you all peacefully living with us, like one race. _lf you listen to my words, I would go with Tawhiao aud guide the whole tribe on to these lands. I have promised on the places you may decide. Tawhiao said : My last words are, I will not give it up; let all he decided to-day. Sir George Grey said : I would like our parliament to decide to-day, as you say. Tutuae Hangakau said this was the last outh which had spoken.

Sir G. Grey : If it is your wish T will write all I have said, so that you may fully consider my words. Te Ngakau said : Your words are deep in my heart. I want no writing to remember them; but you can write if you think proper. Paul of Orakei said : If you have anything more to say, this is the day while we are all hero face to face. If not, we wish now to leave.

Ngakau said : You can leave while the Premier and Mr. Sheehan are writing out the Government proposals. The Hauhaus had a discussion amongst themselves on various matters. The Hauhaus of Ngatimaniopoto declared Tarutaru Ngakau’s mouth was far too big for his rank ; he took too much on himself. Ngakau challenged anyone to rise and say who could have a better right to speak on all matters than he had, who had spoken the words for Tawhiao. None denied this, and after Sir George Grey had written out his proposals, the meeting dispersed, the King going to Mr. Sheehan’s tent to dinner. It is said the Government party will not return to-day.