THE NATIVE MEETING AT HIKURANGI.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5353, 24 May 1878, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING AT HIKURANGI.

(per press agbnov.) Tawhiao oarae near Alexandra on Saturday, on the opposite bank of the river, to witness a grand procession of Queenites in war canoes. A messenger who arrived from Hikurangi this morning reports that 2000 were present, amongst whom were very few Ngatimauiopotos. Kend is atTokanui; his settlement near Orakau in the late rains was flooded. At: Hikurangi th« water ran through the house. The natives who were under temporary cover suffered much, and are'gro wing very impatient. These ars. piles of food sufficient to last a fortnight. The numbers at Hikurangi are variously estimated at, from’2soo to 5000: The following are present :—The whole of the Waikatos, about 2000 of the Ngatiraukawas, and a small section of Ngatimaniapotos from Te Kopua, and some from Wanganui, besides Te Wheoro’s people. . Tawhiao has long been apxious, to make, the meeting the largest possible, and used every means to induce them to come long distances. The Kgatihikairo are said to have left the crops to rot. In the afternoon Sir O. Grey and , Mr. Sheehan arrived at Hikurangi, and were met by the whole of the Waikatos, ah immense multitude, and with a war dance, Tawhiao leading; them. Afterwards ’ the King paid a visit and shook hands, the whole party accompanying. Penukutu was leading the soldiers, and looks more ferocious than ever. He has a stern, determined look. His dress consisted of only odd mats. He was armed with a long spear,' with a bayonet on it. Sir G. Grey and Mr Sheehan are now exchanging civilities with the King. It is said there will be no talk to-day. Te Ngaku is here already, and is the King’s right-hand man. Hikurangi, Wednesday, May 8.

Excepting the' usual civilities extended to visitors, nothing was done here yesterday. Food was presented to Sir George Grey, Mr. Sheehan, and party, consisting of bullocks, pigs, &c. Tawhiao visited the Government party, personally seeing to their comfort, a guard being put . over them during the night. Nothing is yet known as to to-dsy’s proceedings. The Hauhaus are for having a war dance. None’ of the Ngatimaniopoto are present, which somewhat puts out the Waikatos. They say that Rewi feels himself, in a false position, and 'cannot attend the meeting in consequence of his people having sold laud. • ■ - ,

As yet nothing has been done here. Different kinds of native food have been presented to Sir George Grey and Mr. Sheehan. The I latter had some talk with Hauharu, the only Ngatimaniopoto present here. The King has been deep in consultation with his chiefs all day. > : Thursday, May 9. ;

To-day has been a lost day again. Tho Government party are in deep consultation in their tents, and the Maori King is ditto with his advisers, • including Purukutu. It waslong past noon before the ICingitea wei-e ready with fern'to spread on the bleakest, but only level spot of ground large enough to accommodate those' present. A strong bitter cold wind and lowering sky did not add to the comfort of tho proceedings. The Maoris crouched in heaps close to one. another, and this doubtless assisted to keep up the circulation of blood - but Sir George Grey, Mr. Sheehan, and party having to keep up their dignity, had no such advantage, and with the rest of the, sufferers had a miserable time of it. After; the Haukaus were ready, Sir G. Grey and Mr. Sheehan kept his Majesty’s subjects some hour longer, the patp or bell going the whole time. > Karakias were sung and chanted, before Sir G. Grey and-Mr. Sheehan’s ; arrival. Tawh’ao

addressed various hapus by name, saying that they and the Ngatimaniopotos were one, and the same from Tamaki to Mokau. On Sir G. Grey's arrival the King addressed him in a very low voice, hardly audible in the high wind, saying they had met together for a good work. Sir G. Grey replied that ho had come to unite the two races in one people. Tuhi We Eapata and Tuhoro, .the latter slightly insane, were put down by Haukauku for having made speeches. Paul Tukcre declared; them perfectly incomprehensible ; if they were men let them speak like men, so that they could understand one another; Hopa and Karr.koa also spoke on the King’s side, but avoided making any proposal or. bringing any definite business before the meeting. The Government party is strictly following suit. At the last Sir George Grey. suggested that he and Tawhiao should settle all the business between them, they knowing each other well, and ho could- lay it .afterwards before the- tribes. ' Tuhi said: “It ia'Weil.” To Aroha said ho would not ,hide .What he was''going to eay;, he did not believe in private business ; nothing should be hidden; matters should be settled openly before all. Tuhi said: “It is very cold; let us adjourn until to-morrow.”' Ts Hiari’said : “I agree

with Ta Arbha ; let nothing be hid ; adjourn.” This closed the proceedings until to-morrow-"';* Friday, MayflO. J There is an immense assemblage bf natives here. All the houses are full up.' and tents are erected on every available spot. 'Food is scarce, as the main store of provisions is hot to be broached pending the arrival of the Government party. , Saturday, May 11. Thera has been no business yet’ Yesterday' the food was distributed, consisting of 19 oaroases beef,: 270 bags flour, a quantity b£ sugar, and SO tons of potatoes. It is said by the natives that this is the largest assemblage of natives for many years. Some 4000 and upwards are here.., It was a great-sight to- see the multitude carrying food with the usual ceremonies, singing, grimacing, and dancing. A large number of natives are on duty as policemen, aud a regular patrol is carried .on. Their by-laws are very strict, aud somewhat ludicrous. It is stated that a reporter for one of the Auckland papers was en route; but was stopped at Kopua and requested to return to Alexandra' to await Sir George Grey’s arrival. The King has a guard,over his quarters,"and a regular sentry is posted. To relieve, it is presumed, the monotony, they occasionally amuse themselves by

firing shots at the trees. This brings out his Majesty, who fires several shots himself, thus showing that powder is in no way scarce. It rained here last night and up to nine this morning, which has made everything very uncomfortable. ; The roads are ancle deep in mud. To sleep here is impossible, the houses are crammed to suffocation. Card: playing goes on all night. Sir Grey and Mr. Sheehan are how most anxiously looked for. ilewi and party are not here as yet.' i; ; Hie-::i;:gi, Friday, May 10. 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 land on the right bank of the rivet, 500 acres at Ngaruawahia, £SOO a-year, a house built by Government at Kawhia, and some allotments in the township for his children. . The meeting is going on.

■ SPECIAL MESSENGER TO PKESS AGENCY.) ■Grey, Sheehan, and Tawhiao’s meeting is now over. The proceedings were far more satisfactory than those of yesterday, both sides speaking plainly and fi-eely. The kbrero commenced by Tawhiao advancing to where Grey, Sheehan, and staff were seated, saying : “I will take up the last word spoken yesterday. I 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 Maungatawhiri. From this place following all the turnings of Rewi to Taupo, Hauraki into the sea, and up the Mokau, belongs to me; all living within shall be 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 be 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 no power over.; 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 will offer you £SOO per annum for your support. I 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 lands on the west bank of the Waipa to Waikato Heads .belonging to Government for locating your people.; You may select vacant lots belonging tol Government, and any in the Waikato townships. These alone would eventually become valuable properties for your children. I would help you to select them by going ; over them, or taking, 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

your consent. - It is my wish to see you and your people occupying the lands I propose to give back.l I would get them secured to you, if you will listen to my words, through the Government. These are the things I can provide you. - ',.■ ■■ Te Tuhi Parata said : We have heard your words. It is for a committee of Rangatiras to decide. Yesterday we 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 and well consider them, and in the future they will record my Move 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 know your relatives, and now i would like to see you all peacefully living with us, like one race. If you listen to my words, I would go with Tawhiao and 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 be decided to-day. Sir , George Grey said : I would like our parliament to decide, to-day, as you say. Tutuae, Rangakau said this was the last mouth which had spoken. Sir G. Grey : If it is your wish I 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 here 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 Ngatimauiopoto declared Tarutaru Ngakau’s mouth was far too big for his rank 1 ; he took too much on himself. Ngakau challenged anyone to rise and say who could have a better right to speak on all matter’s 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. ' : - Te Awamutu, Sunday, May 12. Sir G. Grey, Mr. Sheehan, and Rewi’s meeting took place yesterday at Mr. Boss’ house, a settler at Puniu. The meeting is a private one.. , . Alexandra, Saturday, May 11. Sir G. Grey and Mr. Sheehan have returned I here. , The : Kingites ■ will consider Sir G. , Grey’s proposal. The King’s son Tu Tawhiao came here with the Grey party, Tawhiao him-

self accompanied them as far as Kaipiha. May 12. . Kewi will acknowledge any arrangement made; by Tawhiao , and Sir G. Grey, and will not interfere or allow any of bis tribe to do so. ■ Mr. Sheehan is here, and will return tomorrow. (from OCR own coehespondent.) Hamilton, Wednesday, May 16. Despite statements put about by the government of concessions from the Ngatamitfaiopoto, in return for Sir George Grey's concessions to Tawhiao, it is confidently believed that nothing has been promised by the Maoris in return; and the Ngatamaniopoto hold themselves aloof from the arrangement. This morning Kewi sent to the settlement for the Herald to see what was said concerning Sir George Grey’s meeting with him at Punui. On the report being interpreted to him, he instructed the interpreter: to wire as follows : liewi denies all the statements in Monday’s

Herald re taking a seat, in the Legislative Council, &c., nothing having been mentioned excepting conversations, of: which ’ a translation is sent. The translation is as follows On the 12th I saw Governor Grey. The first words which Governor Grey, asked me were if I had heard what had been said at Hikurangi. I answered, Yes. , i, * He then asked : Hava you heard what we said on the second day ? i I replied, Yes. 1 Mr. iGraoo then asked Are you satisfied witli what Sir George • Grey and' Tawhiao said ? i ■:. .i’ I Tasked, Is Sir George Grey satisfied ? ■ Sir George Grey then asked : Will you go with me to Parliament ? • - >J answered. No. He said : ’Why won’t you come ? r I saidWhen’ you and Tawhiao come to conclusions that enlighten me then it will be jay time to speak.

These telegrams were sent to a European jjgttler who is intimate with Rewi. '.,j.'JL'Jiis settler then applied to Rewi, saying ; I am .sorry X cannot see you again before you telegraph if it has been talked about making a railway through your, country and buying blocks of land here and there along the line. . Has youi meeting at Hokan anything to do with the meeting at Ilikurangi ? Rewi replied to this by wire at once, marking the original manuscript with his seal. He said ; As to. the question you asked me about the railway, it is not correct, as they have said that I have agreed to the railway. They did not ask me this question, to let the railway cornu on our land. All I said to them was that l was going to Mokau. Tu Tawhiao, the King’s son, and Te Ngakau returned from Taraahore to Hamiltou to-day, and remain here to-night to attend a ball given by the Hamilton contingent of. Volunteer Cavalry. _ Tbe Government’s position with the King is simply this :—The Ring made a demand. Sir G. Grey refused to comply, but made au offer which Tawhiao has uot yet accepted, and even it Tawhiao accepts, the Ngatimauiopoto will have no part in the matter.