“AT LAST."

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5435, 28 August 1878, Page 2

“AT LAST."

TO THE EDITOR OV THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. SIR, —The interesting letter of your correspondent “Norman,” in this day’s Times, relative to the meetings between Sir George Grey and other King natives, only expresses the opinions of all unprejudiced persons who have a knowledge of native character and native history. Sir George Grey trades on the general ignorance of the larger part of the community on these subjects, aud having endowed himself with a diploma as a great “ Maori Doctor," a gullible public accepts as true aud as important a great deal of what is false and frivolous. It would, however, be desirable that even such statements as he and Mr, Sheehan have to make should be laid before the'public in the form of Parliamentary papers. Hitherto we have nothing but what has been filtered through the irresponsible cbaunel of special correspondents, or the highly trustworthy columns of the Wananya. It is, I think, just a month since these documents were asked for in the House oi Representatives, and promised by Mr. Sheehan. Why are they not produced ? Is it Mr. Didshury again, or who is the scapegoat ? It may in the meantime be interesting for your readers to have an authentic account of the Hikurangi aud Punui meetings, as related in writing by a reliable native who was present at both. The document has been in my possession for some little time, and I can vouch for its genuineness. The simple narrative given in it, very strongly confirms your correspondent’s views as to the real meaning of Rewi’a and Tawhiao’s demands, and the rigmarole with which Sir George replied to them. I saw some timo ago, in a Northern paper, an account of a conversation with a Maori chief in relation to Sir George's action at these meetings, and the meaning of the natives in regard to them, which I do not think has appeared in your columns. It is stated to have occurred after the Thames and Waikato meetings, aud before that at Waitara. “ Sir George Grey,” said the astute native, “is like a wild bullock that a man is trying to break in to the yoke. First, he gets him into a stockyard; then he throws a rope over his horns; then he passes the rope with a round turn round cue of the posts; the bullock stands still, so does the man; suddenly the bullock makes a rush, the man hauls in the slack; then the bullock stands still again; then he makes another rush, then the man again hauls in the alack. Till at last he gets the bullock close to the post with his head to the ground, he slips on the yoke, and the bullock is done for. That is what we are doing with Sir George Grey. The meeting at the Thames was when we got him into the stockyard, and put the rope upon him; at Hikurangi, Tawhiao took in the slack; afterwards Rewi took in a little more at Punui; aud by-aud-bye you will see he will be tied up at Waitara, with his head close to the post, and the Maori yoke will be put upon him, and an iron ring in bis nose, by which they will lead him wherever they please.” All the time that Sir George Grey imagines himse'f to have been doing great strokes of diplomacy, the natives have been quietly laughing in their sleeves at his simplicity, and leading him on to promise them all the west side of Waikato, all Waitara that is not yet granted by the Crown to Europeans, large annuities, and recognition of kingship and the right of governing a considerable portion of the native race.—l am, &0., Detective.

. Hikurangi. May, 1878. On the eighth day Grey reached Kikurangi, on the ninth tho talk began. Tawhiao stood up and said: “ This is my word to Ngatimaniapoto, to Manga, Wahanui, Taonui. Tuhoro, and Paku; listen to mo. Ngatirumii, Whiti, and Tohu, listen to me. Whanganui, listen to me. To Heulieu, listen to mo. _ NgiUraukau, listen to me. Ngatikahunu, listen to mo. Ngatiporou, listen to me. Ngatiwhakane. listen to me. Ngaiterangi, listen to me. The tribes of this island, tho p'ople of this island. Tamaki is the bow. Mokau is the end (or stern.) This is one end, this is the other end. These two tribes, Ngatimaniapoto and Waikato are one people. They are number one. Divided they are two. These words are being spoken to the people." Grey then came, and tho King stood up and said : “This is my word. Grey, listen you to me.” Ho then drew a fern stalk out of the pocket of his coat, and holding it level before him said; “O, Grey, mo on this side and you on the other side. I will govern on this side and you will govern on that side. Another word of mine,” holding up his finger, “this is tho law, this is the Deity, this is love (or good feeling)." Then Grey said : “ I have heard the words, Tawhiao, that you have spoken. It is right. It was love (for you) that brought me to Whakairoiro. It is love that has brought me to Hlkurangi to see you and your people. Great is the thankfulness and gladness of my The King stood up and planted the stick (in the ground) in front of Grev. Ho then said: “This is Mangatawhiri— me on this side, you on that side ; down the current of Waikato, winding, win ting, right to the entrance. It goes up the river Mangatawhiri, winding, winding, ascending, descending (over the) high mountain to Iwirahirahi, Taupo (Frith of Thames). Drive all the pakehas of this Island to the other side of Mangatawhiri. There is but one day to close this matter. Listen to my word. If a man surveys, I will not consent. Look to mo ; it is for me, it is for me to decide. If a man leases, I will not consent. Look to me ; it is for me. it is for roe to decide. If a man sells (land), I will not consent. Look to me ; it is for me. it is for me to decide. If a man opens a road, I will not consent. Look to mo ; it is for me, it is for me alone to decide. This is a lasting word (determination) of mine.” Then Grey said; “Tawhiao. I have heard your words. I have not tho power to agree to your request. All that I can do for you is this : The west aide of Waikato to the outside (coast line) ; this is the thing that I have the power to perform in answer to your word (request). This is for your people to live upon. _ I will also give you five hundred acres at Ngaruawahia. near the grave of your father, foryou and your children to live upon. I will build you a good house there, and I will give you for your own support £SOO per annum, besides a larger sum of money for you to distribute among your people. I say also that some acres may be selected for you in towns. If you are agreeable we will go together and select a place that you would approve as a settlement for your people and their children, that they may become prosperous. But I would prefer that we should both go to the Parliament, and there consult about what wo have been talking over here, that it may bo properly ended.” The King then rose. " There will not bo any extension of the time. This is the day. This ismy Parliament, or Parda (Perdata rami). There is only one day ; this day ends it. Grey said : “ Finish this talk IHa day. that the ending may be good. Lot ray words ne written on paper, that you and your people may consult about them.’ Grey came to Manga, at Punul, on the 12th May. Grey said to him; “Have you heard about mineand Tawhiao’s talk?”

Manga: “Yes.” „ • ... Grace said: “Do you approve of what was said by Tawhiao and Grey?” Manga: “ Does Grey approve of his talk with Tawhiao?” ' _ Grey; “ Would you not like to go with mo to rarliamont ?”

Manga: “No.” ~ .... Grey; “ What is tho reason why you would not liko to go with me to Parliament ?” „ . , , Manga: “When you and Tawhiao have finished your talk (come to an understanding), if it agrees with my thoughts, then it will be right and clear.”