NATIVE MATTERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5656, 16 May 1879, Page 2

NATIVE MATTERS.

SEQUEL TO THE MEETING.

(per press agency.) Alexandra, Thursday,

The Maori meeting terminated to-day. Rewi goes to Buniu to-morrow. Tawbiao’s adherents return to Hikurangi. In bidding Rewi good-bye at his tent this morning, Rewi remarked, “Do you go away satisfied ?” Reporter ; “ Yes ; greatly pleased with your straightforward conduct ; but regretful that Tawhiao's people have not made any arrangement.”—Rewi : “It will be made definite at Buniu (at Kihikihi).” Bresumably this refers to a final meeting with the Native Minister to-morrow.

During the discussion among the Kingites to-day there were some inflammatory speeches made. Rewi continually walked away to his own place. With reference to the deed produced by Rewi, which caused such consternation on Tuesday, it is drawn in Jackson’s handwriting, dated November, 1865, and is a lease by certain natives to William Jackson, Major Forest Rangers, of Waikato. The boundaries of the block commence at Buniu river, and runs round to the south side of Kakepuke to a point in the Rangitoto Ranges, along which it runs some distance. The area is 30 miles by 35 miles. The terms of the lease are a 21 years’ rental at £SO annually, with a clause that the natives shall not sell to any one but Jackson during the term of the lease. The deed is signed by three natives, and witnessed by two others, the rent to begin in January, 1866. It is believed a considerable sum was advanced. The seal bears the signature of Thomas Buddie, notary public, of Auckland. Jackson's version is that Huamamai and two or three others came to him, and offered to lease at a rental of £l5O, improvements during the lease to be compensated for afterwards. He heard Rewi had a claim of 4000 acres. Jackson saw a Hauhau, who accused him unfairly. He tore up the deed, and claimed restoration of the amount advanced. Jackson also says he rode over the block, and it took him three days. He disclaims any existing interest in the block. The private meeting of the Ngatimaniapoto chiefs was continued late last night. Wahanui frequently said he had cut off his. hands and feet in supporting the Maori King, and in leaving him he washed his hands of any consequences. Of Rewi’s action he would watch the result, and would not obstruct him. Only one Ngatimaniapoto chief held-out in favor of supporting Tawhiao. An influential Kingite chief says that Tawhiao intends to propose another meeting with the Government in December. This is authentic.

It is absolutely certain that in future Rewi will administer his own affairs within his own boundaries from Pukerehei to Alexandra to Taupo, and along the sea coast. He will not support Tawhiao’s absurd claim to dominion over the whole of New Zealand.

Early this morning, Kewi Wahanui and Tawhiao held a long discussion in I'awhiao’s house. Subsequently the Ngatimaniapotos and Waikatos held a meeting outside Tawhiao’s quarters. Tawhiao was present the greater part of the time, attired in a gorgeous striped blanket. Tawhiao’s secretary took notes of the proceedings. . He writes almost a full report of the speeches in Maori. Te Ngakau expressed disappointment at the non-fulfilment of prophecies. Some said the dead would rise, but how could that be done ? The discussion degenerated into a discursive argument respecting Tawhiao’s claim to divine right. Many uncomplimentary references were made to sectarian differences amongst the Europeans. Apop’>, a fanatic, insisted that Tawhiao’s name should he conjoined in prayers. Others contended that the Maoris should pray to Jehovah only. Te Ngakau deprecated a waste of time over religious discussions. Four poles were put up representing Protestants, Catholics, Te Kootis,.and Hau-

hauism. One chief pulled down throe poles, leaving one standing to represent Jehovah. Tire whole discussion was evidently an adroit dodge of the fanatical Kingites to prevent definite business. Te Wheoro said many years ago he offered a resting-place to Tawhiao. His (Te Wheoro) mind was now darkened because Waikato had not accepted Sir George Grey's proposals. There were now four parties among the natives. He defended the Europeans from the charge of depriving the Waikato of their lands. The Waikatos had confiscited them by selling and leasing. What was the use of talking any longer about stopping sales and leases ? Tumuturan said the Waikatos had wrought death by selling and leasing. Eewi (who was getting impatient at the idle talk, the report of which herein is condensed) said: I have looked into everything. lam the same as I was at first. All the talk of the last day I have not understood. It has been wasted. Who placed that slick there ? This is ray idea (placing the stick on his head). Tawhiao is like a unicorn. He is like my way of holding this stick. You talk of Grey going, but if you get the man that did the mischief put him down. The stump is rotten but the roots are green. Let us destroy the roots. There is a Land Court sitting now; if you have anything to say go and stop that, if you are able. Tawhiao claims to rule over lauds reaching to the South. Why do not you go and stop that portion.

Te Ngakau : If you sell or lease I will interfere. I have no land ; it has been placed under Tawhiao.

Whiti Patate : If you hear of anyone leasing or selling, go and kill him. Tduutdmd ; Vou have lost your land, and now you want to kill the men. Let those who wish to sell or lease do so ; I will not permit any killing. ’ . ,

Kbwi : I shall commence a new road, and make an end of old things, Tawhiao says leasing and felling are stopped ; but it is not so. If I saw that you could enforce I would deal with you.

Patate : You are like schoolboys crying over lost lollies. The basket broke and some slipped out. Kuku (the supposed murderer of Todd) : This is idle talk. Nothing is done. I shall protect mine.

Wahandi : Tawhiao claimed from North and South. I will look after my own land. The speaker referred to former laws promulgated by Tawhiao, and said—Nine has been lost, and only three kept. Tawhiao has said he has found no wisdom in bis chiefs, therefore he and Rewi must manage affairs. Te Awhesga contended that land owners should please themselves as to leasing or selling. There should be a definite understanding, so ■ that people should go away satisfied. , A long discussion of no public interest succeeded. Te Ngakau iu a tone of pique told Whiti Patato he had gone over to Rewi. Some inflammatory speeches were made by men o£ no rank, who suggested the killing of Europeans who occupy disputed lands, during which Rewi contemptuously walked away. Apnpo remarked to Te Wheoro—l am with you, hut you must take care of me. Towards the afternoon the assemblage dwindled down to a small number, only a few fanatics discussing Hauhauisra and endeavoring to incite mischief, but without effect.

The Kingites are evidently completely disorganised by Rewi's complete defection, and others with a strong disposition to join him. Tawhiao is now only supported by a few superstitions and ignorant Hauhau3, and a few out-laws and mischiefmakers, whose occupation will be gone when Rewi’s policy is consummated. Tawhiao bitterly complains of the blundering of his principal councillors. Tawhiao will return to Hikurangi a sadder but wiser man. He will have leisure to repent the non-acceptance of the Hikurangi programme, and will be glad to renew negotiations. The Government have reason to congratulate themselves on their happy release from the necessity of making onesided concessions, aud can calmly wait for the chestnuts to cool without risk. Tawhiao’s name will no longer be a bugbear henceforth. The Government need only act straightforwardly to Rewi, and peace and progress in settlement will he consummated.