NATIVE GATHERING AT KAUARAPAWA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 6118, 11 November 1880, Page 3

NATIVE GATHERING AT KAUARAPAWA.

The Wanganui journals give narratives of the proceedings of the natives on the work of marking the boundaries of the large tract of country to which the various Wanganui tribes lay claim, and which work it was decided at a native meeting, held in Ranaua in September last, should be"commenced this month. On the Ist instant the lower river natives met at Kauarapawa, to the number of about one hundred, and on the afternoon of the next day the approach of visitors from the upper waters of the Wanganui was signalled, seven canoes, including three large war canoes, ail fully manned and flying British flags, hove in sight, and came down the reach towards the pah at a great pace. There was a general turn-out of the lower river natives to welcome their arrival, and they were received in orthodox Maori fashion ty the waving of garments and the firing of guns. The new comers, who numbered about two hundred men, and were under the leadership of Kemp, had journeyed that morning from Banana — a distance of about fifty miles. They at once landed, and set about getting some food, and pitching their tents, each tribe taking up a separate position on the ground. At three o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, the ceremony which had brought so many of the natives together was performed. The post, which had been prepared beforehand, was a very substantial affair, about thirty feet long and stout in proportion. It had three figure heads carved on it by a Maori artist, and was painted red. It was at once hoisted on to the shoulders of thirty or forty of Kemp’s m°n, placed in a canoe, and taken towards its destination. Then the men again raised it on to their shoulders, and carried to the top of the hill, where a temporary flagstaff had already been set up. Close by the flagstaff a hole was dug, and soon the first of Kemp’s new landmarks was firmly fixed in the ground. At the earns time two remarkably well designed flags were hoisted on the flagstaff, not however, without an unlucky omen, for the halliards broke, and the many colored banting fell to the ground. The flagstaff was lowered, and replaced some novel hauling gear—improvised ont of part of an old spade—had been affixed to the top. Then the Maoris pulled with a will, and soon the two emblematic ensigns were floating in the breeze. The upper one had a blue ground, with the Union Jack in the left band top corner. In the centre of the flag was a picture of Tongariro, with a Maori chief in proper costume standing on its summit. His right arm was outstretched, and his hand held a Maori spear, with which he pointed towards a half-moon and star. The chief was intended to represent Kemp, and the portrait was rather like him. The lower flag had a green ground, the Union Jack in the corner, and in the centre a red star with blue points, with 1880 emblazoned on it. This was the handiwork of Mr. Blake. After the post had been secured and the flags hoisted, Kemp stepped close up to the post, and addressed the assembled natives in a speech of about five minutes' duration. They were, be said, gathered there that day to carry out the work of marking the boundaries. That post was the first of the marks, and it was like a tree which in due time would blossom and bring forth fruit to support the poor, and the widow and orphan. The pest was erected on their own land, which had been handed down to them by their ancestors. The land there— Knaomoa—belonged to them, notwithstanding that a portion of it had been clandestinely taken in the absence of some of the owners at Paribaka. He said that no one would be hurt by what he did. He complained that the Native Land Court was going to be held at Tanpo, and said his people would not attend. When Kemp bad concluded, Poari, the blind chief of Coriniti, came forward with a bottle of wine which he broke on the post, saying be hoped the work would prosper, and—using the same simile as Kemp that the post would grow into a tree and blossom for the good of the tribes. Then a party of fourteen of Kemp’s men, armed with Minie rifles, fired three volleys of blank cartridge ; and amidst cheers and shouting the _ assemblage dispersed to their quarters. The proceedings were orderly, and there was no drunkenness observable. Kemp’s original intention was to go right round the land claimed, putting posts in at short intervals, but the great length of time which this would have taken, and the expense it would have involved, have determined him to considerably modify his plan. The whole of the boundary ■will not be traversed, but posts will be put in here and there in specially selected localities. On the 37th instant one will be erected at Matemateaonge, near Patea. The party will start from Pipiriki.