THE NATIVE MEETING.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 627, 7 May 1878, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING.

Auckland, May 6. In reference to the Kingite meeting, special telegrams state that Sir George Grey, Mr. J. Slieehan, Nahi, and Mr. Potts (a Canterbury settler and exM.H.R.) with a party of friendly native chiefs, arrived at Alexandra on Sunday night. They do not go to Hikurangi till to-morrow. There are mountains of flour piled up at Hikurangi. Tawhiao came near Alexandra, on the opposite bank of the river, on Saturday, to witness a grand procession of Queenite war canoes. A messenger who arrived from Hikuranga this morning reports that 2000 were present, among whom are very few Ngatimaniopotos. Rewi is at '''akanui—hissettlement near Orakau. The late rains flooded Hikuranga, and the water ran through the houses. The natives, under temporary covers, suffered much, and artgrowing very impatient. There are piles of food, sufficient to last for a fortnight. The numbers at Hikuranga are variously estimated at 2500 to 3000. The following are present ;—--The whale of the Waikatos, about 200Q Ngatirawakawas, a small section of the Ngatimauiopotos from Tekapua, some from VVanganui, feesides Te Wheoro's people, Tawiiaio batlong been anxious for the meeting, and has used every means to induce the natives to come long distances. The Ngatihikairo are said to have left the crops to rot.