NATIVE GATHERING AT WAITOTARA.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 215, 2 May 1877, Page 2

NATIVE GATHERING AT WAITOTARA.

Waitotara is aFpresent alive with excitement, by reason of the large number of Natives who have assembled to discuss, and, if possible, amicably arrange as to disputed boundaries. What is wauled is that Natives desiring to sell land may be permitted to do so without fear of bite;I‘cicncc afterwards on the part of nonsellers. It; non-sellers could be got to agree to hold their own, and allow others who want to sell to do so, one great hindrance to the acquisition of native lands by government would be removed. The natives have to settle amongst themselves the homidarv question—that, in fact, is the chief object of the meeting, the power to stop sales ol: land on the part of those opposed thereto, leaving been very much weakened of late, on account of the growing desire on the port of large numbers ol: native owners to turn portions of their land into money. Up to Saturday last about 300 visitors bad arrived, amongst whom were some celebrated chiefs and renowned lighting men from far and near. Tho accommodation in the shape of whares at the pah is considerable, but quite inadequate for the number then present. Tents and raupo sleeping places were being ilxctl up in all directions. Up-river natives had sent down abundant supplies of potatoes, knmeras, pig-q and oilier food relishablc to their own people. Quito an array of canoes lined tho side of the river. Two or three dray loads of beef had been sent b}' Kai Iwi natives. All sorts of conveyances might be seen about the settlement, from the most fashionable make of buggy to rickety old drays. Horses were also well represented, one large paddock adjoining the settlement being- alive with them.

The visitors arrived in parties during- the past week. Those living near came on foot or in canoes, whilst those from more distant places arrived on horseback. It was a truly novel sight to see one party after another —comprising men, women, and children —-some well and neatly dressed, others decked out in gaudy colors, winding down the hill to the township, through which they had to pass to roach the native settlement. Each party on arrival was welcomed in true Maori fashion. A portion of Saturday was devoted to killing live stock, and on Sunday slaughtered pigs could be seen on small stages all over the settlement. Judging by the heaps of kits of potatoes, and the large number of slaughtered animals to be seen, there should bo no lack of provisions for some time to come. In addition to flesh moat and potatoes, there was a plentiful supply of ilonr, biscuits, &c. The visiting natives expressed entire satisfaction at the ample provision made in the victualling department. The women folk were busy cooking most of the day, in their own old-fashioned way. It seemed to bo a work of delight. As the food was cooked, it was placed in newly-made flax kits, the size of ordinary baking dishes, and a procession being formed, the women inarched off to the large meeting- house, headed by two men with a huge boiler of soup, and placed the food before the visitors. The greatest harmony appeared to prevail, and the general impression appeared to be that the result of the meeting would _ be that arrangements suitable to all parties would be agreed to. Tuesday, it was said, would be the feast day, and the talking would probably take place ip the open air in the evening. About two hundred natives wore expected to arrive on Monday from Wanganui. All was in readiness for their coining, after which the real business—feasting and talking—would begin.