THE NATIVE MEETING AT WAITARA.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 335, 3 July 1878, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING AT WAITARA.

[per press agency.] WAITARA. June 28. There is a public holiday in New Plymouth to-day, and the running of special trains has brought a number of people here. A procession of natiwes, headed by Rewi, marched through the township to the other place of meeting at 10 a.ra. Rewi addressed the various tribes, and welcomed all to Waitara. The division of food is now taking place, and the meeting will then adjourn till tomorrow at noon. June 29. The meeting continued at 3 p.m. to-day. Sir George Grey asked Rewi if he was willing that the meeting should noAV take place. EeAvi replied, this is what Ave have met for, you wish to know ray sentiments, and I am here before you. Grey: When Tawhiao sent to me to meet him at Hikurangi, I went, and he is now considering the matter over. Rewi: lam aware you were there, and I am now Avilling to speak to you. Grey : I am a friend to you Rewi, and to all of you. Rewi: lam here to listen to you. I am the man of evil, and this is the cause of my coming here, and I Avould like you and Tara to speak. Grey : Let us have a fair understanding of what you mean. ' Rewi: My word is to return the Waitara to me.

Grey : Have you anything else, say so, that we may discuss matters. Rewi : This is all my speech, and if we can come to any conclusion, railways, roads, and other matters can then be talked over.

Grey : I do not understand your words, it is getting dark, we will meet tomorrow. - Eewi : Very well ; but I will not sanction your leaving Waitara till this is finished. June 30. On Saturday morning the meeting was continued. At noon to-day Rewi said, in order to give everything clear, he wanted to speak nothing but .the ' truth, I want Waitara, this is my word, and this is what I told you to meet me here for. Grey ; I give you a fair understanding that Waitara is in our hands. Rewi : I am agreeable to your words. Both our hands are now taken off our heads, and my question is answered. Natives, and Europeans, - be not afraid, but stay quiet. Sir George Grey and myself are here, and I will not go away till this question is settled. At the conclusion of the meeting Rewi said to-day, pur bodies are joined together, but new laws will have to be made.

It will be understood by this that Rewi anticipates getting a seat in the Upper House, when the question of Waitara, &c. f can be discussed.