THE NATIVE MEETING AT PARIHAKA.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 410, 22 March 1879, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING AT PARIHAKA.

(Wellington Chronicle). Takikg a surface view of the question, there appears to be very little importance in the great native meeting at Parihaka. Yet there is probably more in the affair than appears at first sight. Te Whiti, the noted prophet of the West Coast, had been vaguely hinting of ythat great things were going • to. happen at this March meeting. It was mystically hinted that “ the King of Peace” was to come, that all the disagreements between the two races .were to cease, and that generally a sort of millennial was to be brought about. Of course, to the. European mind all this sounds as sheer nonsense, but to the Maoris it assumes a different aspect... . Indeed, if a prophet like Te Whiti will see visions, dream dreams, and receive alleged supernatural communications, it is a matter ot great importance that the outcome of his visions should be the advocacy of peace between the two races. If Te Whiti chose to say that he had received the divine command to drive the Pakeha into the sea, the vigorous promulgation of such'views might • create an infinite amount of mischief. As matters stand, Te Whiti talks peace, and it is therefore very prbbiible'ibat the survey, sale, and and-occupation of the Waimate Plains will be accomplished without any*, disturbance. At the same time there is every reason tor. the .Government to be on their guard, and adopt every possible precaution and care in carrying out this important work. Aiiy native Outbreak which might take place would be purely local in its character. If the Armed Constabulary Force in the ; district is maintained at a proper strength, it would be quite competent, to quell or put down any acts of native disturbance. But while the Government should adopt an attitude of firmness and preparation to the natives they should also do something to conciliate them. Liberal reserves out of the confiscated lands ought to be set apart for them.. This we have been informed will be done. Reverting to the matter of this native meeting we do not perceive, so. far, that anything particular was done. Certainly the dead did not rise, as prophesied. Nor has the “ King of Peace” put in’ an appearance as yet. But there has been lots of feasting, some mystical speaking, and a' terrible amount of free love performances, which . the rigid moralist must alike condemn and deplore. Perhaps something further will come of this meeting ere it closes, but up tb the present nothing, special has transpired. It is a noteworthy feature that Hiroki, the supposed murderer of McLean, was present at this meeting, and strutted about before the Europeans with gestures of defiance. This man.. ought -to be arrested and brought'to trial; We believe his arrest could be effected if the work were gone about in the right way/. ,