WAIMATE PLAINS.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 414, 5 April 1879, Page 2

WAIMATE PLAINS.

On account of the death of Tuhiata, a chief of considerable importance at Omutiupngi (Tito Kowaru’s place), a large number of natives had gathered together on the Ist of April for the purpose of having a tangi. Amongst those present were Kateue, Te Kahn, Ngahina, Iloni Pihama, Tito Kowaru, and others of note. Mr Williams was also present. After the tangi, the assemblage constituted itself into a political meeting, and matters connected with the Waimate Plains were discussed. K.itene opened the meeting by referring to the turning off of the surveyors, and said the action of Te Whiti was wrong. He (Kateue) ridiculed Te Whiti. and said that instead of doing the work of a god, he was only doing the work of a man. If he had the great power he assumed, why not use it, so that men might see it. Instead of turning the surveyors across the Waingongora river, why did he not send all the Europeans to England, and return New Zealand to the Maoris. ButTe Whiti having failed to do that, he (Katcnc) said, “Listen to me, and I tell all assembled here that I will take all the surveyors back, as I did at the first, and I will protect them. Katcno’s speech was received in silence, with just a running comment as to his daring and straight manner of speaking. Te Kahn then rose and addressed the meeting, much after the language of the previous speaker, but not with the same decisive ring. He said it was useless to put the surveyors across the river, as the land was the same on both sides (meaning it was all confiscated). If Te Whiti did anything, ho should send the Europeans to England. The surveyors must be returned to prevent trouble. Ngahina spoke next, and said there was trouble enough without seeking more. Ho and his people would stick to the Government, and support Major Brown and Mr Williams in their work. This speech was well received. Iloni Pihama followed, and said this was Katcne’s and Mr Williams’ work. Ho had been otherwise engaged, but would support (hem. (Honi was hcreintcrrnpted, and told that Government had taken care of him Ivy giving him land at Tongahoe and Oco, theiefore ho should not speak.) Taukio and Tito Kowaru indulged in a little sparring, when the latter said he had finished his fighting at Ngutu-o-te-mauu. However, it ended in Tito speaking for Government, and for peace The Maoris generally spoke against the idea of going to war. They did not wish it. The tangi and meeting lasted two days. News from Parihaka by a native, is to the effect that To Whiti and Tohu were averse' to war. The only wai they wanted was a war of words.