PARIHAKA MEETING.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 437, 21 June 1879, Page 2

PARIHAKA MEETING.

A Press Aoenot telegram, dated New Plymouth, Juno 19, says:—At the Farihaka meeting eight hundred were present, including women and children. Hiroki was present, but made no desplay. After feasting Te Whiti spoke for half-an-hour. It was a mere repitition of recent orations. He said he was only the director of affairs. War might be favoured by evil men, but he was a man of peace. The only allusion made to the ploughing was a scriptural quotation, applying to himself, u H« mafeeth his messengers spirits and his ministers a flaming fire,” meaning that his servants went arid returned like spirits at his bidding, and were not to be injured with impunity. The speech was short, mystical, and disappointing. Te "Whiti was the only speaker. 1 After the speech, the remains of the feast, including preserved albatross and eels from the Chatham Islands, were distributed. Four Europeans who were present were kindly-received. The people were clean, sober, well behaved, and industrious; bnt anxious as to the intentions of the Government.

Parihaka is situated in a most defenceless position, in a hollow, on the banks of the Waitotoko, commanded by several volcanic bills. There is no sign of Any attehpt at defence, and not more than 250 fighting men present; majority non-residents.