THE PARIHAKA MEETING.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 461, 24 September 1879, Page 2

THE PARIHAKA MEETING.

(Taranaki Herald, Sept. 18).

The Parihaka meeting was commenced yesterday, at which there was a large gathering of natives. The hon Wi

Parata was among the visitors present. The usual preparations for the feast had been made, and after 2,000 pannikins were served out, it was estimated that about 300 more were required. Te Whiti gave a speech which lasted three hours. He quoted largely from the Bible; indeed, his speech was nearly made up of Scripture phrases. In alluding to the prisoners at Wollington, he said that they would not be released until he released them by the power of his spirit. If the gates of the prison were thrown open, the prisoners would not leave until he told them. He said there would bo uninterrupted peace between the two races—-the pakehaand the Maori —and that all would own him as their lord. His speech was chiefly a repetition of his previous utterances, but at one time daring its delivery he made a mysterious allusion, which is not yet understood. He placed a stone on the roof of the wliarc, and put forth a, sort of parable in reference to it, so mysterious in its nature, however, as to ho entirely beyond tho comprehension of the natives themselveo. He will possibly explain the parable before the meeting breaks up. The meeting was to bo continued to-day, and most of the visitors remained at Parihaka to be present. There were fifteen Europeans present at the mooting. Tohu, the co-prophet, did not speak yesterday, but he will most likely address the meeting to-day. On the following day, Te Whiti addressed the assemblage in much the same strain as on the previous day. He asserted that he was a supreme power on earth, having been invested by the Almighty with supreme authority. If a builder built a house, it would not stand unless he sanctioned it; if a blacksmith welded a piece of iron together, it would not hold unless he caused it to hold together ; nor could doctors perforin any cures unless his spirit was with them. He was the chief corner stone ; all people and tongues are under his sway. He dwelt for a short time on the matter of the arresting of the. prisoners. He exonerated the prisoners from all blame, and took all censure and blame in connection with their unlawful proceedings upon himself. He had caused them to free be taken prisoners, and ho alone could them from imprisonment. The natives were well pleased at Te Whiti’s words, and are as firm disciples as ever. Over 200 pigs were killed, and 4 bullocks. A number of mutton birds and several cartloads of bread wore also served out at the feast. Tito Kawaru was ill, and unable to be present at the meeting, but ho was represented by a good number of his followers. The news of the death of one of the native prisoners had not reached Parihaka yesterday, but it will, no doubt, soon be known, and there will most likely bo a great lamentation. Parihaka is nearly over-run with dogs, and it is astonishing how the natives can tolerate such a nuisance. Children are very numerous, and the result is that Parihaka is anything but a quiet retreat. One can scarcely imagine a prophet choosing such a place for performing study. The meeting will doubtless last as long as plenty of food is to bo found, as the main feature of the proceedings is continual feasting— feasting from morning till night.