THE PARIHAKA MEETINGS

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 501, 20 March 1880, Page 2

THE PARIHAKA MEETINGS

(Special to Wanganui Chronicle). Opdnake, March 18. At the Parihaka meeting yesterday, about 2,000 Maoris were present, composed of natives from Waikato to Wellington.' There was a great distribution ot food. About II o’clock. Te Whiti commenced speaking, by saying that “his talk that day would be short. There were two questions—the land, and the soldiers. Although the white men and Government, and a great many Maoris, wanted to bring trouble upon the land, he would not allow it. He was speaking to both races. The things for which they were assembled to-day will not take place. All things I have arranged for are fulfilled this day. Whatever is the desire of white men will not be brought forth this day. If Maoris from Waikato to Wanganui want to bring trouble, and Government have taken possession of the land, I will not let them bring trouble upon you. Some Maoris are anxious to get silver in their hands for the laud. I will not let trouble come amongst your land in tny keeping. If yon sell land, and get money, you will spend it in drink and other wickedness. All who say there will be war are telling lies; although all may strive, this water (blood) shall not be spilt upon the earth. Although kings and governors try to bring on war this day, I will not allow it. I will have peace throughout the world. I will not allow the dog (European) to lay hold of the pig (Maori). Drink has brought you to this foolishness. The bayonet is flashing before my eyes, and is piercing my sides this day, but trouble (war) shall not come upon you. Government are trying to provoke war; I will prevent it. There shall be no differences between the races. I will not allow this water to be spilt upon earth. Although Government go in for might, wisdom, and power, I will not allow it. I am God of all. All the earth belongs to me. No tronblo shall come upon you. Your land shall not depart from you.” Tolu; followed, and said much the same. Tc Whiti spoke in the afternoon upon the same subject. He ridiculed Government for making roads, and said it was done out of spite, II; said the roads (from Waingongoro to kTom-y River) would never meet. He seemed very sore upon this point, but preached peace, and said that, although many of bis followers wanted to resist, they must not. Commissioner Williams had a long talk with him in bis wharo in the evening. He told him Government did not wish fighting, but as he had turned off t lie surveyors when unarmed, Government thought fit, when it was decided to make the roads, to send armed men to enforce the law of confiscation. To Whiti is wry ponri about the matter, but, sees it is useless to contend against such an armed force,and counselled ids followers strongly for peace, and to give all things into his hands. About 501) men, able to lake the field, were present. There were HO speakers against L’ni. Ho was’ much disappoint?'] that some of the GoYernuieut woi'e hoi there io argue the point, lie disapproves of the Commission, and says that the claims cannot go before the Law Courts. He has tho disposal of the laud, as it is in his keeping. Titokowaru was present, and spoke to much the same effect in the wharc at night.