The Native Minister and Tawhiao.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1048, 14 March 1882, Page 2

The Native Minister and Tawhiao.

We take the following from the N.Z. Herald:— “ It will be seen that Tawhiao has definitely refused to see Mr Bryce. He states that he has nothing to say to him, having expressed himself to Mr Hall. He will enter into no negotiation till after the meeting in May. Mr Bryce will not now seek for an interview, so that it is certain there is no possibility of such an event taking place. Tawhiao has also indicated his will to Eewi that he should have no further negotiations with the Govern, ment; that everything should be suspended till after the gathering in May. The question now arises will the Native Minister on his side acquiesce in that arrangement, and leave all matters standing till the meeting. It is veiy doubtful whether Mr Bryce, or any other Minister will be able to attend a meeting in Waikato in May. Parliament will meet in that month, and all the Ministers will be busy in Wellington. It is extremely doubtful besides whether it would be worth the while of any Minister to represent the Government at the meeting. So many disappointments have arisen through concluding thatsome particular gathering of Maoris was to inaugurate a new era, that Ministers and everybody else may be excused for being sceptical. At all events, Ministers cannot be present in May, so that only one party will be represented. If any step is now to be taken, it rests with Mr Bryce. Tawhiao has made it clear that at present he will not say or do anything further.” Henare Kaihau went on a visit to the King at Whatiwhatihoe, near Alexandra, with the intention of asking Tawhiao if he would send an invitation to Mr Bryce to visit him (Tawhiao) at Alexandra. Henare Kaihau returned to Auckland on Saturday evening (4th inst.) He states that he saw Tawhiao at Alexandra, and spoke to him about inviting Mr Bryce to meet him at that township, adding that Mr Bryce would not go unless he received a direct invitation. To this, Henare Kaihau states, Tawhiao replied as follows : — “ Kua tae noa mai te rongo ote Paraihe kikonei a etatari ana nga Pakeha me nga Maori ki a ia; engari e koro ahau e kaha kite tino kii kia haero ake i runga i te mea ehara tenei i te tino kainga oku hei taengaatu mana, tetehi heoiano te wa pai he taenga mai mona ko te wa ote hui kia rongo katoa ai nga Maori me nga Pakeho i a mana korero, a nana ano tenei taone a Areka me haere noa ake ia." (Translation.) “ Some time ago the intelligence in relation to Mr Bryce’s visit reached [us], and the Europeans and Maoris are awaiting his arrival here, but I have not strength to fully say that he shall come hither, on account of this place not being my real settlement, where he could be received as [my] guest. Another point is this: The right period for his visit will be the time of the meeting [the announced meeting in May next], when all persons, both Europeans and Maoris, will be able to

hear our speeches; and this town (Alexandra) being his (Mr Bryce’s) he can visit it [without invitation].” It seems that prior to his visit to Waikato Senate Kaihau asked the Native Minister if he (Kaihau) should ask for an invitation on his behalf. To this Mr Bryce replied in a decided negative, adding that if Henare said anyto Tawhiao on this matter he must say it on his own responsibility. Henare proceeded to Waikato, saw Tawhiao, and received the above reply. A. relation of Paora Tuhaere, of Orakei, who has been on a visit to Whatiwhatihoe to get the invitations to the May meeting stamped with Tawhiao’® stamp, states that while he was there Tawhiao received the news of the interview between the Native Minister and Rewi, and that he immediately sent a messenger to Rewi, telling him not to discuss matters, nor to take any further action until after the meeting in May. Copies in Maori of the report of the interview between the Native Minister and Rewi were forwarded this morning to Tawhiao, Rewi, Wahanui, and ■other leading chiefs in Waikato and the “ King ” country.