TE WHITT INTERVIEWED.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2141, 31 January 1880, Page 3

TE WHITT INTERVIEWED.

NEW PLYMOUTH, Jan. 30. The “ Herald ” has published a detailed account of a visit to Te Whiti by Mrs Bartlett, of the Opuuakc Hotel. She received quite an ovation from the Maoris. Te Whiti supplied her with an interpreter, and had a long korero with her. He said she had nothing to fear. He was father to all in the district, and he would live at peace with the Europeans. Airs Bartlett was the first woman who had come to Parihaka, and he was very pleased to see her there. If she wanted anything, let him know. To Whiti then asked her if she had seen tbe prisoners when in Wellington, and all his questions she answered fully, lie said there would be no fear of any lighting taking place, fur tbe Europeans and Natives were to live peaceably together. They Lnglish he knew were a very strong people —much stronger than the Maoris, and could crush tbc Mauris to tbe ground it: (boy clmso, but be knew they would not do so. Air Gordon, who was present, asked it lie would permit of bis portrait being taken, but Te Whiti positively refused to permit it. In reply to questions, Te Whiti replied that lie would like to see tbc Governor if be would visit him in an unofficial manner. He would not ask him to come. He must come of bis own accord. He wished to be friendly with Europeans, They did not want to light them. The difficulty was about tbe land, but that could bo settled with their tongues.