NATIVE MEETING AT PARIHAKA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2184, 18 March 1880, Page 3

NATIVE MEETING AT PARIHAKA.

(By Telegraph.) HAWEEA, March 17. The half-yearly meeting of natives at Parihaka was held to-day. The number was estimated at 2000 natives, and about 60 Europeans. Great preparations had been made in the way of food about 50 pigs and 100 sheep being slaughtered. 200 large baskets of bread, 300 Id's of melons, and 30 boilers of tea were also provided. After the food had been distributed, Te Whiti spoke. His words were not very definite, but throughout there was a tone of peace. He referred to the presence of the Constabulary on the plains as a proof that the Europeans desired war, and to make the natives fight for land. As the land belonged to the natives, they had no occasion to fight. There were two things he wished to state. First, that the floods had subsided, and would never again come on the earth; and secondly, that the natives were not to step outside of whatever he apportioned or measured out. Parihaka was sacred, and a sure refuge for all natives. Tohu spoke, and said the Europeans desired war. They had brought their guns and bayonets, and flashed them in the eyes of the Maoris. They were also making roads with shovels. All this meant war. The meeting then stopped for refreshment.