TE WHITI INTERVIEWED.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2317, 20 August 1880, Page 2

TE WHITI INTERVIEWED.

[By Telegraph.]

New Plymouth, August. 19

Mr 11. Graham, of Auckland, accora. panied by Mr Marsh, of Torangikateki, went on a visit to Parihaka on Tuesday returning to town last night. When they arrived at Parihaka Tohu had Kai Kai. Tohu had finished his speech. Mr Graham was invited to To Whiti’s whare, and was introduced to the prophet. Mr Graham said (addressing To Whiti), “ You saved many lives at the wreck of the Lord Worslcy. I was one of the passengers whom you saved.” Te Whiti said, “ Yes ; I recognise 3 r ou.” Mr Graham said, “ Show me your right hand that I may bo satisfied” Graham and the prophet then shook hands. Graham continued : “ You are called Te Whiti now, but I knew you in olden days as Erctu,” adding, “ You were then friendly with Europeans, how is it that now you arc causing all tins trouble with the pakchas ?” Te Whiti made no reply. After some further remarks on Maori subjects, Graham retired to his whare. Shortly afterwards he was visited by Patarea, and a conversation was entered into. Graham asked Patarea why he (Te Whiti) was causing (rouble. Patarea replied: “It will come right. We shall continue fencing. First men will go, and when they are all taken women will take their places, and when they too are made prisoners, children will go to fence, and after that Te Whiti and Tohu will go themselves to fence and will be taken prisoners.” Patarea also compared Government to Satan, and said their works are the works of Satan. He said, “ I)o think if we intended to fight we would allow all our lighting men to be taken away. We have no intention of lighting.” Graham also conversed with other natives, and they were all confident that Te Whiti would bring them out of all trouble. They were determined to abide by the counsels of the prophet to the end. Having seen the principal chiefs at Parihaka, and obtained a clear insight into their feelings, Graham took his leave and returned to town. He left for Onehunga in the Ivangatira at 5.130 to-night.