THE PARIHAKA MEETING.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2369, 20 October 1880, Page 2

THE PARIHAKA MEETING.

[By Telkguaph.] Nkw Plymouth, Oct. 10. The monthly Pnriliaka meeting was held on Sunday, and was attended by about 1000 natives, including women and children. A large number of Europeans were also present, including two ladies, Messrs Parris, and Thomson (Government interpreters), and Messrs Carrington, Messenger, Hartington, and bhaw, from Auckland. The natives, as usual, were very attentive to the Europeans, providing for their wants and showing general hospitality. The meeting took place about ten o’clock on Sunday morning, in the large square or marai set apart for the meetings. Te Whiti was calm and dignified during the delivery of his address, which lasted for about an hour. He said the Europeans need not fear on account of the prisoners returning to New Plymouth, for were all tiie prisoners to be liberated there would be no fighting or disturbance of any kind. The time for disputing had ended. The natives would find redress for their wrongs in a manner and at a time they did not expect. They must remain faithful to him and all their troubles would soon be at an end. Tohu then followed in a speech which contained little or no matter of general interest, but referred chiefly to the conduct of one native toward another. He advised them to cherish brotherly affection, and to remain loyal to Te Whiti and himself. None of the prisoners who were liberated appeared at Parahaka, and the Taranaki “ Herald ” hears they have no intention of going there until sent for by Te Whiti. The natives do not oppose the Constabulary now in any way. They go down to cultivate regularity, but make no attempt to fence on the road, or even to fix green boughs in the road. They say that their object in going near the camp is to look after their cultivations. The meeting was of short duration, and most of the natives returned home on Monday, passing through town to-day.