THE NATIVE MEETING.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2999, 6 November 1882, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING.

[By Telegraph J , Alexandra, Noy. 5., Mr Bryce met Tawhiao at II o’clock' yesterday morning, in the big house at Whatiwhatihoe, some 300 persons being present. Tawhiao said the people were there to listen, not to speak. He would keep on his own side, but would be willing to learn from the Europeans. He had not from the beginning separated from the Queen. Ho loved the Pakeba, but he must keep his “ iriana.” ' ” ; Mr Bryce said this was the day for a decisive answer, which had not been given. The proposals he had made were so good and liberal that He would be blamed through parts of the colony for making them. If they were accepted they must be so in plain words and not in dark sayings. If not accepted to-day they would be definitely withdrawn. He did not expect that he should ever think it right to make them again. He left this afternoon for Auckland, and should take his proposals with him. He was entitled to a plain answer. Tawhiao said with much deliberation, quite solemly—“lt is good ! It is good! Go back and think over what is said. Don’t take your proposals with you.”. Mr Bryce said Tawhiao expected him to turn the proposals over in his mind. In other words, Tawhiao wished to keep his “ mana” as King. He toldhimand his tribe if this was the end, a dark day for Tawhiao and his people haddawned. The opportunity was passing away. He spoke in love to the people, and should leave in deep sorrow if his offers were rejected. If there was any man of influence there, a friend of Tawhiao, let him stand up and urge the acceptance of the proposals. If he went away thus he should leave much cause for sorrow, behind.

Wahanui rose and depreciated haste and objected to Tawhiao losing : his “ mana,” a thing in itself sufficient for long consideration. The light was coming in upon them. They were_ not going back into darkness and isolation. _ Mr Bryce pointed out that Wahanui touched on the main objection to the proposals in the loss of the “ mana ” of Tawhiao, but he never had, and never would acknowledge any other authority

in New Zealand than the: Queen’s, What was claimed thy Tawhiao was only the flitting shadow of authority, and the;shadow.itself ivas passing away. If the King movement were to he removed let it be done properly, and not by the defectiqn of- .individuals. He had no faith on the morrow. To-day only was ours. ; Wahanui law the cause was drifting away. . ■ Wahanui rose and said the flowing of the tide was regulated by God, but thera were people who troubled the waters. There was-no trouble-in the beginning of the. Queen’s sovereignty The trouble came afterwards by degrees. Mr Bryce had said two sovereignties were not wanted in this Island, but who sent for them ? i Mr Bryce, replying, said'Wahanui had left the main point out of his second speech, which was inconsistent with his first. If they were prepared to, accept the Queen’s authority, let Tawhiao get up and say so, when the two races would be one. Wahanui, speaking with some zeal, said Mr Bryce had told them that the flood of civilisation could not be stopped, but he could stop it with God’s help. They might take all that was offered, but they could not give up the King’s mana.” Mr Bryce, again replying, said no good could arise from discussing old affairs. What evil could result from the “ mana ” of the Queen , being reestablished ? If no evil could accrue, let it be done at once. , Wahanui had said he was_a strong man, and could keep back tho flood, but. he . should remember that he had friends drowning in the flood be was attempting to stay. Instead of.floihg so let him rather help to build the canoe and save the people." If Wahanui understood the grave importance of the decision the Maori people came to to-day, well and good; He (Mr Bryce) would go away knowing he had done his duty to the colony and the Maori people. He should never reproach ' himself with not having been more kind to them. The burden wias now shifted from his shoulders to those of others. His last word to Wahanui was that he was sorry, not angry, and his last word to Tawhiao was this, “ Was there any other reply ?” After a pause, Mr Bryce continued ; “ It is right the whole people should hear Tawhiao’s reply, .which, was that tho responsibility of accepting or deolinin g the offers was thrown on Wahanui, and they were rejected." , Mr Bryce then rose and left the house and grounds.