NATIVE MEETING.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 264, 1 May 1860, Page 4

NATIVE MEETING.

(From the Wellington Independent.) A meeting was held on Tuesday last, iv tbe Provincial Council Chamber, Wellington, from whioh it is hoped the happiest effects will result. At the meetiug of the Bench of Magistrates on the 3rd in3t., it was resolved to issue circulars to the chiefs iv the neighborhood, requesting them to attend an adjourned meeting of the Bench, and in tho spirit of frank expression, mutually aquaint each other with, the.ir views oa the matters now forming the one subject of interest to both laces alike. A large number of magistratas accordingly assembled on Tuesday, and were joined by about fifty natives of note, and a hundred of inferior rank. The two former occupied the body of the Chamber while the latter took possession of the upper gallery. The Superintendent, Mr. Hansoa, Turfcon, the Bishop of Wellington, the Bey. Messrs. Kirton Vicers, Mr. F. D. Bell, Mr. Woodward, and other members ofthe Exeoutive, &c, (,%c.,-were present, as were also the following Magistrates, viz:—Messrs. Strang, SchuUze, Lion, Eiisha Smith, Moore, Carkeek, Valentine Smith, Trafford, Waring Taylor, Hunter, Wakefield, Levien, Ludlam, Hart, Fitzherbert, Carlyon, Bannatyne, Park, Crawford, Rhodes, aad Ferard (R.M.) Mr. Strang having been called to the Chair, opened the proceedings shortly after one o'clock by requesting the Bey. Mr. Buller, who had consented to act as Interpreter, to inform the natives of the desire of the Magistrates to live in a friendly and' peaceful manner with the natives, and also of their desire that they should unreservedly express their sentiments. On its being suggested that the Chairman should call upon some ofthe Chiefs, present, he named E Puni, as the Chief who had welcomed the settlers on their arrival twenty years ago, and had ever since manifested the feelings of the greatest regard for them. To Puni Te Honiana (better known as E Puni,) responded to the call, and with that quiet dignify which is so characteristic of the old man, reviewed the principle circumstances of his early life, his departure from Taranaki, and hia settlement at Port Nicholson, and then expressed himself as having always looked upon the while poopla as his children; Dicky Barrett and others, who had arrived here before tho colonists, and told him that ,large numbers of soldiers were coming. He was glad to hear it, as he felt they would be a protection against tiie attacks of those tribes who were at enmity with, the Ngatiawa. Col. Wakefield afterwards came, and he (E Puni) received him as a son. His love to tbe colonists had always great, theirs toward him could not equal it, but must be comparatively small. In that spirit he came to-day, and it depended on the colonists whether it was to remain undisturbed. Many falsehoods hud recently been circulated regarding him. He did not know who were the authors, Europeans or natives. Let us, however, said ths old man, bo energetically, all be as one, you loving mo and I loving you. If our' union be broken, let ifc be the work of those who may como from a distance, not by those who aro here. He concluded by repeating his expression of love and fidelity. Tainihana Te Rauparaha said he lived at Otaki, and he wished bis elder brethern the Magistrates to listen that they might understand how matters stood at the present time. They all kew him to be the son of the great Chief Te Rauparaha, and that his words would ba reported among the natives at Taranaki. His thoughts toward the colonists were good, and always would be so ; hia words were " let us all stick together." He had been to England, and though he was poor, he had been every whsre well treated. He was desirous of living friendly with the colonists, aud be wished therefore to caution them against reports of their taking up arms, they were all false. The natives in this neighborhood had lived so long in peace, that they had forgotten the art of war. He hoped nouc of the magistrates would entertain the ideathat they wished for war. That was left to Taranaki. It was always a troublesome place ; formerly they were fighting among.themselves, now they were lighting tha Europeans. Te Puni's thoughts were good, he was an old and tried man. What he (Raupara) said was not much, it was sincere from the heart. He then addressed the natives very energetically, and j hoped they would not bring any evil native to justice;/they should also spfead' the. report,' lof the meeting wherever they went, and he

knew their countrymen would be gratified at it. It was weU the magistrates had assembled them together, and they would hear from Taroia the satoe sentiments as had already' been expressed. He concluded by expressing the hope that they would all, (Europeans and Maories,) cleave; together in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matini Te Wiwi saluted his European brother!). All that he had to say would be directly to the purpose. It was well-known, that, the Maori were a foolish people, fond of walftthey had inherited it from their forefathers. 'The arrival of the Europeans had been their salvation, They had ever since been trying to live friendly, eaoh trying to live with the other, just as the Europeans lived, who treated all alike, whether great or small. It was an unfortunate affair at Taranaki; but let those who had assembled together here, agree that there should only be one thought and one cause in their midst. Addreesing himself to his own people, he alluded to the trouble that had been taken to call them together by circular, and pointed out that land was the cause of fights, and that the pakehas themselves were always friendly. Matini's address was an excellent specimen of native oratory, bis action being very telling.

Porutu, speaking most energetically, said, What I have to say is, that I and Te Puni belong to the Queen. Myself, wife and child,, all belong to tho Queen. Many have known- me for a long time, and they know me well. I agree with what has been said. My knowledge is confined to this place, aud I oannot express the thoughts of those who are at a distance, but all my people are friends of the Queen. If anything mischievous was designed, all would alike suffer.. If they cut your neck they would cut mine too. lam a Maori in appearance and color, but my heart is the same as the pakehas. It was wrong to say the Maories would injure the colonists. Why should they injure those to whom they are so much indebted. Tamihana te Rauparaha knew what took place up the coast, why did he not tell them that some evil was going to take place. Had he not ears. Yes. But. if there was nothing for him to hear, ;bow could he speak.

Heneri Te Puni (son of Te Puni), concurred in what had been said. The thoughts expressed were those which were felt by all. The natives were now few, and the Europeans many. They were all one. He represented the feeling of the younger men; what had been said was their feeling. He, like Porutu, could not answer for natives at a distance, but he could for such as lived here. It was true that there was a relationship between them and those at Taranaki; but what of that. Let those that aro at Taranaki follow their own will; and those who are here at peace, remain in peace. He was sincere in declaring that all who were connected with him were iv effect pakehas. He hoped the natives of Wairarapa would be the same as those of Port Nicholson. Strife was Maori, peace was pakeha. It was the confusion of the Taranaki natives that had caused them to assemble to-day. The were not indifferent to the. cause of the fight. They had thought a good deal about it, but he could express no opinion as to whether it was Wi Kingi, or the Governor, o, the Governor's servants, who were at fault. If there were any of the Maories who wanted to play the soldier, let them go to Taranaki, and so with the pakehas, let them go there too. If the natives came from Taranaki here, then' all, Maories ancl settlers alike, would stand on the defensive. Nopera said they had met together to express their feelings to tho pakehas, those from whom they bad experienced benefits in time past. Those who were preseut represented the neighboring tribes, they desired to oleave to the law of the Queen and of God. It was his desire to cleave to the Europeans for ever. Horomona would declare the thoughts that were seated fcin his own breast. The pakehas had brought them many advantages. The kindness of God had been manifested iv sending them the rule ef the Queen. The word of God told them that allmen --natives and pakehas, —should live together in love. Should anything happen hereafter, he wished them particularly to remember the words of today. They were only answerable for the natives of this neighborhood, not for those at a distance. Parakaia : The natives bad been" invited by circular, and the resident chiefs had expressed their views, he was one who,had'coma from some distance to express liko views. This was the means of binding them together. Let them be strong in themselves that they might effectually shut out those who desired to do badly. It was not likely that the natives wished to return to the evil practices they bad long since abandoned. God had commenced a good work iv them and would carry ifc on. Their minds should be one, so that in the future they should remember to put down evil, that the power and authority of God should be upon all of us.

Manibera (Ngahauranga) all their thoughts had been expressed by Te Puni and others. They were all one What Heneri Te Puni had said was tbe thought of them all. It was not likely that Te Puni should be of one mind and his childreu [i.e. the chiefs and members of the Ngatiawa tribe} should be of another. Tlie pakehas present were of oue mind, but there might be others of different thoughts. They spoke for themselves. The settlers aud the natives here were one. The Superintendent was the head of both. Never mind what they do at Taranaki. Let Wiremu Kingi do his work; let tho Governor do. his work; and let us attend to our own. Let us all dwell peaceably. Let the Maories take care of the settlers, and the settlers take' cars of the Maories.'

Hemi Prai. They had assembled in a room situated in a town where they enjoyed many good things. There were some of his people fighting at Taranaki; but what of that. Here he was and here he should stay. Let the people of Wellington live in peace and kindness. If there were any Maories with another kind of heart, let them go to Taranaki and do the work of Wiremu Kingi or the Governor. If there be any such among the settlers let them do so too. Look at me, said he stepping into the open space in the body of the Chamber, in form, in color, and iv appearance I am a' Maori, but my heart is the'same as the pakeha's heart. My resolution is expressed, I shall not go from it. lam glad tbat our thoughts agree together in these troublesome times. Don't let either Maori or settler teli false things. It was their thought to remain peaceably at Wellington and they had come to say so. Epiha. ,1 have-for a long time been convinced of the kindness of the European race, I mean their good living and quiet disposition. If the Europeans were a-bad "people why should the natives meet them to-day. In former times

there was a great deal of bad doings amongst the; Maories. There was much fighting and abandonment of land. He had no fear of the settlers. He should not take off his coat but let it remain on him—-for the women had now forgotten how to make Maori garments, they had lived so long with the Europeans. He wished to live in peace • Tahana. Listen to me. I live in Wellington but belong to the Ngatiawa, but what of that. Let there be no difference amongst us. His mind was not to let any of their tribe go to Taranaki. A stranger dwelling in their midst they had no power over; let him go if he wishes to. He could only repeat the expressions already made by Te Puni and .others. It was not fair that the evil cf any one Maori should rest upon all. Though he were a chief man that did the evil, let him be- given up to the punishment he deserves. .... .

Tamati addrssed the natives. This gathering was in the name of the Queen. The pakeha was wealth to them. If any assault was made on this place the Europeans and natives would be one. He belonged to Taranaki, but what of that; here he was and here, he should remain. The Queen was his,mother and should be till he died. .

Taiaroa. I have no thoughts but those of Te Puni. We belong to the Queen, and desire to have the Queen's law. It is very vdesirab'e that the false reports should be put down. This is all. I sit down and leave it all to the Queen and her law. '".''..

Karamana first addressed the natives explanatory of the meeting, and then turning to the pakehas said he had come because he had received a circular. He and his people thought they would go and see what was to be seen and hear what was to be heard. He believed the natives along the coast would not go randomly to do wrong. If any Maori or pakeha did wrong let him be the payment for his own wrong doing. He only came to express these thoughts. Others said many things but he said all this land belongs to the Queen There were five of his people present and they were all for the Queen. There was much worship of the true God which was a good thing; there was some fighting which was a bad thing. At this place (Otaki) there had been no disturbance for a long time.

Porutu; said with refence to the last speaker tbat he repeated what he had before spoken, that not only land, but himself and all that be had was the Queen's.

Wiremu Kanae : would not have spoken only be was'called upon. They had nothing else to think about but bow best to follow out the good introduced by the pakehas. The law of God and of tbe Queen was his.deligbt. The pakehas present had manifested a kindly spirit and the Maories reciprocated it.

Tamihana te Rauparaha had a few words to say to the natives. In former times they dwelt in darkness and saw not each others faces. The Gospel came, and then the law of the Queen to be a protection to them. They would be foolish to abandon the Queen for a Maori King. It was formerly Maori fighting Maori and Maori eating Maori. The pakehas had not been making war upon them. Why was not Taringa Kuri there to-day to hear the good things that were spoken (he was ill and had been so for some time) let them cleave together and their ohildren grow up as gentlemen together. If- they approved of what had been said, let them show it by holding up their hands ; which was done by all.

The Superintendent gave the assembled natives a hearty welcome. The invitation given and its acceptance would do more than anything else to restore confidence. Several Chiefs had informed him that it was desirable to be put in possession of the news of what was taking place. The intelligence received from Taranaki had been translated and would continue to be. The settlers desired to live in amity and would bear willing testimony to the truth of what E Puni bad said. When tbe settlers first landed tbey were few in number and could have been easily exterminated, but they received a hearty welcome. E Puni had defended them during the late war. Then the fighting natives bad no ill will towards the settlers but only to the Government. Fifteen years of peace had been experienced since tbat time. During this period tbe settlers had increased in cattle, sheep and farms; but the natives had also benefitted largely. If they heard any false reports and could trace them, could find out who set them afloat, he hoped they would inform the magistrates. He was sorry tbey were alarmed at the calling out of the militia; it had been called out by the Governor for the defence of the barracks. He declared upon his honor that they were not intended to injure the natives, but if war should break out the militia would be a protection to them as well as to the Europeans, and and would be found fighting with the friendly natives.

Mr. Ludlam addressed tbe natives as friends because they had always hitheto shown themselves friendly. Nor could we forget that in Sir George Grey's time, the natives were very anxious to protect tbe Europeans Then the pakehas trusted tbe Maories and they have the same feeling now. He hoped both races would be candid as regarded the war at Taranaki, and particularly with regard to any reports from the natives of danger to them arising from the Europeans. He thanked E Puni from coming yesterday to enquire relative to the report in circulation with regard to himself. He then frankly told him that the magistrates had had a meeting on Saturday night, and in their presence declared that he did hot believe that E Puni—the friend of the settlers for twenty years—would act as it was reported he had acted. The militia had, been called out by the Governor, and the settlers were obliged to obey the Governor, but it was only to protect the barracks. He had always regarded the natives as friends, and with others had trusted their lives in the former war in the natives hands, and in the event of another war he would be ready to do so again. We were settlers not soldiers, and had nothing to do with the Governor's proceedings at Taranaki. Let it be peace with them, and if they heard reports they should tell the magistrates of them. His last word was love and good will to the natives of this country.

Mr. Valentine Smith had just returned from the Wairarapa. There was much excitement at Papawai, where they had heard a report that tbe Governor having been defeated by Wi Kingi had sent Teira to.prison at Wellington. They insisted that it was true. He mentioned it to show how readily lies were circulated. The natives there had a feast the other day and were to have another yesterday, at which he had been asked to be present, lie believed they, were more frightened on their own account than on any other. The best advice he could give to their Wairarapa friends was to disperse and pursue their usual callings.

Mr. Strapg having intimated that refreshments was provided in the adjoining chamber, the natives, numbering by this time about, two hundred, adjourned.thither,' and after partaking of the food nnmded for them, concluded by drinking the healths of the Queen, tbe Governor, and the Superintendent. .

The meeting occupied about four hours, the rooms.being well cleared shortly after 5 o'clock. It must be highly satisfactory, as tending to remove false impressions, and will exert a.'most beneficial effect on the mass of the natives around ua.