THE MAORI MEETING.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 141, 30 April 1879, Page 3

THE MAORI MEETING.

Auckland, April 27th. Yesterday afternoon the Kopua township was completely in the hands of Natives, who, however, behaved themselves admirably. Paul Tuatere and the people of Ngatiratahia and Ngapuhi challanged the Kiugites to a war dance. HeuKeu, a Taupo chief, accepted, but had a difficulty in raising many followers. But the war dance came off on the road between the two hotels. The dress consisted of feathers in the hair and a shawl on the neck and round the waist. The affair produced quite a holiday aspect here. No disturbance took place. This morning the lower Waikatos arrived in war canoes, and were received with discharge of guns, &c. One of the war canoes capsized at the rapids, near the town. The clothing and guns were lost. They proceed to Whatihohatihi, where a number of Kiugites await them, and another war dance will take place. Food in plenty is provided for them. Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan are expected at midday by special train to-morrow. Hundreds have gone up the Kakua to-day. At a meeting of Ngapuhia held at the Bay of Islands, four chiefs were nominated to attend meeting at Kopua. They are now en route. Sir George Grey will leave for Waikato on his way to Kopua to-morrow. It is expected that there will be 7000 present at the meeting. Kawa Kaava, April 27th. The Hinemoa arrived this morning about six to coal, and leaves again this evening for Auckland, taking the Premier and the Native Minister en route for the Waikato meeting. The Government have received information that the attempt to torn the people away from Opunake was an idle threat. The turning off the surveyors from the mountain road was in consequence of their taking a road through the Native reserve. Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan had a most successful meeting this morning with the Ngapaha chiefs, and secured their allegiance in ease of an outbreak at Mawuirac. Many go witlr them to Waikato. Alexandra, April 27th. News from the Kopua meeting states that the Natives are divided among themselves as to the programme to be proposed to Sir George Grey. They will have to definitely settle the Native proposals to be submitted before Sir George Grey will meet them. Sir George Grey's movements arc uncertain, except that he will proceed to Hamilton on Thursday to turn the first sod of the railway. Sir George Grey aad Mr Sheehan met-1:00 Ngapuhea yesterday out side the public hall. The principal house was decorated with flags, and triumphal arches were erected bearing mottoes of welcome.- Sydney Tae Whanga presented an address on behalf of the Natives, expressing their confidence in the Government, and asking that all old land grievances should lie inquired into, with the view of futuro reiorin. Another address, con-.

tniuing proposals from the. Ngapahi and Karawa tribes, was then read. It was signed by the following inilivntia] (duel's, who formal a Committee:—-Marsh-brown Kawatiand .Svdnev T.'-nohangi.