The Native Minister and King Tawhiao.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1902, 6 February 1875, Page 3

The Native Minister and King Tawhiao.

. v Alexandra, Friday, 6.40 p.m. On the 31st ultimo, Sir Donald McLean, the Native Minister, received a written invitation from Tawhiao, to pay him a visit at Waitomo, about half way between the European boundary and his principal settlement at TeKuiti. On Monday February Ist, two well-manned canoes came down to talre the Native Minister and his party up. On Tuesday, at 4 a.m. s the Native Minister and party started; and arrived »t Louis Hetit's at three in the afternoon. Major To Wheoro, Paul Ttibaerei Honi Te One, Rev. William Patene, Te Awaitaio, and other chiefs proceeded to Tawhiao's village in the evening, and on the 3rd the Native Minister, with {Messrs Kemp, 'Mair, Bush, and Davies visited Tawhiao. They were .received with the usual -welcomes and waving of shawls. On coming close to the place two of Tawhiao's head chiefs came out uncovered to l^ad the Native Minister to the place assigned for strangers. After the usual lapse of time, it was announced that Tawhiao would come out and make a set speech; which had been his previous practice. The substance'of the speech was a welcome to the Native Minister and some allusions to the restoration of Waikatq. Tho Native Minister replied that his being welcomed was not a new thing, that his father had done it beforel him, who had now gone, and it was but right that he should do so also, having only just arrived. He would not now reply to other parts of Tawhiao's speech. After a long interval and,a supply of food, Tawhiao and his principal chiefs came to shake hands with the Native Minister and party, and he expressed a desire for a further meeting at Te Kuiti, at which he hoped.the Governor and Native Minister would be present. The Native, Minister replied that it might not be convenient for the Governor to attend a meeting, unless it was at Kawhia. After some further conversation the meeting terminated for that day. On Thursday, the 4th, Tawhiao, accompanied by his wife, children, and the principal chiefs visited the Native Minister at Hetit's, where he dined, and discussed terms of settlement with the JN ative Minister. On applying for the restoration of Waikato, the Native Minister informed him distinctly that such a thing was quite impossible, and would not be entertained by him or by any other person in authority. The Governor had not the power to do so, the Assembly of New Zealand having passed laws respecting those lands which must be upheld ; and the proceeding had also had the concurrence of the English Government. The Government were, however, prepared to treat him with just consideration, and on his aiding and cooperating with the Government in maintaining order < and repressing crime within his district, who c people were under his influence they would treat him generously for doing so. But the Native Minister did not desire to press any reply from him at present until he had lull time to confer with his people and consider the proposal then made. Tawhiao appeared evidently well disposed, and frequently expressed his friendship towards the IS ative Minister on account of his being a friend of his father, the late Potatau. On the second day he lost much of the reserve of the previous day, and the demeanour of his people, over whom he has despotic sway, was quiet and respectful; and now that the ice had been broken by a formal meeting, which is always significant with the Natives of a termination of all hostile feeling, a wish was expressed by Tawhiao that more frequent and friendly interviews would take place with the Government,

•'The brawers ■of Australia and New Zealand," "the: European Mail state?, "will shortly 7 ha,ire an opportunity of competing with the .E'.;ro]>raM brewers. An exhibition of English and Coufcimentnl beor is to be held at the Agricultural hall, Islington, at the beginning o! May, 1875, and will remain open for one we'-k. Every description of brewing plant und machinery will be shown as well as beer. Colonial brewers will be permitted to send their samples in bottles, and they will be shown free from any entrance fee."