Tawhiao's Great Speech.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2773, 3 January 1878, Page 3

Tawhiao's Great Speech.

Ho Compares Himself to a Calf.

[TBANSIATED BY MR J. C. YOUNa.]

These words of Tatvhiao, the chief of Waikato, were transmitted to Wircmu Mahe te Rangikaihas, for him to explain the meaning of the different expressions therein contained to his people, the Arawas. It was a speech addressed by Tawhiao to the tribes assembled at Hikurangi during the days of October last:-— The likeness of this word is indefiniteness, but your thougbtfulness is exceedingly great, hence your coming from the numerous districts. On your arrival you considered that tho object of calling you together was insufficient for such nn important gathering. lam like tho clouds, first* gently rising in the heavens, then rising higher and spreading until the heavens are covered. (This refers to his (Tawhiao's) policy being j universally adopted by tho natives.) i And the tribes of this island are not yet avrare that my dynasty will spread like the clouds. If a calf bo fastened up, the ij^may travel to various places, but will refura again to her calf. (The cow refers to tho tribes who are severed from the King party, but who will oronnmlly return to their nlleginncc.) In a like manner the dogs of Taka, althoaght you may endeavour for five years to tame them, will not bo domesticated, their love for Tongariro still remains. (Tonguriro is the celebrated volcanic mountain south of Luke Tuupo. Taku wus an Arawa chief in command of a war parly, who intended to invade the Whiingamn country. On their arrival at Tongariro ther encount ored a snow storm, during which all periahed. Taka'a party had a numbsr of doRB with them, which survived, nnd took up their abode on the mountain, and became thoroughly wild, ao that even if a puppy is taken from the mother end kept for fivo yours, they are still wild, nnd will rush to Tonguriro, their lore for it being co great, no matter how kindly they have been irt'ntec). These dogs are pure white, and their descendants still occupy tho mountain. The King hern represents himself ns Tongnriro, and filthouah the Government lins druwn away the tribes for a time, yet their love for him is so groat, they will return (like the dog* of Taku) to their native mountain?, and submit Io his authority.) And here am I, your post, around which you "will rally when we shall be cemented together. This authority will not retrograde, but will continue to advance on our victorious path. As before mentioned, I am like the clouds, first faintly rising in the heavens, then rising higher, and spreading until the heavens are covered —like the cloud of Elijah. The accomplishment of this will bo similar to that of Elijah. Oh, all the old people, hold fast. Do not desert. I have measured the length, the breadth, and the depth of the political position of affairs of the whole of the tribes, and the. time will arrive when this word for command will he accomplished in every place by every tribe. (The ralf before mentioned is tho rope. The meaning of thia word is that after a time the fog will be dispersed, and everything will be as clear to all (be tribes as the noonday sun in o cloudless firmament.) This sun has arisen, and will gain strength to disperse the hazy atmosphere, which now obscures the vision of the prodigal tribes. Although my position may be considered by some to be insignificant, yet these words are pregnantwith strength. Unanimity in a cause will always lead to success. Behold me' I am this calf to cement us together in every place. The calf is the rope for our post. In order to establish a full accomplishment of my ideas for our mutual benefit, I call out to you as a calf to her mother—Gome hither, come hither. This word shall not return unto me void, and will not be suppressed either East, West, North, or South, and the head quarters of my monarchy will be immutably established here. (Ilis divine authority as King will be unif eraally recognised) Then will the saviour of the nation be born, and all things be accomplished. Sufficient are these words. EoRTJ HIKUBANGI Secretary of Tawhiao. By his Command. • —Auckland Star.