Doings and Sentiments of the Kingites.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3107, 1 February 1879, Page 3

Doings and Sentiments of the Kingites.

Alexamdba, Wednesday. In the middle of March will assemble the largest and, perhaps, the most important native meeting ever held since the war. It will take place either at Kopua or Hikurangi. The former place is six miles, and the latter sixteen miles, from Alexandra. Natives from the North Cape to down as far as Wellington have been invited by the King parly to be present. The object of inviting all the chiefs of the Island is to hear and discuss matters relating to the welfare of the natiVe face, also to come to a! clear understanding with the, Govern* \ ment in regard to the future working and selling or leasing of lands, making rbada, &c. Another object is, that as most of the tribes had a hand in setting up a King for themselves, in opposition to the Queen's authority, they should be present to hear and sp°ak their minds,•whether it is desirable that they should maintain their isolation or make terms with Government. They say that Sir G. Grey made war with them, and he is a man to make peace. I think there cannot be any doubt whatever as to the result of this meeting with Sir George Grey. Every chief will have an opportunity to speak his mind, and I am sure tTffl great majority of the' chiefs are favorably disposed towards the Government. There is no doubt but that Tawhiao is all-powerful over the lands between here and Mokau; Tby reason of hii being King, the authority or mana is vested in him. Wheii Bewi went clean over to the Government without the King party's consent, it was a terrible blow to them, he being head chief of Ngatimaniapoto of over 600 fighting men, and the principal owner of the whole of the country not confiscated. I have never, since the war, seen such a change amongst the chiefs as that which I have noticed during the last twelve months. Men who, when spoken to a year or two back about opening their country to Europeans, shook their heads and said, "Never!" now say. " It all lies with Tawhaio and Sir George Grey. Whatever arrangement they make together will be right.'' Old Tapihana, head chief of Kawhia, and formerly a most turbulent man, with several others, were''here a short time back. He said to me, " Listen J I have been living a long time in darkness, and am getting old. Now, and from this time forward I mean to live in the light. [Meaning he would follow Rewi and go with the Government.] My thoughts are centred on the words of Potatau (the present king's father). Just before he died, his words to me were:— 'Hold fast to the law, to religion and to love.. Be kind to my parents the Europeans.'" These are sentiments I have heard from the most influential chiefs.

The chief Paul Tuhaere arrived here yesterday, and is now at Kopua waiting for the King to arrive from Kawhia. Tawhiao and some 300 of his followers have been fishing at Kawhia for the last two months, and have taken and dried an enormous quantity. These fish are for the March meeting, fish being the greatest luxury with the Maori. The feast at the meeting would not be complete without these their favourite food. Hence the time,they spend and waste in catching them*—Herald Correspondent.