PATEA.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3161, 5 April 1879, Page 2

PATEA.

Friday. A great meeting of natives was held at Omutarangi on Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 miles from Oro te Kainga, over a chief of note jasfc dead, and who fought against the Europeans during the last war. He was an earnest disciple of Te Whiti, and on that account a large number of the Parihaka natives attended. There were also a number of Titokowaru's people, and influential chiefs, including some supporters and some, opponents of the Government. The tangi soon drifted into a political meeting, and speeches were made for and against; and Kateno, who aided Major Brown to start the survey, spoke most decisively against the action of Te Whiti in causing the removal of the surveyors, and ridiculed Te Whili, saying that instead of his doing the work of a god he was only doing the work of a man. If Te Whiti had the great power he assumed, why not use it that men might be convinced of it by sending all the Europeans to England and returning New Zealand to the Maoris. Kateno said he would bring the surveyors back again on the plains, and protect them. The speech was received in silence, except by a few running comments at his daring, outspoken way. Te Kohu and Ngatura also expressed themselves favor-' able to the return of the surveyors, saying they had trouble enough already. Honi Pihama, who lately lost a child, and had not mixed much with the natives, stated that though he had been otherwise engaged he had been informed of what had been going on, and should support the Government. Honi Pibama was interrupted, and told that the Government had taken care of him by giving him land atTongohia and Oeo, and therefore he should not speak. Tauhi then spoke to Titokowaru, reminding him how he had become famous by fighting.on the native side at Te Nguteotemanu, and that he could still further distinguish himself and get honor if he would forsake the Government altogether. Titokowaru seemed to lean towards the Government, and said he had finished his work at Te Nguteotemanu.

Captain Blake ia reported to be endeavouring to ingratiate himself with the natives by throwing discredit on men who so far have been actively engaged on the Government side in connection with the survey, and at Kitita when, talking to natives, received an unexpected rebuff on uncomplimentary reference being made to his part by the natives. Katene, at the meeting, spoke strongly against interference with the natives by Europeans, and said that there would be no trouble unless it was made by sending white men across the river to talk with the natives, as some had been doing lately.