The Native Minister through the King Country.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4460, 21 April 1883, Page 2

The Native Minister through the King Country.

[Per Pbess Association.] Wellington, Yesterday. Mr. Bryce and party, who left Alexandra on Monday last, at 9 a.m., readied Waitara at 7.30 p.m. The first day they reached Otorohanga, 17 miles from Alexandra at half-past 1. Here they were boarded and lodged till morning by Mr John Hetit, a half-caste settler. Next day they were met at Te Uira, 18 miles from Otorohanga, by Wetere. Then they went to the Kunui, a mile distant, where Mr Hursthouse was detained. Here the party were feasted, and a halca was danced. Te Aroha, the chief, welcomed Mr Bryce, and assured him of an unmolested passage. Te Whiti had written a letter to Te Aroha blaming Mahuki, and disavowing his recent action. It was 1 observed that some of the men were sullen, and held aloof, but the wives of the imprisoned men assisted to prepare the food. Mr Bryce addressed, the people in the mara, saying that his business was only to see that the law of the country was not broken. Their religious views were nothing to him —that was their business. The party then went-on to Te Euiti, about three miles further on the west aide of the settlement. They were welcomed by Te Kooti, who was much the worse for liquor, and were given tea and doughnuts. They then crossed the river to the main settlement, and were j crossed the river to the main settlement, j and were warmly received by a very large gathering in the mara. Taonui was the first to rise and address Mr Bryce, which he did immediately on arriving. This was considered extremely satisfactory, as his sentiments relative to the journey had been in doubt. He assured Mr Bryce of safety, and bade him in going through to look neither to the right, left, or behind him. In replying, Mr Bryce said he took this as a meaning he was to have no hidden motive for his journey. In that sense he accepted it. He assured them there was nothing hidden in his heart from them. Then Ngatae, an Upper Wanfcanui chief, welcomed Mr Bryce, andjevidently threw out a feeler for the inclusion in the amnesty of those im» Elica^ed in xMoffatt's murder at Tuhuo; ut Mr Bryce's reply gave no indication of this, at which some disappointment was apparently felt, but was not expressed. The party were then feasted and lodged during the evening, and next morning Wahanui and Taonui had several long conferences with Mr Bryce in his tent. Oahanui expressed a fear that the journey would be regarded as the throwing open of the country to Europeans, who would follow in, large numbers, and would inolude prospectors. Mr Bryce replied that the Government could give no permission to Jprospect, as it was not Government

land. Wabanui then said he would not! allow prospecting. He believes there is gold in the country, but those of the party best able to judge thought that most unlikely. It was r apparent that the incursion at present of many Europeans would be regarded with passive disfavor, but that is unlikely, as the journey through would be almost impossible without native assistance. Kuiti lies about 4 miles from the track through, and next morning the party retraced their way to Te Uira, being again saluted by Te Kooti, who was still drunk. They were* accompanied by Te Rerenga and a few of his men. The idea of a large escort had been abandoned when the disposition of the natives was seen. The party reached Totara, on .the- Upper Mokau, about 30 miles from Te Uira, about 5 p.m., having had to ford the river twice at deep rapids. They stayed there for the night, and on Thursday morning eight Europeans and 17 Maoris got into two canoes and came down. It:is 50 miles from Totara to the mouth of the river by its course, and 22 in a straight line. For the upper half of the way the navigation is most difficult, owing to the many fallen trees and landslips, causing rapids. The party bad to walk over one huge slip of several hundred yards. Numerous outcrops of ,coal were seen on the banks. The canoes reached the mouth at Bat night. Next morning Takerau, an aged chief, asked the chief Terenga what was the meaning of thus breaking the rule of the exclusion of Europeans ; but Eanga I replied that all the Ngatimaniapoto were in favour of Mr Bryce coming through, and gave Tukerau a letter from Wahauui on the subject. The party left at 11 a.m., and rode round the beach to White Cliffs, and then by the road to Waitara. The White Cliffs had to be scaled, and the horses swam round by Maoris. Mr Bryce was accompanied through by Messrs Lewis, Butler, Hursthouse, Newsham, Cussen (surveyors), Adams, and Douglas. Two troopers, a chainman, and Mr Wilkinson, native agent, came as far as Totara. The land all the way to the Upper Mokau is of good quality, and is undulating hill and dale, with small patches of swamp, the last six miles being very hilly. To the south of the Mokau it is very mountainous, and the natives say a railway would necessitate a tunnel several miles long; but Mr Donkin, C.E., who has prospected the country for three years, says he has found a route that will entail little or no tunnelling. Mr Bryce was received at Waitara by the principal citizens and a large crowd, who cheered him most heartily,, and conducted him to the Masonic Hotel, where a. banquet, was prepared, presided over by Mr M. Jones, the Chairman of the Town Board. A triumphal arch had been erected on the bridge, which was lit up with Chinese lanterns.—ln replying to the toast of his health, Mr Bryce warmly eulogised the conduct of Te Rerenga, which had been most satisfactory throughout.—Mr Bryce left for New Plymouth by special train at 9 p.m. He goes to Wanganui to-morrow and after staying at his home a few days proceeds on to Wellington. The following is the telegram received by the Government from the Hon. Mr Bryce :•—" Beached the Waitara tonight. No misadventure of any kind. I was received with the utmost cordiality at every native settlement, including those of Te Kunui and Kuiti. The natives say that the Ngatimaniapoto and I are now one." New Plymouth, This day.

At 10 o'clock last night the Alexandra Hall was crowded for the purpose of witnessing the presentation of an address to the Hon J. Bryce. The Town Band was present. The Mayor presided; and the town Clerk read the address which chiefly dwelt on the false impression that appeared to be abroad that the settlers here wished to encourage the disaffection of natives, in order to benefit from the: money spent in keeping an armed force in the place, and denying that such was the case, as it had retarded the settlement of the country, and their desire was to be at peace with the natives. On Mr Bryce rising he was cheered and cheered again and again. In replying he said he bad not expected such a demonstration on arriving in New Plymouth, as had been accorded him; he had met with an unexpected reception from the natives at every village he passed through. He spoke in the highest terms of Te Wetere, who had accompanied him, and said that he (Bryce) was the first representative of the Crown who had passed through the King Country, which was now opened. In referring to Mr Hursthouse (who was on the stage), he said he (Bryce) was not the man to send another to do a dangerous task that he was not prepared to undertake himself; and he had accordingly come through from AiexandFa to New Plymouth, and had been received by the natives in a friendly manner. After his speech the Mayor (Captain William Bayly) called for three cheers, which was heartily responded to; then cheers were called for Messrs Hursthouse, Newsham, and Te Wetere, and the most enthusiastic meeting ever held here came to a close. Mr Bryce left for Wan*, ganui this morning by train, but will return on Tuesday on purpose to attend the banquet to which he has been invited.