THE NATIVE MINISTER IN THE KING COUNTRY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIV, Issue 9662, 6 November 1882, Page 2

THE NATIVE MINISTER IN THE KING COUNTRY.

(PEE TOITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Alexandra, Nov. 7. Mr Bryoe met Tawhiao at 11 o'clock in the big house at Whatiwhatihoe, some 300 persons being present. Tawhiao said the people were there to listen not to apeak. He would keep on his own side, but would be willing to learn from Europeans. He had not from the beginning separated from the Queen He loved the pakelia, but he must keep his " mana." Mr Bryce said this was the day for the deceive answer, which had not been given. The proposals he had made were so good and liberal that he would be blamed through parts of the colony for making them. If they were accepted they must be so in plain words, and not in dark sayings. If not accepted to-day they would be definitely withdrawn. He did not expect that he should ever think it right to make them again. He would leave this afternoon for Auckland, and should take his proposals with him. He was entitled to a plain answer. Tawhiao said with, much deliberation and quite solemnly : — " It is good, it is good. Go back and think over what I have said. Don't take your proposals with you." Mr Bryce said Tawhiao expected him to turn the proposals over in his mind, Tawhiao wishing to keep his mana as King. He told him and his tribe that if this was the end a dark day for Tawhiao and his people had dawned. The opportunity was passing away. He spoke in love to the people; and should leave in deep sorrow if his offers were rejected. If there was any man of influence there, a friend of Tawhiao, let him stand up and urge the acceptance of the p*ropdsals. If he went away thus he should leave much cause for sorrow behind. Wahanui rose, and deprecated haste, and objected to Tawhiao losing his mana, a thing in itself sufficient for long consideration. The light was coming in upon them. They were not going back into darkness and isolation. Mr Bryce said that Wahaniai gazed on the main objection to the proposals in the loss of the mana of Tawhiao ; but he never had and never wouldackuowledge any other authority

in New Zealand than the Queen's What was claimed byTawhaio was onl the fleetting shadow of authority and the shadow itself was passing away. If the King movement were to be removed let it be done properly. He had no faith in the morrow ; to-day only was ours. Wahanui saw the canoe drifting. Wahanui arose and said the flowing of the tide was regulated by God, but there were people who troubled the | waters. There was no trouble. in the-.- -. i beginning of the Queen's sovereignty. The trouble came afterwards by.degrees. ;Mr Bryce had said that two sovereignties were not wanted in I this island, but who sent -foe them,— ~ -r Mr Bryce, replying, said Wahanui had left the main point out of his second speech, which -was inconsistent with his first. If they were prepared to accept 1 the Queen's authority let Tawhiao get 1 up and say so, when the two races would be one people. . Wahanui,' speaking. with"' ' some zeal, said Mr Bryce had told' them that the flood of civilisation could not be stopped, but lie could stop it,, with God's help. , They might take all . that was offered, but they could not give up the King's mana.- Mr., Bryce, again replying, said no good could arise from discussing old affairs; 1 What' •• evil could result from the - mttna of the Queen ; being re-established?' If -no- •• evil could accrue, let it be done at once. '■ Wahanui had said he was a strong man ' ' and could keep -back the flood, but he '. ; should remember that' he had friends •"< drowning in the -flood he was attempt- '■; ing to stay. Instead of doing so let him rather help to build the canoes and save the people. If . Wahanui under- . stood- the grave importance of the./ decision to the Maori people ,come to to-day well and good. He (Mr Bryce) - would go away knowing he had . done '•• his duty to the colony and the Maori . people. He would never reproach him-.;, self with not having been more .kind.-ta- ; them. The burden was now shifted from his shoulders to those of .others. • His last word to Wahanui. was that- he wa3 sorry, not angry, and his last word to Tawhaio was this : " Was there any- ■ ' other reply.? " After a pause Mr Bryce") continued, " It is right the. whole people should hear Tawhiao's' reply," • which, was- that the \reßposibility. f of , accepting or declining the offers were' ■ thrown on Wahanui, aud they. were rejected.". Mr Bryce then rose and left' ' the house and ground. . '.',.'