NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE MAORI KING.

West Coast Times, Issue 357, 14 November 1866, Page 2 (Supplement)

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE MAORI KING.

The "Southern Cross" has the following remarks upon what it asserts to be the real object of Sir George Grey's visit to Auckland, Whatever may be j the facts of the case, it seems probable that the visit, and no doubt the negotiations will be postponed, until affairs at Wanganui resume a more satisfactory aspect :—.: — . _ By the last news received from Wel- | lington, we learned that it was the Gover- | nor's intention to come to Auckland in a t short time. We believe that the purpose [ of this visit is to open up a negotiation with Matutaera, an object which the Governor failed in on his last journey to Kawhia. If Sir George Grey can succeed with Matutaera, and next with Kewi, as he has done with Thompson, he will add greatly to his credit ; but it is very doubtful if he will be able to influence their more obstinate wills as he has done the calculating mind of the Ngatihaua chief. Our readers are aware that some weeks ago the Governor sent a message to Matutaera, at Kawbia, by the hand of Ahipenc, a chief chosen as negotiator because ho is thoroughly trusted by the pakehas, and is also held in high respect by the King party. We are now able to state exactly what took place in the King's council at Kawhia when the Governor's message was discussed; and the intelligence is of considerable interest, as showing the precise stage at which matters have arrived, and what prospect the Governor has of succeeding in his task. The Governor's propositions were three .-—That peace be established, and formally declared by Matutaera ; that | a road should bo made through the native territory in the interior ; that the harbor of Kawhia be declared by Matutaera to be open to all vessels. To the first of these propositions Matutaera replied : — "Let the Governor give back Waikato. We do not wish for war — we are not going to fight — but if the Governor is sincere in saying that he wants peace, let him show that sincerity by giving back Waikato. We will then be convinced that he means what he says." To the second proposition, Matutaera answered : — "Let the Governor make roads on his own laud ; we will do nothing to interfere with him. But the moment his road comes on to our land — 1 [the next clause was spoken with great energy] — it will be Jfamic/cttawfiiri over ayain." As to the proposal about Kawhia harbor, Matutaera said : — " Has not the Governor plenty of harbors? When ho has Aotca, Whaingaroa, Manukau, Kaipara, Ilokianga, Waitemata, Port Nicholson, and the rest, what does he want with Kawhia? Why should he grudge it to us ? '' These were Matutaera's answers. Jlewi was not at Kawhia, but there can be little doubt that he had a good deal to do with the form of Matutaera's replies. The most prominent of the King's coucillors was Patara, of Waikato (uot Patara of Opotiki celebrity). The categorical answers to the Governor's proposals were sent to Wellington, and Sir George Grey wrote back to say that he would renew the subject in the summer. The intelligence given above shows thut to bring the extreme King to submission will be a difficult matter, and will put to the ta&k all Sir George Grey's diplomatic skill ; but it also shows us that that there is no stomach for further fighting amongst the tribes of Kawhia. Of course, even a trivial circumstance might change their humor ; but at present they s:iy, (t Let us alone, and we will let you alone."