IMPORTANT NATIVE NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 736, 12 November 1870, Page 2

IMPORTANT NATIVE NEWS.

(From the Southern Cross, Oct. 25.)

The name of Tawai Kowha has so frequently been mentioned in connection with outrages on the East Coast that it is quite unnecessary to enter into a notice of his career. It seems, however, that he is determined to follow the example set him by others of the Hauhau party, and has evinced a desire to surrender. Mr Mair, E.M., writing from Whakatane on the 18th, gives an account of an interview he had with Tawai Kowha in the Waimana Valley. Mr Mair was accompanied by the chief Wepiha, Hori Kawakura, Hoani Ngatimu, and others, with eighty men of the Ngatiawa, Ngatipukeko.and Arawas. The party proceeded from Ohioa to Te Koianga, and met Tawai Kowha, who was accompanied by thirty men, and an equal number of women and children. Two bullocks were killed, and the party were received with profession of friendship.

Tawai Kowha said that he was glad thi.t peace had been established by Major Kemp, and he (Tawai) had determined that he would never strike another blow either against European or natives,unless forced to do so. There were three things that would cause him to fight, viz.:—lst. Taking forcible possession of his land ; 2nd. The murder of any of his people by the Government side ; 3rd. Surrounding his pa by night. He wished to live in peace with Europeans and natives; and would allow any number of Europeans to pass over his land, provided that if they went over his land in pursuit of Te Kooti, they would re-

spect hia cultivations and villages. Tawai Kowha further protested that he had never been a soldier or joined Te Kooti, and that he had in every way discouraged his followers from joining Te Kooti. Those who had done so and returned, he retained, and aa for those who still remained with Te Kooti, the Europeans might hack them to pieces if they choose. He would for the future abstain from all fighting, and eimply cultivate. Tepeuui, Mania, and other chiefs made speeches to the same effect. Mr Mair, in reply, expresced his glad'ness that Tawai Kowha had adopted this very sensible course, and he believed after all that there was some good in him. He assured Tawai Kowha that his land would not be interfered with, and that his property would not be molested, but those who offended agaiust tho law would be tried for it.

After speeches, the meeting terminated, Tawai Kowhai promising to remain cultivating his land until the wishes of the Government were known. Tawai Kowha is, we believe, one of the most influential men ou that side of the Uriwera, and he has proved himself to bo a shrewd, bold man. Mr Mair also saw Te Whinauui and his followers, some of whom were hunting, while othero were planting. He and the chief Akiata appear to be anxious to remain quiet. Those, who have the welfare of the country at heart, cannot but be gratified at these signs of an improved feeling amongst the natives.