THE MAORI KING VISITS RUAPUKE.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 541, 6 November 1875, Page 2

THE MAORI KING VISITS RUAPUKE.

On Sunday, the last day in October, Tawhiao, the Maori King, attended by Hone-te-One, and two or three followers, made his appearance unexpectedly in this place. He had started in the eariy morning from Kawhia, and returned there again in the evening, spending only a few houra in this settlement. He first visited Motakotako, where Hone-te-One used to reside previous to hit recent removal to Kawhia, and where our storekeeper — Mr ElHs has his store. Mr Ellis has large business transactions with the Kawhia na« tires, and his node of dealing with them has been such as has completely gained thair confidence and goodwill. On this occasion the King showed in a marked mtnner, that his sentiments towards Mr Ellis were quite in ac lord with those •of his people. He then proceeded to the settle* raent, calliujr first at the house of Mr T. B. Rill, where his majesty had dinner. After looking over thdi gentleman's place, and express' ng his p'easute at the various improvements going on, he went to Captain Swann'q, where the royal party had tea, and where some of the neighbour's were introduced to the King. Be fora his departure he stated that he had enjoyed hid trip very much, and that he would pay v* another visit at Christmas. As a faithful chronicler of iacts, I should have great pleasure in recording reveUtouns of state craft, had bis Majesty condescended <t« -communicate any »uch mysteries to as. jl would h*re.t>ld what he thought of the Defence Minister, and how he relishes the prospect of the near approach to his dominions of the railway ; but unfortunately he never touched upon any of these topics. He only expressed a kindly interest in the large number of young people whom he saw, and made himself pleasant over the differance between the Maori and pakeha modes of salutation ; making us pleasant also by politely waiving the former in favour of tho I latter mode. He paid us the compliment also of appearing dressed like an English gentleman, a style of costume which hangs upon him as easily and naturally as if he had never worn any other. He has a grave and thoughtful aspect, but certainly does not 6how any «i»ns of depression, such as one might expect. He has become a total-abstainer, and expresses a Lope that his people wili follow bis example, and avoid being victimised through rum, as they have often been. One of his retinue stated that His Majesty thought the JRuapuke settlers good pakehas, and not at all like the white people at the King's place, but this, our abounding modesty putdown >to the politeness which laid aside tbe blanket for the broad-cloath, and shook hands insteado/ Jobbing noses. Those versed in court etiquette may I* <el interested in learning tbat while travelling the^Kog was always the last of the party ; thus bti 'q preceded by his Followers, and many men may like to know tbat his majesty role a piebald entire, of considerable power, and full of spirit. Tue royal beast was much admired ly our local connoisseurs for its fine symmetry and promise of endurance. — Cobkmpon desh.