HIKURANGI.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 918, 11 May 1878, Page 2

HIKURANGI.

[from oub special correspondent.]

[Per Electric Telvgraph.]

SIR GEORGE GREY PROMISES TO RETURN GOVERNMENT LANDS IN WAIK&TO.

Friday, 9 a.in

Business, at least public business, did not commence until late yesterday. The weather being cold with stoug wind perhaps had something to do with this, the only place for a meeting being a bare spot on a ridge Sir George Grey and the Hon Mr * heehan have been m consultation with Tawhioa, Tarawhiti,Petane,andotherfriendly chiefs. Tawhiao and the Hauhaus are doing the same also. The meeting did not begin till nearly two o'clock m the afternoon, and was merely a fencing match between the Government party and the Hauhaus — -both being strictly on guard not to open or make any proposal to the other. Tuhi spoke for Tawhiao, instead of Te Ngakau. Paul, of Orakei, declared him unintelligible — his words were so figurative. Her asked them to speak as men, and to let their words be clear, bo that they could be understood. Nothing, however, could be made out, Tuhi keeping the same style. At last, Sir George Grey said perhaps it would be better for them to appoint some cliief or chiefs to confer i with him to arrange that both the Europeans and the Maoiis should henceforth travel the one road together. He and Tawhiao knew each other well.

Te Aroha strongly objected to any private arrangement with anyone. It was an old understanding that all business of Maoris should bo done m the light of day before all people. It was certainly very cold. Let them adjourn till tomorrow. This proposition was backed up by Teherimai, and carried.

A large number of natives left the meeting during the day.

[A later telegram, received yesterday afternoon, to which reference is made m the head lines above, appears embodied m our leading article of to-day. — Ed. W.T.]