RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 935, 20 June 1878, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Tawhiao, the so-called Maori King, has been visiting this district and township for the last fourteen days, accompanied by his eldest son and many of the Maori aristocracy. On Monday evening last the tfaglan Minstrels gave a scratch performance at Tawhiao's request, with which ho and his followers wore much pleased, the vagaries of Brudder Bones being much enjoyod by them. On Wed-nesday-evening some of the settlers gave Tawhiao, and some forty of his followers, a public dinner at Powell's Hall; Mr Pearson in the chair, Mr Sutton, A'ice chairman. The healths of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, His Excellency the Governor, and our guests, '< coupled with Tawhiao's name, were drank with usual honots. After, dinner a dance took place, which the natives enjoyed .exceedingly, giving a Maoii song in return. Tawhiao was present until '1 a.m., when he and most of his people re-crossed to ihe native settlement at the heads. The dinner was giveu to Tawhiao, and chiefs as a compliment for thengood conduct during their visit here. Tawhiao in his speech, thanked the Europeans for their kindness to them since their arrival, for the dinner and amusements which had been got up for them, saying ho waa much pleased at the friends treatment he had received, and that before long he would visit this neighbourhood again, when he, trusted he would have the pleasure of again meeting them. He and party slept in the township on Saturday night, lea ring

on Sunday morning for Aotea, on their way to Kawhia. An impromptu 4anco,was goi upon Saturday- evening to amuso the visitors, which Tawh.ao, and his followers attended. Tu Tawhiao seems fond of dancing. Tawhiao's favorite dance is' apparently the Highland ftchottische; he asked to have that dance repeated several times. Tawhiao visited nearly all the sefcMv.rn houses in the township. /Ejlus is raging away to-day, so you may imagine the weather is noL very comfortable. There has been a great, deal of thunder and lightening the last two days.—Own Correspondent.