THE WAITARA MEETING.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 938, 27 June 1878, Page 2

THE WAITARA MEETING.

The Waitara meeting still hangs aband, partly on account of the bad weather, and partly, no doubt, from the continued absence of William King, -who, it is said, has expressed a great disinclinatien to come to Waitara now that the Europeans have built a town on it. He has started more than once to the meeting, but his heart has failed him and he has turned back again. Meanwhile Sir George Grsy and Eewi waiting his arrivel, have held several friendly conversations, though none of any political significance. The weather is gloomy, and so, too, would seem to be the spirits of those at the meeting, to judge by the following specimen of what is raported in the ' Herald ' as having passed between the Premier and Manga on Tuesday : — About half-past one o'clock to-day, Eewi came over the river to see Sir George Grey. Eewi was accompanied by Tainui and the leading chiefs of the party who accompanied him from Waikato. Eewi was duly installed on the opposite side of the fireplace from Sir George Grey, and a chat of about half an , hour's duration took place. No matters of deep political imporc were discussed, and, as showing that, I may give a specimen of the conversation : — Sir George Grey: I am sorry the weather has been so bad since we came to Waitara, and that there has been so much trouble about the"meeting. Eewi : It seems that when we two come to Waitara there is always trouble of some kind. Sir George Grey : I blame you. Eewi- You invited me here, and you brought the bad weather with you. Sir Georg'e Grey : But, never miud ; if we settle matters amicably at this meeting, wo won't think of the trouble. I Eewi : Yes, it is for you and me to { settle these matters. Sir George Grey : I shall be very glad to settle all the.se troubles between the Maoris and Europeans beforo I die. Eewi : You are not going die yet, and neither am I. We are both too tough. ' If you die before you settle these twubbs ; '

I shall blame you. But you are not going to die so long as you are working for the country. Sir George Grey : If I die first, you will come and have a " tangi " over my grave ; and if yon die, I shall come and have a " tangi" over your grave. Rewi.: If you die first, I will chose a burying-ground for you.