THE NATIVE MEETING.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1067, 26 April 1879, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING.

The Native meeting which is to open next week, is going to be a bisj affair. That it will be one of the largest, if not the largest gathering of natives hf-ld in the Island is beyond doubt. Our Alexandra correspondent telegraphs that natives are arriving there from all parts. To Wheoros natives were coming up the Waipa (they were at Whatawhata the day before), and a number of kingites were waiting for the>m with food st the falls, above the township. From other sources we learn that large numbers passed yesterday through Tamhere from the Hauraki district, and that the day before hot less than five hundred men, women and childen on horseback, aud on foot crossed over the Tokehoho .from the coast.

Great preparations are being rai^ for their reception. No less than 15,000 sharks have been provided with hundreds of cattle, and flour by the tons. That Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan are expected would seem to be the case from the fact that it is stated that special provision has been made for them. The natives encampment will be in the form of an enormous horse shoe, the two pomts being occupied by tbo leading tribes, and the remainder of the half circle by those of lesser note. The Kins: will occupy a position half way between the extreme points, and on a line with them, and the European camp will be a short distance in front of that of the King. Proceedings will be commenced with a war dance. The large majority of the natives will ero armed to the meeting, as it is said that the Eing intends tho present meeting o be a convincing demonstration to R'ewi and the Ngatimaniapoto of the extent and power of his sway as King. A party who travelled down a few days ago from Hikurangi to Kawhia met Tawhiao on the road to Kopua He had with hivn an escort of cavalry aud three hundred men armed with rifles and guns. They were marching four abreast and at the word of command formed twos quickly and smartly when passing narrow places on the road. The cavalry which formed a sort of personal boiy sjuard to the King, were armed with sabres and swords naval and military trophies probably- obtained in the late war. These men have been thoroughly instructed in drill exercises by an old soldier of the Imperial service. The 28th has been fixed for the day of meeting,and probably liitie if any delay will take place, as where such a number are gathered together, the providing the necessary commissariat becomes a very serious matter. One reason why the meeting was not held earliar was that the kingites were waiting to get their wheat ground into flour. Ngakau has still a considerable quantity left unground at Maunqatautari, on account of the scarcity, of water, but sooner than delay the meeting longer, it has been resolved to sell tho wheat and buy flour.