SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1070, 3 May 1879, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

KOPUA last night. FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER. Sir George Grey and party arrived by steamer from Newcastle at 3 o'clock to 'day. Hori Nahi, and Wioka, chiefs of Ngaterangi and some Taupo chiefs I were with them. During the voyage an emissary of Bible Society improved the shining hours by distributing bibles, which appeared to cause satisfaction to recipients. So anxious were they' to obtain posession of them that enquiries Avere made on arrival at Alexandra for a further supply. In one instance a Government agent, well known in Waikato, parted with his last New Testament to gratify the Bibical longings of a Taupo Chief. On arrival, it was decided not to go to Kopua that afternoon but to remain . at Alexandra until morning. The arrangements are as follows: — Foar large war canoes have been provided for the carriage of the Ministerial party to the scene of action. These will be manned by Lower Waikatos and some Ngatimaniapotos. On arrivial the welcoming parties will challange the tribes accompanying Ministers, to a Avar dance,in which large numbers will will take part. The distribution of fool will then take place, and welcomes,, &c, will probably absorb the , remainder of the day. The bullocks, sheep, and pigs were slaughtered on Wednesday for the most part, and the food is stacked ready for distribution. The accumulation of food is very large, the stack being ninety yards in, length, by six feet in height- It Is probable that the tall talk will commence on Monday, although it is quite possible that some matters of interest may transpire tomorrow. I do not believe any person really knows the nature of the business that will be done. It may be a complete surprise, but my idea ii that the Waikatos and Ngatimaniapotos are hardly united enough for anything very good to be effected just noAv. I also think thai; this will be about the last of these great meetings, which cost the natives a vast amount of money, and render them really hard up in the Avmter. One good effect of the meeting will be that Ngatimaniapoto and Waikato will be at daggers drawn, and will be dealt with more easily in future. On the whole good will, I think, come out of it, but it is quite impossible to say accurately what will be the effect. Large numbers of Europeans will be present and the township is crowded. The Bazzar now being held in the Town Hall, promises to be a great success. The Rev. Mr Brady, who is the promoter of the affair, Avas left behind by the ooach at Ohaupo through mistake, but he came through in a spring cart and infused life into the affair all the evening. A dance which the Alexandra people never neglect is to wind up the proceedings.

[press agency. I KOPUA, Thursday, 8 a.m. Nothing doing here but slaughtering cattle, pigs, and generdlly preparing for distrabuting the food to-day. Guards are placed over an immense pile of food all night. Rewi has sent a pressing invitation to Ministers to come up. AUCKLAND, last night. The Board of Education, to-day, resolved to call for tenders for additons to Hamilton West Sohoolhouse. On application from Ohaupo for a teaoher's residence, Mr Dargaville strongly supported it ; but an amendment by Mr Peacock was carried that the matter be referred to the local committee to report thereon. The secretary stated

only 58 schools were provided Avith them. WELLINGTON, Thursday. ' Tho Governmoment aro prepairing a memo, setting forth tho various parasitic insects which affect sheep, and explanatory of . their action upon the auimal and its avool. The, memo, is drawn up by Dr Hector, and illustrated by tho original cuts of the several parasites. It is intended to publish this paper along Avith the Scab Act and the form required under. ' TAURANG A Thursday. : DEATH OF THE REV. MR GRACE. The Rev: Mr Grace died yesterday of chronic degeneration of the sbornaoh. mortem examination takes place tomorrow, after which tho funeral of the deceased will take place.