Tawhiao's Visit to Waikato. RECEPTION AT HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1415, 28 July 1881, Page 2

T awhiao' s Visit to Waikato. RECEPTION AT HAMILTON.

Tawhiao ami his folio weis arrived from Tcimahero on Tuesdiiy morning at the Hamilton borough boundary about* il o'clock. Owing to the thick fog the near approach of the party was not observed and the prcarations 'Mr the «proceBidon had therefore to be hastily made. The Hamilton Band, under Band, master Hadfield. were early at the appointeo spot and met the natives at the top of Seddons' Hill, when they wht eled about and took their place at the he.id of the column. The members of th* Bind were in uniform and with their drummajor in front presented a somewhat imposing appearance. The order of the procession formed at the foot of the hill was as follows* The Mayor and Councilor Vialou, the Borough Councillors ; Members of the Reception Committee, ,all in carriages ; townspeople and settlers in carnages and on horseback ; the women of the King's party in a waggonette ; buggy containing and 'Mr Grace ; buggy containing Majors Mair and Jackson ; the Hamilton Band ; the natives to the number of about 500, mostly armed, marching three abreast. The duties of Marshall were moat ably performed by Lieutenant Johnson, H C. V., and the utmost good order prevailed. The entry into the town was witnessed by a laryr'e number of people on foot, and the balconies and windows of the hotels weie also crowded with spectators. Opposite the Waikato Hotel the children of the E'ist and West schools joined the cortejc,tnking up their places in front of the Band. The whole then marched across the bridge the school children singing "My own New Zealand Home." Opposite Gwynne't, Hotel the children fell out of the pro-ceBi-bn|aud lined the stteets on either .side giving three cheers for Tawhiao as the natives passed. Bunting was flying in various parts of the tosvn, but this was the only attempt at decoration. On arriving at the Council Chambars, the natives having joined in pr.tyor, the Mayor came forward und road the following address : — "To Tawhiao :— Greetings. — "We the Mayor and Councillors of the Borough of Hamilton desire.ou behalf of the citizens of Hamilton and settler* of the surrounding district, to expiess our satisfaction at receiving you amongst us. We sincerely trust that the happy relations , that now exist between your people and ours may long continue." Tawhiao in acknowledging the addrevss faaid :—lt: — It is good ! It is gOjd ! It is good ! Salutations to you the chiefs who lay down the laws for the^e people, your tribes, who are here. Salutations to you. I dirl it myself. I, thi-» man, did it. Heaven which is above and earth below, you who are surrounding me are witnesses. We, the chiefs of the Hauhau, who are travelling here now are travelling on foot; we come for the purpose of seeing you ; let all be plain spoken. Don't be insidious in what you say, nor turn aside, but look me straight in the face. It was my own doing ; that is why I am here. I came to see this country of Hamilton. The chiefs are here and the Councillors are here. Greetings to you ! Greetings to you ? It is good. lam pleased. Three cheers were then given for Tawhiao. The following address to Major Mair was then read by the Mayor :— " Major Mair. — On behalf of the inhabitants of Hamilton and settlers of the surrounding districts, I beg to congr itulate you on the success that has attended your administration of native affairs m Waikato, of which we have such a striking result before us. I sincerely trust that the good understanding that now exists between us and our guests may continue for ever, and that your official career may be as successful in the future as it has been in the past. Major Mair in reply eaid : — I thank you sir very much for the notice you have taken of me in connection with this matter. I am, however, quite unprepared for any recognition of this kind. You will therefore excuse me if f do not reply at length to what you have eaid. I thank you very much indeed. Tawhiao, Rewi, Wahanui, and veral other chiefs then entered the Council Chamber and with the Mayor and Councillors and several other gentlemen partook of the refreshments which had been provided. The Mayor requested all present to fill their glasses, after which he proposed the health of Tawhiao and chiefs then present. la doing so he hoprd Tawhiao might live long to witness the effect of the happy relationships then c&lled into existence. The toast was heartily responded to. Amongst those present in the Council Chambers were Major Mair, Major Jaclcon, Captain Steele, Messrs Hume, G- wynne, Smith, Cummin g, O'Neill, Hay and the Rev Mr Griffiin The following ladies were afterwards presented to the King. Mo&dames Hume, and J. B. Smith, and Misses Nicholson and Wylie. Tawhiao was much taken up with the hat of the drum-major of th Hamilton Band, and at the expressed desire of the chiefs it was suggested that it should be presented to the King. An inscription, bearing the following words was at once printed in gold letters and attached to the hat :—": — " Presented to King Tawhiao by Richard Edieaids." At the request of Mr Edwards*, Mr Gwynne, truste9 of tbeband, presented the hafc to Tawhiao, accompanying the present with a few well chosen and appropriate remarks. The present was accepted by the King, who said he was delighted with the music contributed by the band throughout' the morning. He would, however, give the hat \>ack to the drum-major (Mr R. Edwards), for that gentleman to wear, lie still retaining a share in it. He hoped to see it worn again by Mr Edwards on many future occasions. Some confusion was occasioned amongst the natives in the matter of food and firewood, most of which was on the East side of the river. Having got the firewood and a portion of the food consisting principally of potatoes, bread, sugar, etc., they set to work, making themselves as much at home as circumstances would permit. Tawhiao was alloted the Council Chambers as a residence during hia stay and Wahanui encamped outalde. Very few of their followers sought shelter, but kindled immense fires of wood in the vicinity of Tawhiao's quarters, round which they spent the night. Rain began to fall somewhat heavily about four o'clock in the morning, and necessitated a retreat of the encampers to the verandahs and outhouses of the buildings of the town,

, / The Banquet. The banquet given by the inhabitants of Hamilton to Tawhiao and chiefs came off at the Hamilton Hall, adjoining the Waikato Hotel, in the evening. The spread was provided by Mr Gaudin, and its quality reflected the highest credit upon the catering 1 capabilities of the host and hostess. " The viands were not only plentiful, bat were of the choicest quality, and. what is of more importance, were

cooked to perfection. The attendance, too, was very efficient. The following 1 was the MPNU. O\ Tail Soup | Julienne Soup I toiled Schnipper, Oyster Sauce. bVi< isspe^jCbickotvStewed'Kidnoy. I 'lu-asant Pie'ahd Jugged FJare, , Roast lleof | Roast Turkey Making Pig, Apple S.iuce. Ro.ist Saddle of Mutton and Jelly, Boiled Ttfkoy and Oyster Sauce. Boiled Chicken, Celery Sauce. Tongue ' | ' Ham ' Roa.st DucksPlum Puddinp I Gooseberry Pi« Currant and Raspberry Pie | Blanc Mange Custard, Punch Jelly, Meringues. GAteau de Citron, Jatn Tart. ' Salad an.d Cheese. DISSERI. winks. Shr-rry, Port, Claret (St. Julion), Wendell (Red), Wendell (White), South Australian 1 uk.iy. Cotrnac — Hennessy's, Prunier. Beer — Dickeson and Huinett, Cumming The hall was very tastefully decorated under the superintendence of MrsGaudm, the centre of the floor being occupied by an immense fern tree, from which depended a number of Chinese lanterns. The walls were hung with evergreens of various 1 kinds, and along the end over the Mayor's chair was the motto worked in laurel leaves, " Haeremai, Tawhiao, Haeremai." The general effect was pleasing in the extreme. Unfortunately Tawhiao and Wahanui were too tired after their long walk to be present, but Rewi and., the King's three sons, accompanied by about 20 of the principal chiefs, attended. The total number of those who sat down was about 70. His Worship the Mayor of Hamilton occupied the chair, having on his right the chief Rewi (representing Tawhiao), Mr Grace (who acted as interpreter) and Cr. Hill, and on Ins left Major Mair and Tv Tawhiao (Tawhiao's eldest son). The vice-chairs were filled by Cr. Vialou and Captain Steele (Chairman of the Waikato County Council). Among those present we noticed the members of the Borough Council and the Reception Committee, Major Jackson, Capt. Auiiciman, Lieut. Johnson, Revs. W. Calder and C. Griffin, Messrs H. W. Northcroft, R.M., Hume, O'Neill, Breakell, Gwynne, Barugh, Primrose, Coates, Steele, LeQuesne, Dey, French, Robson, Moses, T G. Sandes, and many other residents of Hamilton and the neighbourhood. The front portion of the stage was occupied by a number of ladies, and behind was placed the Band. The dinner having been discussed to the satisfaction of everybody, The Chairman proposed the customary loyal toasts, which were duly responded to, the Band playing appropriate music. The Chairman, in proposing the toast of the evening, "The health of Tawhiao, " said he felt highly honored in doing so. He had been requested by Tawhiao to apologise for his absence, which was unavoidable, aa he was tired and could not stand the cold. He regretted very much that the great chief was not with them, bit he was piesent in the spirit, and the company would drink his health none the less heartily. He trusted this was only the first of many visits they would have from Tawhiao. He wished him a pleasant tour, and hoped it would be productive of good results. (Applause.) The toast was drunk with enthusiasm and musical honors. R'3wi responded on leHalf of Tawhiao as follows : — I ask you to listen attentively to what I have to say respecting the health which has been drunk. Tawhiao is travelling now of his own accord, visiting the principal townships of the Europeans. He has visited Alexandra, Te Awamutu, Ki'iikihi, Rotorang-i, Cambridge, and now Hamilton. As he travels and journeys on the present occasion he esteems the kindness shown to him by the Europpaus. He keeps his own counsel, be he remembers these things. His word is that all should look towards him, for his intentions are good. In conclusion he would say greetings to you, all the Europeans here whom his eyes have witnessed. (Applause ) Cr. Vialou proposed "The health of the chiefs Rewi nnd Wahanui." This was the tir-.t time ho had had the pleasure of meeting the chiefs nf New Zoaland, Though he had been in the colony now twenty years He wati not much acquainted with Maori matters, but he knew thai; Rewi had always shown a desiie to unite the raws. Of the other chief he knew very little, but his presence among them showed his good feelings toward the Europeans. He trusted that the exchange of greetings that day would be the means of cementing more firmly the good feelings which exist. He would ask the company to respond heartily to this toast. The toast was duly honored. Rewi in response said : I am now going to speak as it were personally respecting the health which you have just honored. I have my own heart within me and my own thoughts. Your thoughts are the same as mine If they were different we could not bring things to a right conclusion, but if they are the same we can. As we travel, we like to witness the aspect of affairs and think of what is to be done in the future. In 1861 Tawhiao succeeded hia father. Then we reached 1870. In those days we were severed from you. In 1880 our thoughts began to close to one another. This is 1881, and Tawhiao is travelling amongst you, and you have seen him and he has seen you: Greetings to you, the Europeans present. (Applause). Capt. ?teele next rose and said the toast he had to propose was one which they would respond to heartily. It was ' ' The health of a gentleman well-known both to Europeans and the natives, and, he felt sure, respected by both. Whether as a European Magistrate, or as Native Agent, he had performed his duty well, and he belisved that it was owing 1 to this gentleman's straightforward dealing with the natives that the present satisfactory state of affairs had been brought about, and he hoped that he would be spared to finish the good work which he had begun. If Rewi and the others would only tell them what was in their hearts they would try to meet them. (Hear, hear). He was sure that there was not an old settler in the colony but who would have been p\eased to be there that evening and to see the natives amongst them. He would not detain them further, and would conclude by asking them to drink "The health of Major Mair." The toast was honored with enthusiasm, the band playing, " See the conquering hero comes." Major Mair thanked the company for the very handsome terms in which hia health had been proposed, and for the cordial manner in which the toast had been received. It was a matter of very great gratification to him that that day had come to pass. He was gratified that he had assisted in the work which had been brought about, but he felt that if others had not worked earnestly in this cause they would not have seen that day. Europeans have been working towards this end, and they had been assisted by the native chiefs, notably by Tawhiao himself. Though he had not always been able to keep down evil, he had always had fziendly feelings towards the Europeans. He had never forgotten the dying words of his father Potatau — "After me hold fast to your religion, love the pakeha, and live at peace with all men." He agreed with them that this waa a matter for congratulation, not only for WaikatO, but for the whole colony, and even beyond. Tawhiao regretted very much not being able to be present. He had told him (Major Mair) that he could not stand the cold,, and that it was a long distance to travel,

adding, "The people of Hamilton know my thoughts,, for they have heard my wdfd to-day." Major Mair concluded by cordially thanking the company for the manner in which they had drunk his i, health. n - „,,....,., Captain Steele next proposed "The' Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hamilton,'' to which His Worship fittingly replied. "The Health of the County Councils of Waikato " was proposed by Captain Runciman, and responded to by Captain Steele. Mr H. Steele said it gave him much pleasure us a New Zealander by birth, to propose " The health of Tawhiuo't, Sons." The young men of Hamilton were glad to hep them amongst them. This was their first visit" but he hoped to see them again often In the old days there was w^r, and their fathers fought against one another, bnt that was no reason why they should fight ( Vpplauge.) They Avere alike natives of New Zealand, and they should become as brothers and unite in their endeavours to make their country good and great. The toast was heaitily received, the Band playing " God bless the Prince of Wales." Tv Tawhiao responded. He said : — I stand up to say that I thank you, the Europeans, sincerely for your^ having drunk the health of Tawhiao my father, the chiefs and ourselves. What I have to say is this : Let us be careful how we conduct ourselves. Lead us on, so that we will dwell peaceably in our country of New Zealand, so that the name of our island may go forth. Greetings to you the promoters of this banquet and all the peonle here present. (A.pplause.) The Chairman then rose and said there was a gentleman present who had assisted materially to bring about what they had that day witnessed. He was a gentleman much respected by both races. Ho asked them to drink a bumper to the health of Mr Grace. The toast was received with musical honors. Mr Grace, in responding, thanked the company very heartily for the compliment pml him. He had not been long in the Waikato, but since he had been here it had been his wNh to see come to pass what they had that day witnessed. He had done his best towards this end, although it had not been much. He was now leading the life of one of themselves, trying to make a living in the district, but he still intended to use his beat endeavours to bring about a better ttate ">f ufhiirs. They ought all to strive for this end, to - promote the unity of the two xa-ce-i. All thoughts about this Government and that Government ouarht to be set aside. The native question ought to be taken up by both sides, otherwise they would not accomplish much good. It should be their effort to strive to bring about a state of affairs whereby the natne difficulty would be ended for ever. The toasts of "The Ladies," "The Press," "Host and Ho&tess," and " Chairman," completed the programme. Honana, one of the chiefs present, thanked the people of Hamilton for their kindness, ami intimated that if it was the wish of the company, the natives would in their own way give expression to their thanks. Assent being given, a moderate haka was performed, which was greatly appreciated by the company. The company broke up about 9 o'clock p. m. The Band were subsequently entertained in the hall by the Reception Committee.

YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The visitors were astir from an early hour yesterday morning, probably more on account of the inclement state of the weather than through a desire for early rising About 5 o'clock a.m. they came flocking up the town, debating whither they should fly for shelter. Mr Gwynne kindly left his comfortable quarters and showed them the Victoria Hall, where a large number partook of the shelter there afforded. Other-? spent the morning under verandahs, whilst a number found refuge in stables and other outhouses. A second supply of provisions was served out about noon. The jovial spirit characteristic of the race being somewhat damped by the unfortunate drenching they all received through the morning's rain, very few were bent on amusement or the usual native recreative exercises. Victorid-htroet was crowded thioughout the day, a large number of countiy sottleis and others as well as the townpeople themselves having turned out to witness the anticipated and piomised wardance. The band mustered after dinner and were accomodated on Gwynne's balcony, where they discoursed some excellent music and contiibuted greatly to the entertainment of all. About 3 o'clock a large number of people a- conded to the balcony of the Hamilton Hotel in tbe expectation of witnessing the promised war-dance. When ih became known that the natives weie waiting to bo challenged before they would respond to the request of the Europeans, it was feared as there was no person capable of performing the challenging cormony that the event of th 3 day would full through. Lieutenant Johnson was afterwards found to perform the duties of the above office, and before long about 50 natives in their primitive costume, appeared iv front of the hotel, and these were shortly reinforced by about 59 others. A large crowd had by this time assembled, and soon the entertainment was under way. To judge by the enthusiastic manifestations, the spectators enjoyed the scene immensely. The dance having concluded, three cheers were given for the natives, who responded with three more for the pakeha*. A hogshead of beer which was given by the townspeople was placed on the footpath, into which an entrance was soon effected. After dinner Tawhiao went for a diive in Mr Maguire's buggy across the river to vi*it the chief Hohia Ngwhiwi, where he spent a fow miuutes, after which he returned across the bridsre and visited Mr Hume, at the Bank of New Zealand, with whom he spent a short time, that gentleman courteously showing nte d\st\wgv\\s\\ec\. visitor over the premises. During Tawhiao' s visit to the bank his armed guard, consisting- of some 50 natives posted themselves round the building. The natives who were apparently highly pleased with the reception accorded them by the people of Hamilton, retired to their various shelters for the night at au early hour. The main body will leave for Ngaruawahia at 11 o'clock this moming by special train. Tawhiao and a few others, however, preferring the road, will be accommodated with buggies.

Pbofessob Swax described his electric lamp for domestic use at a semi-scientific meeting in Liverpool, recently. They oould light from 150 to 250 candles by an engine of 1£ horse power, and make as many divisions of the light as they wanted- The lamps were so simple that if broken a servant oould replace them. The trustees of the late E. R. Harris, late prothonotary of Lancashire, who have the disposal of a bequest of over £200,000 for certain charitable purposes generally indicated in the will, have approved of a Roheme submitted by a deputation from the library committee of tlie Pre&ton corporation for the erection and endownment of a new free library, subject to the sanction of the Master of the Rolls. Sixty thousand pounds is granted to the building, £7500 for a reference library, the same sum for works of art, and £15,000 for endowment,