Tawhiao's Visit to Waikato. Proceedings at Alexandra.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1423, 16 August 1881, Page 2

Tawhiao's Visit to Waikato. Proceedings at Alexandra.

[by electhic tklegkaph, own ooreesPONDPNT.I Alexandra, Last Night. Ox Saturday afternoon last, Major Mair desired to return the arms laid down by Tawhiao on his arrival here. The arms ,vcre placed in a reverse position, in a line across the road in front nt the Alexandra Hotel, the muzzles pointing to the King Country. Major Mair, with a double-barrelled gun, took up a position iii the centre of the line of arms. Tawhiao, Wahanui and the natives being present. Major Man- said ' ' Listen, Tawhiao, these are guns you ga\e to me as a token of sincerity when you said there should be no more fighting in this Island. I accepted them then, and have kept them till now that the old men and old women and children should look upon them, bill I now return them to you. 1 will only keep your own gun, and in its place I give yon mine that yon may know that on my side we have the same thoughts— that war and disturbance be put far away from us all in this island." Major Mair then took up Tawhiao's gun, which was in the centre of the row, and putting his own in its place, added, " Your guns, take them to shoot birds for us in the days that are coming." Tawhiao looked pleased, bowed, and whispered to Wahanui, then came forward, and taking Major Mairs gun, said, "Major Mair, "Your word is accepted. I will take your gun : but those (indicating the others) will follow their father, which is in your hand. That which is ejected from the mouth never returns. The word goes straight forward. It is said in earnest, and my word is true. Keep the guns." Major Mair replied, " I accept the guns ami will now retain them." Yesterday Tawhiao, Wahauui, and other chiefs dined with Mr U. Y. Tisdall, and have not yet left here.