CAPT. BARRY AND TAWHIAO.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1563, 11 July 1882, Page 2

CAPT. BARRY AND TAWHIAO.

Is* accordance with his expressed intention of making himself acquainted with the Maori " King," Capt. Jackson Barry proceeded to Alexandra on Saturday. A correspondent sends us the following details of the visit : — "Capt. Barry arrived here (Alexandra) on Saturday, and was met by Tawhiao and some of his chiefs. He was introduced to his Maori Majesty by an interpi'eter, who explained that the captain was a very old colonist. The captain was then invited to the pah at Whatiwhatihoeon Sunday. Accordingly, the next day he crossed the Waipa, accompanied by one or Wo Europeans, and was received in a vpry cordial manner by Tawhiao and a number of chiefs, including Heta Terawhiti, the native clergyman. With the assistance of an interpreter Capt. Barry held a long conversation with Tawhiao. He explained that he had been a great number of years in New Zealand, and that he had traded on the coast in days when the islands were only the hunting grounds of the Maoris, before the arrival of the missionaries. Tawhiao appeared to be delighted at the recital, and ventured the opinion that his visitor was indeed a wonderful man. The captain then alluded to the vast mineral lesources of the country, and exhibited some specimens of silver ore which he had obtained at Te Aioha. He further said that he believed if the "King" country were opened and prospected, and leased to Europeans for mining purposes, a large revenue would accrue to the native owneis. Judging by his experience, lie said, the country appealed to abound in minerals of all kinds. Tawhiao seemed to be greatly interested in the subject. The conversation was kept up for nearly four hours, and at the end the Maoris showed the greatest deference to their visitor, who had the distinguished honor of being asked to stand godfather to the child of the great chief To Ake, who was christened "William Jackson Te Ake." Mrs Morgan was godmother. After the ceremony the visitors were invited to the house of Mrs Morgan, and enjoyed her hospitality. Previous to Captain Bairy's departure, the natives expressed a hope that he would again call and see them. " On Monday night (last night) Captain Barry is to deliver his well-known lecture in the Public Hall, Alexandra, under the patronage of Tawhiao and the chiefs, an mterpretor to be on the platform. The chair will be taken by Sir C. W.Burdett, Barf, and a large and fashionable audience is sure to be secured."