HON. MR MITCHELSON AT WHATIWHATIHOE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2459, 14 April 1888, Page 2

HON. MR MITCHELSON AT WHATIWHATIHOE.

+ SUCCESSFUL MEETING WITH TAWHIAO. THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS ACCEPTED. The Nativo Minister arrived hero by coach from Finch's Hotel, about Ba.m. on Thursday morning, on arrival at the settlement the Ministerial party was greeted with shouts of welcome by a large crowd of natives assembled in front of tho meetinghouse. Business was begun without delay by Tawhiao, who said, "Welcome come aiidsee us, because you arc the new Minister. lam pleased to see yon, and am glad you have come here, it is good and right you should come here, so that I may see you. Salutations to yon the Nativ) Minister. It is good the chiefs and people assembled should sae you, there is nothing bad in your coming, and there is no trouble. I hope you will not resemble other Ministers. Salutations to you all. Mv greetings now cease. SirD. McLean was the first Minister who saw me, he spoke to me and I listened till he bad finished, and what he said was good and right, and nfter what ho said I agreed, but silently. There was one thing I agreed to, and said yes. I will have those things, bHt let them remain with you. He was a Minister who always said what was right, and after he left I did not forget what he said. Afterwards I heard be was dead, but his word still remains with me, and I do not forget it, I still retain it. Not long after came Sir G. Gray, tho father of New Zealand chiefs, and saw me, he said the same as Sir D. McLean, there was no difference in what he said, and I saw it was good. But I did not give utterance to my thoughts. The only thing I said is it right or is it wrong, but I thought within myself what Sir G. Grey has said is right, and I did not forget it, but retained it in my memory. When he came again, I said what I had to say about myself and people, I thought what'he said was good, but it turned out bad. This is my word. Although Sir G. Grey was angry with me, I still remembered what he said. Your skin is white and your heart also, mine is black and my heart also. Although Sir G. Grey took the word away with him, I still remembered it. I now ask you not to do so, as other Ministers but to remain here qiietly and consult with mo. There are four canoes and you are the chief, yon have the command of buggies, steamers, and train. My word will not alter with regard to what the chiefs of this island have said because their names are signed to a document, (treaty of Waitangi), all these are most important words. Thero was nothing wrong in it, they signed their names to it. There was nothing wrong in what the Qn°.en had said in reply. The word was definite, and has not been altered since, nor has it over been withdrawn. I say to yon that all these matters are in my hand, and I will not let them fall, but will hold them tight. I now ask that you will take these matters into your careful consideration, so that everything may be arranged clearly and satisfactorily. Major Te Wheoro will make these matters clear to you. Te Wheoro : Tawhiao has asked me to explain. You may perhaps be uncertain as to what these matters are. He referred first to Sir D. McLean's promise, and asked that you and Tawhiao should consider them, they are still on record. He referred then to Sir G. Grey, those also are still with the Government, they are practically one. Tawhiao wishes that you and he should consider them together, If there are any of those proposals not clear to you, I will make them so. I will refer later to his word about the Queen. I am anxious that you and Tawhiao should come to some arrangement to-day. This is tho first time I have asked this of a Minister. I asked in Auckland to have the proposals of the Government laid before Tawhiao, and I ask the same to-day. Do not disregard them. If it is tho Premier who is hurrying you away, I ask you to arrange with him so that you and Tawhiao may consider. I ask this urgently. I will assist you. If you run away what can bo done. I now refer to tho Treaty of Waitangi. Its provisions are to be considered by you, the Government, and the chiefs of this island so that all trouble may befinally settled and swept away. If there is anything else you are not clear about, I will explain. Mr Mitchelson: Tawhiao and all the chiefs assembled. lam hero at the invitation of Te Wheoro, to hear what you have to say, and though I have not been able to come as soon as I expected, I hope in the short time at my disposal, matters will be satisfactorily arranged, and that Tawhiao and I will arrange them. I told Te Wheoro that a question had been asked me in the House by Taipua, he asked what the Government inttmd to do with Tawhiao and the people without land, and I replied that a commission would bo appointed to see about some land for them. Te Wheoro said he did not think that it would be a satisfactory arrangement, and that it would be better for me to arrange with Tawhiao, and that is tho reason I am here. The Government are willing to provide land, but they must bo willing to live on it, and acknowledge the Queen as their Sovereign, for the time has come to live as one people, and that Tawhiao and his people will come in from their secluuon, and I hope that during tho short time I will remain here to-day we shall arrive at a satisfactory arrangement, for the Government wish the people to live together amicably. In conclusion, I would say that Tawhiao and Te Wheoro and other chiefs consult with their people and submit their proposals to me, and on behalf of the Government I shall give them every consideration. Tawhiao: Listen to me; oh, Waikatos, to my reply to what the Minister has said. Ho has said that Te Wheoro, myself and other chiefs should consider. I will agree to what he has said, and communicate what we agree upon to him. I consider what he has said is right. Do not bo in a hurry ; go away and I will communicate to you. I will take you back to Alexandra. Te Wheoro and I have always been associated together, and what he does I will do. (Te Wheoro said he would assist the Government, and Tawhiao's words were significant that he would assist in this matter.) The meeting at this point broke up to allow the chiefs to consider. Tawhiao, before the proposals were read, spoke as follows :—I say to you, be considerate to my tribo at Tauranga, consider Hauraki, be right, consider also Kaipara, tho Ngatiwhatuas. My word ends hero. Be considerate also to Ngapuhi, but be right, because, I rely upon you, tho Native Minister. This is my word, return to me my land ; the land that was returned by Sir D. McLean, and Sir G. Grey. With reference to what you have giving allegiance to the Queen. That has been done already by our ancestors, who are dead. When she asked for it, wo gave it. When the chiefs of this island asked that they should be allowed to retain their niana that was granted (it was made by Potatau) tho Queen was asked to be the guardian of our lauds and rights. The treaty of Waitangi is always in my hand. It has always been my counsellor,-and my hand will not open, never, never, never. In this you and I are one. Wo drew np all its provisions together. I approach you now as a child does a grown-up person, and I trust it will bring matters to a satisfactory conclusion. My words to open the line with the Government were come, come, come (the Rohe Potae). It stopped here at Wnipa. It came from Te Akau here, and thence to Waikato. In conclusion, I ask that you and I should consider these matters carefully. If only one or two matters are settled, it will be a good deal. Mr Mitchelson, I have listened very carefully to what Tawhiao has said, and I admit the truth of a great deal of what he has said, and as long as I retain my position I shall do my best to prmnoto the welfare of the natives throughout New Zealand. I am pleased to hear of their allegiance to the Queen, and there can bo no objection now to theii taking the oath. The allegiance referred to was before the rebellion. Each fresh member of Parliament has to take an oath, and there can bo no objection to the natives doing so. Mr Mitchelson then read the following proposals, Mr Butler interpreting :—Memorandum of proposals made by Mr Mitchelson to Tawhiao and his people. As the Government have every desire to arrive at a just and satisfactory settlement of tho long-standing difference that has existed between the Government and Tawhiao and his people. I, on behalf of tho Government, make the following proposals:—l. Tho Government will provide land for Tawhiao and his people in such areas as niayjbe approved by Parliament, and utsuch places as may be suitable. Where land is available the wishes of Tawhiao and his people will be considered in fixing localities. 2. Such of the confiscated land at Mangare, formerly owned by Potatau as romains'undisposed of to be returned to Tawhiao and his people, and a residence i erected there for Tawhiao if he desires it.

3. The Government will make such provisions for Tawhiao as may be arranged between the Government and himself, sous to unable him to live in comfort and work cordially with l!i!> Government for the Rood of the Maori people. 4, To ensure the land to Tawhiao and his people, it will be made inalienable by sale or lease. Tho only conditions which I, on behalf of the Government consider necessary to attach to these proposals arc: 1. That Tawhiao and his people should formally take the oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen. 2. That Tawhiao and his people shall occupy the land provided tor them. I will only add that as numerous proposals have, on former occasions been made by various Governments to Tawhiao, and bis 'people which have failed to effect any settlement of the difficulty, or to accomplish the unity that is desired, I sincerely trust that the proposals now made by me will be accepted, so that an end may be put to all past troubles, and the whole of the Maoris and thepakehasin New Zealand may, for tho future live in love and peace as one united people. (Signed,) E. Mitchki,SON. Tawhiao : I have only one word to say, that it has been agreed to by the old men and tho chiefs (the allegiance); it was agreed to long ago. All these things are in my hand, and the Treaty of Waitangi. My present intention is to go to Waikato. That is my only word ; the Treaty of Waitangi shall not fall from my hand. At this stage an adjournment was made to give the natives time to consider the proposals. Food was now placed before the visitors. On resuming, Tawhiao said : My word with reference to the proposals is this document is, I will hold them. I will not make any objections to them. lam standing in the position of my parent under the Treaty of Waitangi. My word will end here. If you wish to return to Alexandra I will take you there. To Wheoro: You as well as the Waikatos are now present. I am going to Waikato in the summer, and Tawhiao will also eo. These proposals you have made, Tawhiao will agree to, and those that still remain will Vo settled at Waikato. He will go where his father formerly resided. I will not consider any dissatisfaction that may have been expressed by the people here. They will return to me and we can settle all matters left. It is true that this council will not be given up, for it is a matter settled by Potatau and the Chiefs. Do not bo apprehensive, the only difficulty is that you two are so far apart the matter can be arranged, and I hope you and the chiefs will arrange it. Do not withdraw these proposals. Do not bo like Sir D. McLean. There is no reason to speak at my length. I stand up so that these people may hear mo say I am going to Waikato. I repeat, that any remaining matters cm be settled down there. Do not think you cannot rearrange matters with the council, as it is not a difficult matter. Do not allow anything to thwart us and that will end all Maori difficulties. Do not he dissatisfied, the matter is practically sottled. If you withdraw any of the proposals Tawhiao will still be living with us. Mr Mitchelson : As Tawhiao and I are going to Alexandra to bring matters to an end, I may say in reply to Te Wheoro I am not dissatisfied with the day's proceedings, and I will not withdraw without giving Tawhiao and his people ample time to consider the matter. lam as anxious as Te Wheoro to bring matters to a conclusion. Mr Mitchelson, accompanied by Tawhiao, Te Wheoro and To Tnhi then went into Alexandra to Finch's Hotel. On arrival at Alexandra Tawhiao had an interview with the Minister, when tho following took place :—The Minis'er requested that Tawhiao would, as soon as he had consulted with his people, send him an answer in writing in reference to the proposals made, in order that he might lay it before Parliament, and introduce the necessary legislature to carry them into effect if accepted. Te Wheoro replied that the proposals wore practically accepted, and the letter to the Minister would be sent. Tawhiao added that Mr Mitchelson's words were very clear, and an answer in writing would be forwarded. Te Wheoro said that the acceptance of the proposals was a practical and final settlement of any nativo difficulty that remained. Conversation on details then took place, respecting lands in different localities suitable for their settlements. The intention was altogether very friendly and satisfactory. It was evident from the apparent cordiality of Tawhiao's greeting, to Mr Mitchelson, that he was prepared to discuss matters in an amicable spirit, and with a fall intention to settle matters finally. Such was the opinion of several people present, and the result showed that they were correct. To Mr Mitchelson will belong the credit of having finally settled the "native difficulty" which has been so difficult of solution to former Ministers. There can be no doubt that this success is very materially duo to the fact that Mr Mitchelson is not even ready to say " yes" to every request made to him. but weighs carefully every matter before committing himself to any course. The natives therefore seo that he is fully in earnest in everything he says, and is determined to fulfil all his promises, because he promises nothing that ho does not see his way clear to grant. It is the best way to gain the confidence of the Maoris who distrust a policy of temporising with, and treating them like spoiled children. No one _ will begrudge Tawhiao the offers made him by the Government, for it is only right that he should have some provision made for him. He is the most unselfish of all the Maoris, and when splendid offers were made to him in the past they were refused, because he was more anxious about the condition of his people than his own. He has been actuated throughout by a feeling of patriotism which deserves the reward about to be conferred. It must be borne in mind that this would not have been accepted were it not for the fact that his people are included in the offer, and now that provision is made for them he can conscientiously accept that made for himself. It was a noticeable feature in his speech that he remembered not only his own particular tribe, but those in various parts of the island, showing in this way his solicitude for the Maoris as a nation. Such an instance of unselfishness by a Maori stands out prominently because it would be hard to find its parallel among the whole race. Te Awamutu Library. A deputation waited on the Minister at Te Awamutu station on his way from Otorohanga, Mr Walton (chairman Town Board), Revs. Boler and Mather, Messrs Rutherford, Andrew and Rolfey being the deputation. The object was to bring under his notice the library site promised by Mr Bal lance. Mr Walton : What we want to see you about is the library site at Te Awamutu, which was promised by Mr Ballance some time ago. Mr Walton explained that the present site was most unsuitable, owing to its position, and that the Library Committee were willing to give it up if they could get that next the post-office. It was withdrawn from the sale of town lots on account of its being required for a library site, but was subsequently refused on the ground that a building on it would endanger the post-office in case of fire from its proximity, but it was pointed out that one of tho lots sold was much closer to the Government buildings, and if built upon the danger would be much greater than from the site asked for, Mr Mitchelson said that he would look into the matter on his return to Wellington, and it it had been promised by Mr Ballance definitely he would see what could be done in the matter. Mr Roche said he was present when Mr Ballance promised it, and he made a most distinct promise that it should be granted, notwithstanding the fact that it was not in his department. Mr Mitchelson said he would look into the matter. Tho deputation having thanked the Minister withdrew.