REWI'S TREE.—THE FRUITS EX. PLAINED.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2926, 30 August 1879, Page 3

REWI'S TREE.—THE FRUITS EX. PLAINED.

AFTER Rewi's meeting at Kihikihi our reporter obtained Rewi's interpretation of the allegory of the "Tree," which, though consistently referred to by the old chief is not properly understood. The tree represents the negociations or arrangement entered into by himself and Sir George Grey's Government. Kewi contends that on the principle that the tree is known by its fruits, sultinient time should be allowed for the fruit to mature, or how can men judge whether it be good or evil. Tho i raits of the tree as at present visible were love toward one another. The ceasing of war, roads and railways would be constructed which would lead to inter-com-munication of ideas and would allow of the good feeliug to permeate all the people living on the island. We were not to expect specific resnlts in the short time of two years. He himself was willing to wait four of live years to give tlie tree time to grow. If after five years there was no good results, then he would know the Government was wrong. If at the end of five years things came to a, "ood termination, then he would go to the Hauhaus, and tell them to leave off living in isolation, that it was better for all to come under one law. If the reverse was the result, and the end was evil, then he would give the reverse opinion. He had waited two years and was willing to wait another two years. When he saw how things had calumniated, he would then decide on his future action, but until then lie desired to work with the present Government, until the tree had had sufficient time to prove by its fruit if it was good or evil. Those who now see Kewi enjoying a stroll through Kihikihi, and chatting with his pakeha neighbour, must and do admit that the Native Minister has done "a great good even in this one instance. The kindly feeling towards Europeans which has been aroused in the o!d chief's affections is not likely to decrease, hut on the other hand, llewi seenjs animated with a growing desire to work in harmony with tbe Europeans, and evidently entertains the greatest regard for Sir George Grey and Mr fcsbeehan. Even some of the bitterest opponents of the Native Minister, and men well versed in native affairs, assert that Mr Sheehan lias done immeasurable good in connection with the bringing out of Kewi aud the development of the old man's better sentiRewi steadily affirms there will he no more war. Tawhiao' has repeatedly stated the same thing. Consequently, with the leaders of the Kingite party favourable and anxious for peace, there is little fear of any serious disturbance with the natives.