PUBLIC LUNCH BY THE MAORIS.

Evening Post, Volume XV, Issue 212, 10 September 1877, Page 2

PUBLIC LUNCH BY THE MAORIS.

A most interesting rncetinp took place this afternoon, in the Odd Fellows' Hall, of a semipolitical and social character, when a number of tho members of both Houses of Parliamuut, professional gentlemen, lendiug merchants, and others, together with a large number of native chiefs, assembled by the Invitation of the two native chiefs lienata Kawepo and Te Hapuku to partake of lunch. The entertainment was held in celebration of the withdrawal of the Native Lands Bill in the House of Representatives, and the verJict for the plaintiff, Mr. Henry Russell, in tho voted Waka Maori libel case, lately tried liefore the Supreme Court. Two tables were arranged along the hall, with one at the top, and were fully seated, quite 100 gentlemen being present. The lunch was got up by Mr. P. Laing, and appeared to be very well served. A large proportion of the attendance was of members of Parliament, tho chair lieing occupied by Reoato Kawepo, with Sir Goorge Grey on his right, and Mr. Gannon, officiating as interpreter, on • his left. Atter lunch had been disposed of, the tonst of her Majesty the Queen was proposed by the chairmau, followed by that of the Governor of the colony and Sir George Grey. Sir George stated thnt he had always been a good friend to the natives, and would continue their friend, and stand by their interests to the best of his ability. Thp toast of the Parliament followed, proposed by Henare Matua, and responded to by Mr. Taiaroa, tho Hon. Wi Tako, Mr. Tawiti, a.nd the chairman. Next in order came the following toasts, which were each honored with rounds of applause: — The Supreme Court; Thanks for the withdrawal of the Native Lauds Bill; Thnt both races might become one people ; That a change of Government might soon take place ; and congratulations to Mr. Russell on the vindication of his character by the verdict of the jury in the Waka Maori libel case.