THE NATIVE MEETING. [Per Press Agency.] Kopuua, 8th May.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 505, 9 May 1879, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING. [Per Press Agency.] Kopuua, 8th May.

It is stated that the agents of speculators who are interested ia keeping the Government out of the lands here have been tutoring Tawhaio within the past few weeks, and hence hia speech yesterday, aud general attitude are the outconn of their tutoring. They fear- theprorlaination of the Government, which would exclude them from private negotiations, and 6hut out all transactions antagonistic to the ■acquiring of lands for the people. Two of those who are said to be largely interested in this, way were conspicuous yesterday by their j presence amongst the Ngatimaniopoto instead of mixing with the supporters of the Ministry aad visitors generally. This afternoon, the weather being fine, the Ngapuhis and Ngatimaniopotos got together to force a meeting, and try to get things arranged. j Some chiefs said they would not deal wifi i Grey and Sheehan. Foremost of these was Te Wabanui, a great chief. Manuhiri, oa being asked why he objected to come to terms, produced the Government Gazette of 1863, and pointed to Sir George Grey's proclamation warning Maoris to clear away. As he was commencing Te Wabanui told the Rev. Mr. Buddie that Sir George was bloodthirsty, and they (the Kingites) would never come to terms with him. Then the speaking commenced 1 without tho presence of the Kingites. Paul Tuhaere told them the sun was going down, and they could not wait for them any longer. Oa the meeting being resumed to-day, a good number of chiefs ot the different tribes, including the Ngapuhi, Ngatimaniopoto,- &aipara, Thames, lvgatiwhatua,. and Wanganui tribes, expressed their views as to Tawhaio's proclamation on the previous day but none of the Kiogitessaid anything. Then Paul Tuhaere said it was not their fault if the Kingites were not there, they should speak tribe by tnba and not wait till darkness as the delay was confusI ing. The general burden of the speeches was that some friendly arrangement should be made between Sir George lirey and Tawbaio.- t At length Te >gakau (the King's adviser) said they could not see into ths speeches mad* because it was dafk, but it must not be thought he was beaten or had nothing to say- Ha would leave the 'remainder ot the speaking tut to-morrow. The party then broke up. A Columbus man says he started thirty years ago to make 1400,000d015. He has got the fourteen, but the ciphers bother him. : 1 J ;