MEETING- AT THE PA WHAKAAIRO.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 134, 14 April 1860, Page 4

MEETING- AT THE PA WHAKAAIRO.

Yesterday the Superintendent went to the Pa Whakaairo (according to appointment) to see and' talk with the Native Chiefs, upon the present aspect of affairs. Several gentlemen accompanied him from town — : Major Young, Messrs. Tiffen, Tanner, Begg, ., Colenso, and Grindell. Arriving there they were hospitably entertained by the Chief Tareha in his new house , with a good plain dinner served up in English style ; to which after their ride they did ample justice. Dinner over, chairs were

set for the white visitors, and the speechifying commenced. Old Porolcuru led the way with an old song and recitation, full of good and peaceful meaning, ending with saying that the natives' wish was to dwell in love and friendship. Renata followed with rather a long speech, containing several shrewd remarks and enquiries, but generally expressive of good feeling towards the whites, and a plain declaration of no present sympathy with Wiremu Kingi at Taranaki. Tareha next spoke, principally following in the steps of Renata, and with him remarking on the bad and irritating language which they (natives) were commonly receiving from many low whites; Karaitiana then said a few words, assenting to some of the sayings of those who had preceded him, and adding there was not a larger attendance that day owing to white men never keeping their promises with natives, and that there would not be time that evening to consider or reply to the wprds which might be spoken by the Superintendent.

The Superintendent then replied, taking up seriatim their different observations and enquiries — assuring them that the whites wished to live in peace with the Natives and to dwell as one people uDdei one ruler — that their lands would never be taken from them, — that overt acts must necessarily be punished, — that the militia was for the good of all, would be found effective in conjunction with themselves against the aggression of a foreign foe, and would most

certainly be enrolled (as in the Australian Colonies) if never a Maori existed — that the roads and other improvements were for the good of all — that he was sorry some chiefs did not see this, and so held back a right of road through their lands — that he was sorry to find any of them determined to uphold the authority of the (so-called) Native King, as only one king or sovereign power could possibly be acknowledged in the colony, — and, finally, that they had much better have less suspicion of the whites, and seek by their actions as well as words to dwell quietly and lovingly with them.

Night no vsr came on fast ; and, though there was more to be said and answered, the meeting closed.

The Chiefs Moananui, Paraone, Paratene, Hnpata, and their relatives were also present. Mr. Colenso interpreted His Honor's words to the Natives, and Mr. Grin dell those of the Natives to His Honor.