THE WAIMATE PLAINS DIFFICULTY.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5361, 21 April 1879, Page 3

THE WAIMATE PLAINS DIFFICULTY.

[By Special Wire.] Wellington, April 19. The special importer of the Press ■ Association sends the following : — Opunake, April 18. Mr Mackay, Captain Blake, and your reporter left New Plymouth on Tuesday afternoon for Parihaka, which was reached at 10 o'clock next morning. It was palpable that in the native mind the visit was all-important, fully GOO of the Taranaki, Ngahiruamu, and Ngatiawa tribes being assembled. Mr Mackay was received on all sides with the salutations, JZaeremai, haeremai — "Come, you are ■welcome. 1 ' Even the children clapped their hands and shouted his name. The time of meeting having arrived, Te Whiti sent for Mr Mackay, who was accomodated with a seat close to the terrace, on which were the speakers. The natives were all dressed in new finery, and Te Whiti, who is generally slovenly n appearance, had a new shawl over him. He spoke for over two hours in a vigorous strain, and his peroration was delivered without the slightest sign of fatigue. The burden of his discourse was ■\ a pressing desire to preserve pence. He stood up, he said, to preserve right between both races, to protect the widows anfl orphans, and if they followed his counsel not a hair of their heads should be lost. His sun had been obscured, but now lie would stand before them as the preserver of peace. Self-laudation is a favorite theme with Te Whiti, and he continually referred to what he had done for the Maoris, but his similes were so allegorical, and partook so largely of Scripture quotation that not one half present could divine his meaning. He

prognosticated that there would be no fighting in his day, and stated that he took credit for hie prophecies, which were divulged to him by a superior power. Silver and gold might be broken. His sword was his tongue, and if they rose against him they could not reason with the wisdom of his tongue. He was an advocate of peace, and if they kept quiet no harm would befall them. There would be no fighting. John, another chief of the Taranaki tribe, asked those who had ears to listen to what was said to-day. The Government finished their difficulty with the sword ; Te Whiti would finish his with his tongue. If he had done wrong, laugh at him and turn to the Government. The King, Tawhiao, had finished his difficulties by throwing over the Maoris. Food was then brought in, and Mr Mackay, not to disturb them at meal time, deferred his liorero until next day. Hiroki, who at all times had one of his body protectors with him, assisted in placing the food. Titokowaru with his tribe occupied a prominent place in the assembly. Your correspondent had a private conversation with Te Whiti in the evening. Te Whiti eulogised Mr Mackay as a shrewd and just diplomatist, one who 'talked so that he could be understood, and was careful in his speech. Te Whiti is a straight-built man, with a rather feminine appearance. Although only 48, his grey beard makes him look order. He seems to have read a good deal. He inquired whether it was true that a race of men with tails had been discovered. He also asked what the papers of the Europeans said about him and his people, and whether it was true that troops had been brought from Otago. He makes himself very humble among his people, and has a great fondness for his pig, which he feeds himself. He came to the settlement before the war, and has never since been out of it.

At 9 o'clock on the following morning Mr Mackay was sent for, and addressing the natives he said that the previous day was Te Whiti's day, but that one was his. What was said the previous day was good, and he now wished his words to convey what was good. They desired peace and plenty, and he would show them the way to get both. He then proceeded to explain to them about the land which had been confiscated, and stated that some of the natives were not satisfied about the issue of the Crown grants for their land. It would be carefully considered what they were entitled to, and their Crown grants would be given to them. They should not be obstinate with the Government, as the Government did not wish to be hard upon them. He thought the wisest course would be to have a commission of inquiry to decide these claims, and bring peace to the country. He was prepared to propose this to Mr Sheehan, to whom he had explained what took place between them (Mr Mackay and the natives) when they last met. He urged them to think carefully for themselves, even if they were vexed about anything. He urged them to ponder over what he said. He wanted to treat them in a straightforward way. He thought he had done right and just to his own race and theirs. His words were for peace and quietness between them and the Europeans throughout the colony. Tahu asked the meeting to pay attention to him, for the powers of the Government had all died, and he was master of both races. He knew from divers sources that a disturbance could not occur. Mr Mackay had gone away and returned with the same opinion, therefore he (Tahu) must govern. The Government and Tawhiao had created all the disturbance. The European laws had failed and were cursed.

Mr Mackay asked them to talk coolly without being vexed. His remark about the 'commission seemed to give general satisfaclion ; but Te Whiti was annoyed, as he was afraid of his settlement being broken up by the other tribes returning. He made a long harangue, but it was so full of metaphors and self-praise that no one could understand it. He repeatedly tried to keep Mr Mackay from Bpeaking, but the latter, much to the amusement of those present, persisted in doing so. The Icorero will probably end on Saturday, when Mr Mackay will return to New Plymouth. New Plymouth, April 20. The Parihaka meeting is over, and Mr Mackay has returned. No definite settlement was come to, but large numbers of the natives approve of the proposal of a commission, but Te Whiti fears it would shake his influence. If he remains obstinate secessions from his party are probable. The natives are now discussing the matter amongst themselves.