THE PARIHAKA MEETING.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 97, 19 March 1881, Page 2

THE PARIHAKA MEETING.

(Specially Despatched to Star.)

(FROM OXJR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

The March meeting at Parihaka, which terminated on Thursday night, was one of the largest which has been held for a long time. It is hard to estimate the number present, but two thousand five hundred is somewhere near the mark, a considerable proportion of which are, of course, women and children. The food, which was not of any great quantity, was divided on Wednesday ; but if the more substantial part of the provisions was somewhat scanty in quantity, the pile of melons was something enormous. About 100 Europeans were present, among whom may be mentioned the Rev. Mr. Grace, lately appointed to the Putiki mission station. This gentleman took notes of the speech of Te Whiti, and it is to be hoped he was edified with it, but the spirit of the whole was not particularly devotional. Tour correspondent, who rode all night after the meeting, will forward an epitome of the oration per next mail. It was a splendid specimen of the new style of Maori oratory, which has abandoned gesticulation and posturising, and copied the calmer and more dignified expressive manner of the European orator. Peace and love are to rule the world ; war'and strife are to be abolished ; but his people are to be ultimately successful, through the agency of a pure love, which embraces their part and amends their grievances. Immediately after Te Whiti's speech, a number of waiatas and poas were sung by the prisoners who have been released, in conjunction with those who were not taken, but who were appointed by Te Whiti to go, and therefore are considered prisoners. These marched on to the meeting-place together, and occupied a place in the centre of the " marae." Melons — nothing but melons — were in every whare, and the rinds and refuse of the aame littered every open, space, if

the intervals between the wharfs cm be called open. Although. I Lave said that the provisions sectned scanty, there was no lack of food in tiie houses, and it is probable that much more food was taken to Parihaka than was exhibited on the dividing-place, or pei haps the immense pile of melons threw all else into insignificance. The greatest hilarity prevailed among the young people, and the elders were cheerful ; but the real leaders of Parihaka — the councillors of Te Whiti — kept close to their houses, and only appeared abroad to hear the speeches. These latter were listened to by all with, more than even usual attention. Dancing and the usual sports occupied the evenings of the juniors, and the meeting closed with satisfaction to all. Mail time forces me to close.

P.S.— The idea of Te Whiti visiting Tawhiau, at his meeting in "Waikato next month, is treated with utter ridicule by all at Parihaka.