TAWHIAO'S MEETING.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 247, 12 May 1882, Page 2

TAWHIAO'S MEETING.

ALEXANDRA, Yesterday.

About noon Tawhiao came out and sang a song of welcome to the visitors. He said korero would begin to day, if fine. Some Maoris had paid that the pakehas were no good, but he had found them very good, and the Maoris must make friends with the pakehas. They should be all one people — the pakehas avd. the Maoris.

Topia responded to the welcome, and said Tawhiao' s speech was good.

Another Taupo chief followed, and approved what Tawhiao had said about Enropeans and Maoris being one.

Tawhiao then made another speech indirectly hinting at Te Wetere's doings at Mokau, and challenging him to vindicate himself.

Te Wetere came forth from a neighboring tent and replied that he did not mind bein g blamed, but let the persons finding fault be sober, and he would be able to throw new light on the proceedings at Mokau.

Intelligence has been received that a number of Europeans had landed twenty miles north of Mokau to come over to the meeting. An application was made to Rewi to turn them back, but he referred his informant to Tawhiao. It is probable they will be quietly turned back, and told they should not come without permission. This Day.

In response to a message from Tawhiao, all the Europeans here assembled at Whatiwhatihoe this morning. It was magnifioant weather. After waiting some time, they sent in a messenger asking when the korero would begin. Te Ngakau came out, and said : " I have come out to commence, just as tho Native Lands Court does. To all assembled, I state here that the court is opened, but will be adjourned till to-morrow, in accordance with all your European usages." On an expression of disgust with this proceeding, and asking the reason, it was alleged that some of the Ngatiinaniapotos had not arrived ; but it is believed the chiefs are auything but agreed yet as to what hue should be taken. Wahanui strongly opposes all laud selling, aud it is understood that Rewi has been persuaded to modify his recent utterances about submitting titles to the decision of a court. Wahanui said ho would like the title ascertained, but always in the past surveys have been followed by sales of land. If ho could see some way of securing the land, he would not bo so strongly opposed w its opeuiug, but they have been co often decoived by natives selling when the Crown grants were obtained, that he is fearful of taking any steps towards making nativo titlo negotiable.