ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR AT OTAKI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1034, 8 October 1862, Page 9 (Supplement)

ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR AT OTAKI.

On the 16th inst. his Excellency Sir Geo.' Grey arrived at the settlement ot the Ngatihuia, on the south bank of the Otaki river, where great preparations were made for his reception by Karanama, a newly appointed native magistrate. A runanga house, 60 ft. by 20 ft. was erected, together with a smaller one for the accommodation of his Excellency and suite, by Hora, Epiha, and their tribe, the Ngatihuias, who have seceded from the king, and are expected eventually to join in with the proposed arrangement. A considerderable gathering of natives from Otaki and Manawatu were present. Amongst the Europeans we noticed his Honor the Superintendent, J. Cracroft Wilson, C.8., the Hon. Tollemache and lady, Dr. Hewson, Messrs. Carter, Cook, Hartley, &c. His Excellency was received with the utmost enthusiasm and greeting. Shortly afterwards a meeting was held of a preliminary character for the more important one to be held next day. Accordingly on the 17th the meeting took place at Otaki, to which the Ngatiawas and ldngites were invited to attend. These, however, heldaloof with the exception of the influential old chief Neoia Taratoa, who was induced to attend, although he had lately gone with the king

party. He stated that in former troubles he had been on the side of peace and friendship towards the settlers, and that he approved of his Excellency's plans as far as they were known to him; he wished nothing concealed and that he was to put in the key and open the door of his mind. His Excellency then entered into an explanation of his views, which was ably interpreted by Mr. White, and seemed to meet the approval of the natives present. At the conclusion of this meeting it was arranged that his Excellency should meet the king party half way, and they accordingly met at the bridge leading to the Roman Catholic settlement of Pukekaraka, the site of the king flagstaff. Wi Tako acted as spokesman for his party, and from what took place we augur that his Excellency is not without hope of bringing this influential chief to his views eventually.—lndependent, Sept. 20.