NATIVE GATHERING AT RAUPAKI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 9943, 24 January 1893, Page 6

NATIVE GATHERING AT RAUPAKI.

On Saturday afternoon the Native settlement of Raupaki, which is some three miles from Lyttelton on the road to Governor’s Bay, was en fete, the occasion being the hoisting of a flag to unite the Natives of both islands, and as a symbol of their intention to use united efforts with the view of improving the general welfare of the race, and also ia the near future to establish, or to agitate for the establishment of, a Maori Parliament, at which their grievances could be considered and ’amended. Amongst those present were the Hon H. K. Taiaroa, M.L.C., (from Otago), the Rev G. P. Mutu (from Kaiapoi), Messrs Reiti Koruarua (from Taumutu) and George Robinson (from Little River). A large marquee was erected in a central position in the pah, close to which a flag-pole had been specially put up, and at about 2 p.m. the Hon H. K. TaiaroaandMr C. Tikao, who, with Mr G. Robinson, have interested themselves to a large extent in organising gatherings in the North Island, and also in the various settlements in this island, hoisted the flag, amidst the hearty cheers of the large number of Natives who had gathered together. Mr Tikao then read an address in Maori, after which those present sat down to an excellent spread laid out in admirable style in the large tent. Other speechmaking followed, Mr Tikao spoke for some hours, and urged those present to work together to have their grievances set right. Their forefathers had entered into a treaty which was known as the Treaty of Waitangi, by which they, the grandchildren and great grandchildren, should get justice at the hands of the various Governments, but that they had not received that justice was as much their own fault as it was the fault of the Governments. They had not themselves taken sufficient regard for their own affairs ; they had been sleeping too long, bub now they were waking up, and hoped, by united action, to have their many grievances thoroughly righted. They hoped very soon to have a Maori Parliament, and by their presence there that day, and by the hoisting of the flag, they all showed that they were willing to unite in their endeavours to get it. Mr G. Robinson also addressed the gathering in the same strain, after which the company dispersed until the evening, when the whole affair was brought to a conclusion with a dance. The flag which was hoisted was made in Wellington, and is a splendid piece of workmanship. It is 10ft by IBft, and in the centre there is a representation of the two islands of New Zealand, with the figure of a Native holding in hia right hand the Union Jack and in his left the New Zealand ensign.