THE PARIHIKA MEETING.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 145, 19 June 1879, Page 2

THE PARIHIKA MEETING.

New Plymouth, Thursday. At the Parihaka meeting about 800 were present, including women and children Hiroki waa present but made uo display. After the feasting Te Whiti spoke for half an hour, his speech being a mere repetition of his recent orations. He said that he was the ouly director of affairs ; that war might be pursued by evil men but that he was a man of peace. The only allusion made to ploughing was a scriptural quotation applying to himself. "He maketh hia meseengers spirits and his ministers a flaming fire," meaning that his servants went and returned like spirits at his bidding, and were not to be injured with impunity. The speech was short, mystical and disappointing. After the speech the remains of the feast, including preserved albatross and eels from the Chatham Islands, were distributed. Four Europeans were present and kindly received. The people were clean, sober, well behaved, and industrious, but anxious as to the intentions of the Government. Parihaka is situated in a most defenceless position, in a hollow on the banks of the Waitotoko, and commanded by several valcanic hills. There are no signs of any attempt at defence. Not more than 250 fighting men present, the majority being non-residents. A breast work is being formed round the Okato block-house. r. . . Later. Owing to the wet weather nothiug is being done at Parihaka, and if rain continues the meeting will likely disperse. The Natives all speak of their determination not to fight.