COROMANDEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 494, 13 June 1865, Page 5

COROMANDEL.

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO THE CHIEF PITA. [FROM 01TH OW.V COERE3PONDEKT.] Oy a Tocent oecnsion I sent you a short account of a tiihunga ah', given by tho Pntakirikiri to tripos that had assisted them with food in times of scarcity. I regret that T was unable to give you more thin j'moagre description of what took place- To-day I have to relate another occurrence, which to the Coromandol people us a body, is full of interest, although I shall far from do the occasion ju«Jico. I indicated in my last. Pita's determination of leaving Coromandol at. an early date, and taking up his residence permanently amongst his relatives at Hawke's Bay. When this resolve became fully known, a movement was set on foot by some of the Europeans of tho place to show Pita some acknowledgment of tho impoitant services he had rendered the district,by his staunchness during the lateerisis. Aamaybesupposedthe opportunity was greedily enough grasped of proving to our native friend that we wero not unmindful of his kindness. It was determined that a dinner should be given to Pita, to which certain natives from tho different tribes in the vicinity should be invited. Accordingly on Thursday last, the Ist inst., at three o'clock in th't afternoon, a large number of Kuroppans and Maoiis assembled at Pita Taurua's large house, where a very capital and plentifully supplied cold collation was served up by Mrs. Glover, the hostess of the Boval Hotel, Kapanga. The repast over, all adjourned to the green in front of Pita's house, and Mr Lawlor shortly remarked on the reason of the meeting, and slated that Mr. Drummond Hay had consented to express to Pita, on behilf of the Europeans, the opinion entertained by them of him ; this, that gentleman did in a very effective manner and the chief Pita was visibly moved by it. 1 should have stid that, previously to Mr. Unimmond Hay's speech, Mr. Charles Paris addressed Pita, expressing tho sincere regret that the Europeans felt at his departure, and urging him, if not too late, tn change his mind and remain.

Pita replied that the conduct of the Europeans towards him on this occasion had had the effect of causing him to relinquish entirely tho idea of permanently leaving them. Ho would now pay his relatives at Hawke's Bay a visit, but he would live and die with the Europeans, for whom he had a sincere regard. His father had lived and died amongst the Europeans, and he wa» content to do the like. Before concluding his remarks, Mr. C. O. Davis sang a song. Mr. Edward Davis spoke, and delighted tho natives appeared to be to listen to him. A song of considerable length that he sang kept them in a constant roar. Before dispersing, Pita Taurua and other native chiefs were loudly cheered, and Mr. Drummond Hay's kindness for the prominent part that he took in the petting up of the affair was ac knowledgedhy hearty cheers, and on that gentleman's part replied to in a short hut suitable speech. Mr. C. Davis wns also cheered for his kindness in taking a very useful part in the matter. The Jay was very fine, and might truly be called " the glorious Ist of June " The proceedings throughout wero an entire success, and a point has been gained that I think few expected, namely, that Pita remains amongst us, should this island again be agitated as it has been, Pita's loss would be severely felt by us here. Another benefit which this rreeting doubtless will have is to conjoin the good opinion that there has always existed 'between the Europeans and Maoris at Coromandel, and great thanks are due to those who first moved in the matter, for not only have they done cur position here considerable good, hut have, as far !•« this place is concerned, I feel sure it will be allowed, conferred a boon on the Government.