VISIT OF WILLIAM KING TO NEW PLYMOUTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2543, 20 March 1872, Page 7

VISIT OF WILLIAM KING TO NEW PLYMOUTH.

I.v our lust Saturday's issue we recorded the event of William King quitting his seclusion at Ngutimaru, that he was then at the Waitara, and would be in town in the course of a few days. The natives never travel quickly, and, therefore, it was Tuesday before he reached Alanine, and Thursday before be came into town.

Xiiu first intimation of his iu-riv:il near the town was by n number of natives, in ail styles of costume, passing through, after which, mine William King surrounded by his people, who must, lmve numbered fully one hundred and fifty ; these were followed by the women on horseback; aud then by nbuut two hundred Waikatos. A scene such us occurred on Thursday lias not been witnessed hero for many yours. William King walked with eyes cast down upon the ground, r.erer once looking up »l the number of persons who lined the footpath to tee him. lie was dressed in his native costume, au.l wore a blaulc skull cap from beneath which hi., locks of grey hair were visible. The procession arrived in town shortly afler two o'clock, and was met on the llualoke .Bridge by Mr. Civil Commissioner Parris, who hail a Maori mat thrown across his shoulders, aud held a Uriahs in his right hand.

Mr. Harris welcomed the parly, and then marched at their head to tho Native Office. Here was prepared a great quantity of food, consisting of several hundred loaves of bread, si bullock cut into quarters, and kits of potttoes innumerable.

The natives on entering the enclosure which adjoins the .Native Office, seated themselves on the ground—William King's party near tho road, aud the Waikatos under the banl;. William King was sensed ar.iongsl his people, with his daughter behind him. The old man seemed verv quiet and thoughtful, liapurona (who is William Kind's <-hief man) was seated near the Waikato p;irty. The novelty of the scene, attracted crowds of people, and the embankment at the back of the Native Oillee, besides the road and all the available space in the enclosure, was crammed.

This is the first time since ISGO that King has met the .Europeans in a friendly manner. He whs warmlv welcomed, and lliosn who had formerly known him shook hands with him. The natives then assembled in the reserve near the native oflice, crowds of people being present. Mr. I'arris came forward and delivered an address of welcome. Ivalmi, of To Muni, next spoke, saving he was glad Iα see that William King had come out of his .-eclusion at. last. The lion. Native .Minister then ad.iressr-d the natives. Tainuti Nito next spoke. Apnrona followed King and the Waib.tos on their way to I'ariaka, where a great, native meeting is to be hell on the 17th March. -A deputation waited on Mp. Sl'Lean on Tues lay in reference to the settleincut, of the confiscate 1 land question. Sir. M'Lean said he had given 11 r. i'airis power to make arrangements with the natives either for the sale or for the indivkiuali-alion of titlo to then- linds.—Things have not looked so healthy in this province both as regards native and other ir.atterj for years past.

In un infervieiv which took place yesterday between Mr. .McLean, V.'iiliam King, ami JLlapuronu, the two chiefs stated that they lia 1 iiolhiiig to ask for mid nothing to conceal. The fait of their voluntarily coming out of their seclusion him placing themselves in the. lunula of the Kurupcaus wa.- tiu: be»i. evidence they could give of their peaceful intentions, anil of their determination to live on friendly terms with the. jiakehu, and to induce ether natives to follow their example.

On being asked bv Mr. McLean as to whether thore. was any other subject on which lie wanted to express himself, William Uing s:iid he was very anxious to have restored to him mi ancient wire pwutmu named Olol<ain-i, which wits in past, year? presented bj- Kiwi to either Wir ft. Grey or Uishop Hadlield ; this wa9 a memorial of his ancestors he was most (IcHJrous t-.-> have once more in his possession, and, bevond this, he wished for nothing more. lie lmd"intended to have sent, ilia son to Wei linn ton for it.— Tnrnnik- Herald, Feq. 23.