NATIVE MEETING AT CABBAGE BAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2901, 16 May 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

NATIVE MEETING AT CABBAGE BAY.

To tUe Ed'tor of the Herald. 1

Sib,—lt is not often that the even tenor of our quiet is varied or disturbed in this out-of-the-way place, so we must be excused for trying to make the most of what does actually take place. About a week ago a respected member of the Ngatipare tribe died, and, as is customary on such occasions, a large number of friends assemblod, not so much to mourn for the departed one, but to do their best to dispose of the good things of this life, which seemed to be in average abundance. There were present, I should think, about one hundred; or one hundred and fifty natives from various tribes, and 1 thought it would be a good opportunity to ascertain their views respecting the late Waikato outrage. Accordingly,! requested them toforgetfor a short time the cause of their coming together, and resolve themselves into a meeting to discuss the Waikato question, and freely express themselves thereon. At my suggestion, one of the chiefs arose and opened the business by explaining tho object in view, and calling upon representatives out of tho various tribes present to express themselves upon tlie matter. There were present portions of the following tribes : — .Ngatiporo, Ngatiwhanaunga, Ngatitematera, JJgatipare, JJgatipinenga, Patukirikiri. One or more out of each tribe addressed the meeting, and all seemed to be of one opinion—to remain neutral, and, as they said, " .Let Waikato and the pakeha settle their own difficulty, and we will mind our own business and not intermeddle." They seein to think that Purukutu will not be given up, and should the Government cros3 the aukati, or confiscated boundary, war will be tlie consequence. My own opinion is that sooner or later such wilt be the case. Tlie only question seems to be, is it bet ter now at once to demand and be determined, at whatever cost, to bring the murderers to justice, or condone this latest but not least brutal outrage, and wait for a more convenient season for final redress ? I am by no means an advocate for a physicalforce policy if anything else would answer the purposo, but I do not see how it is to be avoided, unless the murderers are given up to justice. We could not have a better or abler man than .Tames Mackay to deal with the question, or one in whom both natives and Europeans have more confidence. We wait anxiously the result, trusting that Providence will so guide his doings and dealings in the matter that peace and goodwill may be speedily restored.—l am, &c., E. Jeffcott. May 12, 1573.