PROPOSED VISIT OF TAWHIAO AND SUITE TO AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 1651, 4 August 1881, Page 6

PROPOSED VISIT OF TAWHIAO AND SUITE TO AUCKLAND.

A meeting of gentlemen, in respect to the above subject, convened by circular was held yestentay afternoon at the office of Mr. Stodart, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. Amongst those present were Hi» Worship the Mayor (who was called to the chair), Dr. J. L. Campbell, Messrs. J. 0. Firth, G. Aickia, P. Comiskey, L. D. Nathan, J, Ltunb, G. Harper, John Buchanan, F. E. Compton, D. H. blcKenzie, John Chambers, F. W. Hull, J. M. Dirgaville, G. W. Owbd, H. F. Andeisoq, and others. Air. Firth, the convener of the meeting, said that it having been represented that steps ought to be taken to invite TawhUo and his followers, now at Mercer, to visit Auckland, he had issued a few circulars, and he was glad to see they were well responded to, but he had to apologise to those to whom they had not been sent. He might say he wired to Major Mair as to Tawhiao's movements, and he had received a reply to the effect that the course they should adopt would be to wiro to Tawhiao and Wahanui, inviting them to visit Auckland as guests. It had been suggested that Tawhiao should be accompanied by twenty-five of his principal chiefs, but, on second thought, he (Mr. Firth) thought it would be a mistake not to invite all. It would be much less expense to eatertain the chiefs ouly, but the objection was, if they were desirous to entertain Tawhiao it would appear invidious, and not have nearly so good an effect either in the colony or out of

it. The expense would be about £30 a-day for all. They would, of course, have to provido a house for Tawhiao and his household. Some could be provided for at a hostelry, and the rest at the Agricultural Socioty's paddocks. He had made a calculation, and the cost

would be £30 or £40 at the outside per day. An entertainment in tlio shape of a dinner might also be given to Tawhiao.

Mr. Lamb siid, in regard to subscriptions, ho had now £120 on hand or promised from sl few people, tie did not think there would be any difficulty in sotting the Agricultural Society's ground, and he was aware that, as Tawhiao and

his followers might desire to visit Orakei, this would bo a convenient place.

Jlr. CoMProw asked whether they would be brought by the railway free.

The Chairman said he had no doubt they would. What he had suggested to Mr. Firth was to move a definite resolution, first, as to the desirability of inviting Tawhiao; and second, whether a part, or the whole, of his followers should be invited.

Mr. Firth moved, "That in the opinion of this meeting advantage be taken of Tawhiao's visit to Mercer, to invite him to visit Auckland, as a guest of the city."

Dr. Campbell seconded the motion. He thought the opportunity now offering should not be lost sight of. To old residents the significance of this visit, and partial submission of Tawhiao, was of great importance—an importance which could hardly be understood by new arrivals. As to inviting all, they should consider not only the public opinion here but in England. It would show in England that they were not afraid to invite Tawhiao and his 500 armed followers into the city. 'JCho motion was put and carried unanimously. Mr. L. D. Nathan moved, " That the invitatiou be issued to Tawhiao nnd all his chiefs and followers," leaving it to him to bring whom ho liked. Air. Lamb seconded the motion. Mr. Mobri.v suggested that the invitation should include Wahanui and Kewiby name with all their followers. Mr. McKENZIE thought they should first ascertain the cost, and whether they would have to pay travelling expenses. He thought an invitation to the King, his chiefs, and say 50 of his followers, would bo sufficient, and moved accordingly. Mr. Andersoh seconded the amendment pro forma.

Mr. Cosgiuve said bo did not believe in cheese-paring on an occasion of this sort. When they saw the village™ of Wnikalo entertaining tho King and all his followers, it would look very small for Auckland to go in for the policy proposed by the amendment. The Chairman said it was quite right they, should ask the Government to give freo transit to the visitors, and in the event of their deolining to do so another meeting could be called. Mr. Hull proposed, "That before the invitation was issued an urgent telegram be sent to the Government, asking them to provide trains for Tawhiao and his followers."

The amendment was lost, and the motion carried.

A committee, consisting of the Mayor, Dr. Campbell, Messrs. Morrin, Lamb, Firth, Cosgrnve, and Oompton, was appointed to carry out the arrangements; and a second committee, consisting of Messrs. Nathan, Hull, McKenzie, Carr, and Chambers, was appointed to look after financial arrangements, and canvass for subscriptions.

A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.