TAWHIAO'S MOVEMENTS ON SATURDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6297, 23 January 1882, Page 5

TAWHIAO'S MOVEMENTS ON SATURDAY.

f Early on Saturday forenoon Tawhiao and I some of his party visited Bartlett's photo--1 graphic gallery for a sitting. The portraits ' of Tawhiao and of his wife and child were 1 taken, both in European and native costume, as were also those of Te Wahanui and his I wife and graadson. j Shortly afternoon a number of carriages 5 drove up to the Governor Browne Hotel, for , the purpose of taking Tawhiao, his . sons, Wahanui, Tamati Ngapora, Honana, 3 aud a number of other chiefs to Mangere, j where some of them had previously resided . before the war. The Kind's wife and child, Tawhiao's sister, and Wahanui'e wife were r also of the party. Tawhiao and bis chiefs, ac- ' companied by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. j J. M. Clark), Major Mair, and Councillors . Crowther, Waddel, Offer, Montague, and ; Thompson, as well as a number of members i of the Reception Committee, Messrs. James Mackay, J. C. Yuuug, and Mr. Ellis, of ; Aotea, were also present. Among the : Northern chiefs we noticed Paora Tuhaere, '. Hera tc Kawau (Paul's brother), Te Hemara (of Mahurangi), and Ruatara, an influential ! chief from the Bay of Islands. The party first paid a visit to the Ponsonby reservoir, where Mr. Carlaw, the official in charge, showed them over the premises. i Tawhiao was greatly pleased with the si«ht. The indicator showed a depth of 10 feet of water, and the city water supply ; system was explained o Tawhiao by Major Mair, as also the method used to fill the reservoir from the Springs when necessary. A start was again effected, for Onehunga. It was amusing, as the party drove along the main road, to no , ice the varying expression on the faces, aud the conduct of the spec-tatoi-3. In some cases it was an expression of stolidity, in others of amazement, while not a few individuals had " Where are we all going to?" legibly written on their countenances. Their action was equally as varied. One man would give a blauk stare, another would religiously tug at his forelock as a mark of respect to the Kinsj, some took off their hats, others rrokeout in a British cheer, while one man, well in his cups, wanted to argue out the native question with one of the leading chiefs. In passing through Newmarker. district the Maoris were quite surprised at seeing so many breweries, the uses of which they fully understood. The sigu of "The Captain Cook" was a great object of curiosity to them, and they carefully scanned the well-kept vegetable gardens of the Chinamen on the other side of road, but we are afraid that their comments on "John" would scarcely meet the approval of Dr. Wallis. In passing through Newmarket, the children of tho public school, who were- just being dismissed, turnedouton the road, and gave Tawhiao three hearty cheers, which amused him greatly. On approaching ' ■nehunga the Maories were struck with the palatial residence of the Hon. James Williamson, on the crest of the Pah estate, and made many inquiries ahout it. A short halt was made at tho Manukau Hotel for refreshment, and to enable the natives to get a view of the Manukau aud Onehunga, but change and progress had so revolutionised the place siuce the Kins»ites had been theie twenty years back, that they scarcely know it again. While crossing the Mangere Bridge Tawhiao closely inspected it, and, at the Mangcre end, he was received by Mr. James Robertson, junior (as chairman of the Mangere Highway Board), who welcomed Tawhiao to the district on behalf of the sottlers. Mr. James Robertson, sen., Mr. Henry Hardiugton, aud other old settlers who had known Tawhiao before the war met him here, shook hands with him, and joined the procession in their vehicles. As tho party drove along the Mangere-road, and the old Maori church in which Tamati Ngr.pora had ministered as a clergyman came in view, some of the natives who had formerly resided adjacent were deeply moved. They did not visit it or the native cemetery, as they would have had to tangi there. In passing along we noticed the paddocks of wheat and oat 3 belonging to Tamati Hera. The crop had been harvested, and was in stocks. His crop of potatoes also looked first-class. Tamati is the father-in-law of Tawhiao. A considerable amount of the land confiscated was handed back to the natives subsequently by Court of Compensation. Mr. James Mackay is at the present time in possession of the original Crown grant, given to Potatau by Governor Wynyard, and it is his intention ultimately to present it to the Auckland Musuem, as a valuable historical memento of our native difficulty. On rounding the liase of the Mangere mountain the residence of Mr. George Macrae came in view. This was the objective point of the expedition, that gentleman having invited the King's party to luncheon there. Conspicuous from the top of a pine-tree floated the Union Jack. On the cavalcade reaching the entrance gate Mr. and Mrs. Macrae and their family met Tawhiao and his chiefs, and welcomed them. A number of old settlers here joined the gathering (among whom we noticed Mr. John Scott, of Mangere, Mr. Walter Paul, Mr. Wylie, of Papatoetoe,) and the Rev. James Bruce, of Ouehunga. The drawing-room was set out for the chiefs, and as many of the members of the Reception Commi'tee as could be accommodated. The breakfast-room was also similarly brought into requisition, while booths were erected in the grounds for the balance of the guests, who enjoyed themselves in at fresco style. A substantial luncheon was placed before the guests. Mr. and Mrs. Macrae and their daughters exerting themselves in every possible way to administer to the comfort of their guests. At the conclusion of the repast two of Mr. Macrae's little children each presented Tawhiao with a handsome bouquet of flowers, which he accepted with much pleasure. Mr. Macrae on his own behalf (through Mr. J. Mackay, who interpreted) informed Tawhiao that it gave him much pleasure to have entertained Tawhiao and his friends, and that in the event of his coming again to Auckland he and his friends would be always welcome at his house. Tawhiao in his reply stated that he was much impressed with the kindness which had been, shown him from the moment he landed on the Queen-street wharf down to that hour. The Europeans had walked straightforwardly, they had not slipped to one side or the other, but had put, down their foot firmly. He would not deceive his pakeha friends as to coming back. That was in the future, and time could alone reveal it. If all went well and smooth between the two races, he would come back again; but if they did not, then he would not do so. Mangere and Onehunga wero so greatly altered since he last saw them, that he scarcely knew the places again. When he came back, if he did so, he would remember Mr. Macrae's kind words and invitation. Probably what they all desired would come about in the course of time, and in the natural order of things. Of the goodwill and friendship of the settlers he was perfectly assured, from what he had seen during his visit to Auckland. Tawhiao s speech was received with cheers. After some general conversation, His Worship the Mayor moved, and Mr. Mackay seconded, a cordial vote of thanke to Mr. Macrae for his hospitality (Mr. J. C. Young'interpreting to the natives), and it was carried with cheers. Hearty cheers were also given for Mrs. Macrae and the family. The party now bade adieu to their kind entertainers, Tawhiao being most I cordial in paying his regards. During the

atay, Mr. Hardington presented Tawhiao with a ring, as a token of peace and friendship, and the uniform he was wont to wear as Olerk of the Course at the old Auckland races, and which was packed up in a new carpet bag. A start was again effected from Mr. Macrae's, for the Mayor's residence, at Remuera, the whole of the Maories cheering their host and hostess till down the road. On the road Remuerawards, Mr. James Mackay, to the great delight of the Maoris, beguiled the time by singing an old Maori waiata, said to be several hundred years old. On arriving at the Mayor's residence, the party were met by a large number of ladies and gentlemen, who had been specially invited by Mr. and Mrs. Clark on the occasion. The natives strolled about the gronnds and watched the games of lawn teunis, while the Artillery Band regaled them with some choice musical selections. Tables were laid in the grounds under the shade of the pine trees, with a cross-table for the more distinguished guests. On the sound of the gong about 200 sat down, the Europeans being distributed among the natives to attend to and entertain them. The Mayor presided, having on his right Tawhiao, Major Mair, Captain Kuhn, of the j German warship Habicht, and one" of his officers, and ou his left Te Wahanui and one of the King's cousins. The dinner, which was an excellent one, was served up in Canning's best style; liquid refreshments and fruit of all kinds were provided also in abundance, aud nothing was left undone which could manifest the unlimited hospitality of the host and hostess, or minister to the gratification of the native guests of the day. The ice creams puzzled the natives greatly, aud formed a subject of infinite amusement to them. One chief at last got hold of a "happy thought," and, amidst roars of laughter, explained to his comrades that Mr. Clark, in order to provide this new kai for his guests, had got it from the top of the snow-clad Ruapehu or Tongariro! The blocks of ice also added to their wonderment, i At the close of the repast, His Woßsnir said (Mr. Mackay interpreting) : Friends of the native race, before you rise from the table, I wish to take the opportunity of expressing the pleasure of Mrs. Clark and myself iu seeing you this evening. I hope Tawhiao and his friends will i accept the hospitality they have received during the last three days as indicating the kindly feelings of the Europeans towards them. In days now gone past the two races were at war witli each other. The Europeans now wish to forget that past, and live at peace with the native race. This is the first time Tawhiao and his people have visited Auckland since the troubles commenced. I hope now he has found the way to Auckland he will be often seen among us. I will now conclude by again expressing my pleasure in seeing the natives to-night, and hope that they have enjoyed their visit to Auckland. Again, I say, both in Mrs. Clark's name and my own, they are welcome. (Cheers.) Tawhiao then rose amidst loud cheers, and said : I greet all of you who are here— the ladies, the geutlemen, and the Maoris present. Listen to my speech. I have now met the Europeans four times, and conversed and eaten with them in friendship. If affairs remain in their present peaceful position of calm, I will come back again. That is in the future—it stands before us. If tilings are brought straightforwardly before me I will givo in my adhesion to the present state of affairs, aud will not turn ray back on it. If all things go on peaceably aud in order it will be well. I invite you all to a meeting at Kopua, near Alexandra, in March next. If everything is level and smooth I will go home and return here. That is all I have to say at present. (Cheers.) There were loud calls for Wahanui to speak, but ho politely declined, saying the King had spoken for both. P.iTARA Te Tethi then rose, and expressed the pleasure the natives had received from the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Clark, as as also at the reception at the Choral-hall. He concluded by calling for three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Clark, their host and hostess, which were heartily given, the natives being enthusiastic in their applause. Mr. Clark thanked them ou behalf of himself and Mrs. Clark for the kindly manner in which the mention of their names had been received. He concluded by calling for three cheers for Tawhiao and his wife, to which the Europeans present responded, when the assemblage broke up. A most amusing incident occurred in which Wahanui and Captain Kuhn, of the Habicht, were the principal aetors. Wahanui is one of the finest built men in the King's party, aud his critical eye soon scanned the stalwart form of the gallant officer, who is an equally fine specimen of the Teuton race. After a careful comparison of their respective "points," Wahanui came to the conclusion—one which he expressed with perfect frankness—that he could concede the German a point or two and yet come out best. The adieus having been made, the party again turned their faces Aucklandwards, Tawhiao and his chiefs, with uplifted hats, cheering while Mr. Clark remained in sight —in fact Mr. Clark's unbounded hospitality destroyed the last barrier of reserve between the races. The natives said the entertainment was a very different affair to the Choral-hall —and the result was, that all the way to Auckland, they cheered everything and everybody, arriving in time to join the torchlight procession and see the fireworks, which latter exhibition sent them back to their hotel supremely happy. THE TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION AND PYROTECHNIC DISPLAY. The announcement that there was to be a torchlight proceesion by the Fire Brigade and a pyrotechnic display on the Railway Wharf at night was no doubt one of the principal causes that the streets of Auckland were crowded to such an extent as they were on Saturday night. Men were engaged all day, under the supervision of Superintendent Hughes, preparing the necessary fires and implements for the display, and at 8 o'clock sharp the Brigade was mustered at the engine-shed, where the Salvage Corps, under Captain Butler, and a strong detachment of the Naval Brigade in uniform, under Captain Le Roy and Lieutenant Smith, were also in readiness to take part in the procession. While the materials and appliances were being serred out to the men by Superintendent Hughes and hi» officers, Tawhiao and friends, accompanied by His Worship the Mayor, Major Mair, Messrs. Mackay, Young, and others, came into the shed, and, in response to a call from Superintendent Hughes, lusty cheers were given by the assembled party for Tawhiao, who seemed intensely pleased with his reception, and interested in the preparations which were being made for his gratification. The torches were then lighted, and the procession formed in Albert - street. It wae headed by the Artillery Band, accompanied by torch-bearers. Then followed the large fire-engine, drawn by four horses, and carrying Superintendent Hughes and his officers, followed by the Brig-ade, each memlier of which carried a torch. The band of the Naval Brigade came next in order, heading the Naval Brigade under command of Captain Leßoy. This corps acted as an auxiliary to the Fire Brigade on this occasion, as they do on the occaiion of fires, and aided materially in the success of the display, and in maintaining the orderly march of the procession. The Salvage Corps trap, drawn by four horses, contained Captain Butler and his_ staff. The Maoris, accompanied by Tawhiao and His Worship the Mayer, and marshalled by Mr.

James Mackay, fell into the procession behind the Salvage Corps, but when Captain Butler ascertained that the King and His Worship the Mayor were walking, he invited them into his trap, and they, together with Tawhiao's wife and child and a number of the leading chiefe availed themselves of the invitation. The reception committee also accompanied the procession. The streets along the whole line of march were crowded to excess, and the sight, viewed under the light of the torches and Roman candles, presented the appearance of a vast river of heads. The windows, verandahs, and every available vantage ground were all crowded by eager sight-aeers. Fortunately the weather proved fine, and the dense darkness of the night set off in bold relief the display of fireworks. Blue and red fires were burnt along the whole line of route, and Roman candles were burnt at frequent intervals, Tawhiao himself taking part in the display by letting off several candles and burning blue and red fires. The line of march -was from the shed in Albert-street to Wellesley-street, thence up through Hobson and Pitt streets, down Grey-street, through Queen-street, and Custoinbouse-street to the Railway Wharf, the mass of the population accompanying or following the procession as best they could. A halt was made in front of the British Hotel, where Mr. Humphries had a firework display from the upper window 3 of the hotel, burning blue and red fires. There was immense cheering here. A further halt was made at the corner of Queen and Customhouse-streets, at the end of Queen-street Wharf. Tawhiao, with His Worship and the natives, together with Major Mair, Mr. Mackay, and others, here detached themselves from the procession and went down Queen-street Wharf to the Ferry Company's tee, where a steamer was awaiting them. They went on hoard, and the steamer went out into the harbour between the two wharves in order that the visitors might have an uninterrupted view of the pyrotechnic display. In the meantime the procession had reached its destination. The steamer took the Artillery Band on board, and a start was made with the grand duplay of the evening. The framework had been erected in the most suitable situation for affording a good view of the fireworks from the city and Queen-street Wharf. The two wharves and Customhouse-street were literally crowded with men, women, and children. The pyrotechnic display was very grand. , The different coloured fires emitted by the centrifugal wheels, the devil among the tailors, Catherine wheels, and other devices, were most effective,, and the rockets piercing the dark vault of the heavens to an immense height and then bursting into myriads of stars, had a most imposing effect. The scene was heartily enjoyed by all, but by none more than the natives, although some of them appeared at first to be somewhat nervous and awestricken. Tawhiao himself repeatedly expressed his gratification and surprise. The fireworks terminated at 10 o'clock. Tawhiao did not return to his hotel, but accompanied Major Mair to his nesidence at the North Shore, where he remained all night. Tawhiao's wife and child also accompanied Major Mair, but the remaining natives marched back to the Governor Browne Hotel, headed by the Artillery Band. The Naval Band preceded the Fire Brigade and other sections of the procession to the engine-shed, on arrival at which cheers were giveu by the assembled crowd for Superintendent Hughes and the Fire Brigade. Superintendent Hughes thanked the Naval Brigade for the valuable assistance they had rendered, and amidst renewed cheers the crowd dispersed. There were one or two somewhat ludicrous incidents during the procession. Each torch-bearer was furnished with a small bag containing the necessary material for the torchlight. Two of these experienced disagreeable surprises when sparks fell into their bags. Their anxiety to divest themselves of these encumbrances in a hurry caused much laughter, and one of them «'ho was unable to fasten the string of his with sufficient haste fell prone on his face in order to extinguish it. There was, however, not a single accident throughout the whole display, and the greatest credit is due to Superintendent Hughes for the successful manner in which the whole affair was carried through. The immense crowd behaved very well. TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. The programme is that a start should bo made about 9 o'clock from the Governor Browne by Tawhiao's party, accompanied by several members of the Reception Committee, in order to visit the Auckland Timber Company's saw-mill, Bycroft and Co.'s flour-mill, and Mr. J. Wiseman's saddlery establishment. Shortly after noon the Fire Brigade and Salvage Corps will give a hose and ladder practice in Lower Queen-street, and also exhibit the power of the city water supply system. There is some talk of going out also to the Western Springs if time permits. We would suggest that the natives should have an opportunity of visiting the Glassworks in Freeman's Bay and witnessing the mysteries of glass-blowing.