THE NATIVE MEETING AT ORAKEI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9323, 28 March 1889, Page 6

THE NATIVE MEETING AT ORAKEI.

The proceedings of the meeting of Maoris at Orakei commenced yesterday. The following tribes were represented, viz. : — Ngatiwhatua, Ngapuhi, Ngatitamatera, Ngatipaoa, Ngatimahuta, Ngatitahinga, Ngatiraaniapoto, Ngatiawa, Whanganui, 'Te Arawa, Te Rarawa, Te Aopouri, Wha, katohea, Ngatiraukawa, Ng&tikahungunu, Ngatimaru, Taranaki, Ngatirangiwewehi, Ngaiterangi, and Ngatiporou. Such an as, semblage of distinguished chiefs has never before been gathered in this locality. There are a larger number of tribes represented than at the groat Kohimarama meeting. Arriving by boat, on horseback, by steamer, and on foot, the number present (natives only) must have met the respectable figure of upwards of 500. Mr. Lewis, Under-Secretary for Native Affairs, attended.

A large number of Europeans went down by the trips of the ferry steamers during" the day. The object attracting them was, for the most part, simply curiosity. Tho proceedings commenced with a Church service, summoned by a bell rung by one of the Okahu children. Tho Maoris gathered in obedience to the summons to this service, which was conducted by Paora Tnhnerc. Paul offered up the Lord's Prayer, and then added : "Glory to tho Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for over ! Let us be one !" This, we may mention, is a formula used in former times by the Ilauhaus. Ho then spoke as follows : —Friends, we have come to destroy all the troubles that have arrived on this island. I wish you all to understand that you aro called here to make the natives and Europeans one people. I have got three things to lay before you : —lst. The consolidation of the two races. 2nd. To lay before you the fact that in olden times wore chiefs, and now they aro not. List yesr the first movement was made re the Treaty of Waitangi. The meaning of that Treaty was to make Europeans and Maoris as one people. 3rd. I wish therefore, to make all of the native tribes one in asserting their rights against the Government. The natives wished to bring various matters before the House, but there is no use of troubling it, therefore it must remain for us ourselves to do what we can. Her Majesty the Queen gave us a right to all our lands. Now, have we got them ? The treaty has been broken by the present Government. Former Governments did do something for us, but this Government has done nothing for us. They have behaved treacherously to us. Those who have cases in the Native Land Court want to get a good title to the lands, and find no satisfaction. When it comes to the days when we try to get our rights, doubtless the Government will give them to us. The following letter from Tawhiao was then read :—" Whatiwhatihoe (Waikato), March 17th. Greetings to you all. I am pleased and glad to hear of your action in endeavouring to secure justice and right dealing for the Maori people ; but in your striving for that end, you must beware that the breakers do not overwhelm your canoe. If you see forty waves rolling in upon you, do not attempt to reach the shore; if you see thirty, do not advance ; but wait until you perceive a calm in the raging, waters, and then push forward the prow of your canoe to reach tho land. Then shall the feet of the paddlers rest upon the dry land, and your end be gained. God will grant you and enlighten your lioarts. That is all. —Na Tawhiao."

Maihi Paraone Kawiti wrote saying that he was sorry ho could not attend. Ho an i Taipua, M. H. R., then spoke, saying : No one bub God Himself can do anything for the Island. Although the present Government does a great deal for tho native race, what do they do? Nothing, only to murder the race. Although our hands may bo dirty, still we have some power. In my own district what have they done ? Nothing. If you eat food raw, you might get it; if you wait for it to be cooked, you might not get. it. Mkxiia Keei'A Tk Ranoiiiiwinui (Major Kemp) said : We work in daylight, nob in dark. Wo can only speak in Maori, wo can't speak English. I have come on your invitation, although a "Major"—at the invitation of those persons who have callod

An adjournment here took place for the midday meal. Prior to the adjournment several signatures to a petition to Parliament were obtained by I'aora Tuhaere. At this time the Rev. Father Walter arrived, and was greeted by numbers of the natives who knew him. Sir W. Fox was also present. During the interval several games were got up, such as cricket and football, but several Europeans with " under-and-ovor " apparatus were prevented fro£n coming on the ground. Amongst the most exciting ot the games was a " tug-of-war" between Europeans and Maori boys, in which the latter won hands down. After a most substantial meal, in the long shed, at which all the principal chiefs were present, the proceedings were resumed. Eru Te Ukbmutu said: At our first meeting at Kohimarama everyone was present; now all are dead. Some few of us are alive, and intend to abide by the provisions of the Treaty. We can understand the fighting of the Government against tho Treaty. But all I can now say is that no natives will agree to a breach of the Treaty. We have come here to be made one people. Matenga TAfwiiANGA (a brother of Sydney Taiwhanga) then arose and welcomed all the assembled tribes, and said we only are the persons who are able to carry your burdens on our back.

Wi Katkn'e said : Some of us are still alive who remember tho making of the Treaty. It was stated that in that treaty was one word, that Europeans and natives should be one. It was not for one tribe to be governed by that Treaty, but it was for the general good. Although it may be a small thing, still we have come from north, south, east, and west to uphold it. Taiaho, of Kawhia, then said : How many roads are there for people to travel ? I only will uphold and sign the Treaty. I will not allow the Native Land Court to sit in any of our districts. I will not alter iny opinions, even in the presence of the Native Minister. I want bo upset all the policy of the Government.

Paitaki (of East Coast) supported the words of the last speaker. Wl Parata (of Wellington) said : I can only say that I shall uphold this—one language, one skin, one law, one colour. Our lands were assured to us, and they have now been tied up. Rev. Wi Turipona : May God direct all our deliberations. God is one, and we have all come here to be one. God has told us all to be one, but if a limb should wither and drop o(T, then let that tree die. Major Kemp : I will uphold the Treaty with all my heart. Makarauri (of Ngaitcrangi, Tauranga) : We have come from all parts to uphold the Treaty. We do not want anything else. Titore (Bay of Islands) spoke to the same effect.

Wi Hafi (brother of the late Wi Tako Ngatata, M.L.C.): I have come here to see the Treaty of Waitangi carried out. 1 was killed before the treaty ; it made me alive, therefore I am now here to uphold it. The following natives also spoke to the •same effect Te Aoterangi, Whitiao, Wireinu Hoete, Pene Taui, Patara te Tuhi. After calling for a show of hands, fclio motion to uphold the Treaty was carried unanimously. The business was terminated at half-past four p.m., to be resumed, at half-past ten to-day (Thursday).