THE NATIVE MINISTER AT WHANGAREI.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5563, 27 January 1879, Page 2

THE NATIVE MINISTER AT WHANGAREI.

(PER PRESS AGENCY.) Whangap.ei, Saturday. At Whaugatvi tills day the two tribes at the head of which are Taurau and Tirarau, and Hira and Nitara, were nearly coming to blows. Lately, over the Waitoraoiomo block, on one occasion they met and fired over each others’ heads. Had they begun, the whole of the North would have been involved. Nelson, the Government agent, kept things in statu quo pending the arrival of the Native Minister. Mr. Sheehan arrived none too soon, for the day previously the Porota na(”. ~ sent a written challenge to Taurau to light his fires, as they were ready, they having fortified themselves at Porota. On his arrival, Sheehan went to Taurau, a great old warrior, who welcomed him in the usual styie. The day before ’iaurau had married a blooming young Maoii widow, and but for the marriage of Taurau he would have accepted the challenge. Sheehan consequently fomid Taurau in a reasonable mood, Taurau concluding to make peace by leaving the matter in Sheehan’s hands. Next day Sheehan went to Poruta and asked Hira and Nitara. the chiefs of the other side, whether they wished to make peace on a lasting footing, stating that Taurau had left the matter in his bands. After a little talk the Porota natives agreed to the terms previously proposed by Nelson, and left the matter also in the hands of Sheehan, who with his friends stipulated that the natives should at once put the Waitomotomo block through the Native Lands Court, and sell to the Government. To this they also agreed. Taurau, when visiting the Waitumotomo some years ago, destroyed the settlement there, —burning the whares and breaking up the plantations. It is a fine block of land. Mr. Sheehan also stipulated that the Porota natives should accompany him then to Taurau, that the two tribes might become friends again; they consented, and a grand and novel sight followed. About fifty Porota natives mounted their horses and rode to Taurau, to whom a messenger had been sent advising him of the approach of his late enemies. On their arrival at Taurau’s the bold warrior came forward bearing in ills hands a white flag, while the women waved garments and welcomed the visitors. The meeting of Taurau witii the other chiefs was a most affecting- sight. Taurau was greatly moved as he saw his own people rubbing noses with the natives with whom they had been at enmity for nearly two years. They then brought a gun out and laid it at the feet of Mr. Sheehan, who subsequently demanded and obtained, according to Maori custom, two bullocks as payment for his services. After this Taurau invited all his late enemies to a ball be vvas giving that night in honor of his wedding ; all the natives came in together, about 160 strong. On approaching the township, at the request of the Native Minister, the whole cavalcade formed two deep and in this order cantered into town, presenting one of the most lively and striking spectacles ever witnessed in these parts. The natives were very jubilant that Mr. Sheehan had also made some provision for native roads to the extent of £6OO, and native schools at Ngungiu. In the evening the Europeans and natives attended the ball, and a most successful affair it proved. In the middle of the programme the natives danced the haka with great enthusiasm, and Mrs. Nicodemus, of the Thames, sang some solos with such taste and effect that the Europeans were as much surprised as the natives.