REWI'S VISIT TO AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5669, 31 May 1879, Page 2

REWI'S VISIT TO AUCKLAND.

(PEll PRESS AGENCY.) Auckland, Friday, noon. Mr. Sheehan and party, with Rewi, arrived at Ngamawahia this morning en route for Auckland. Rewi is accompanied by several Ngatimaniapoto and Ngapuhi chiefs. Rewi was greatly affected on reaching Ngaruawahia, the former capital of Potatau, and shed tears. The party arrive at Auckland at 2 o’clock, and will be received by the baud and driven through the town. This is the first time Rewi has visited the Lower Waikato or Auckland since the war. 8 p.m. Citizens to the number of over 1000 assembled at the railway station to meet the Hon. Mr. Sheehan to-day. The train arrived shortly after three, and as it drew up Mr. Sheehan and Rewi (who was dressed in European costume) were perceived standing upon the platform of the foremost carriage. On alighting they were cordially received by the Mayor and members of public bodies. Mr. Sheehan called for three cheers for Rewi, which were given enthusiastically. At the invitation of tiie Mayor, three cheers were given for the Native Minister.

His Worship then said he had great pleasure iu welcoming the Native Minister and his distinguished native friend Rewi to the city, and offered him the congratulations of the citizens for the result of the negotiations. He trusted Rewi’s visit to the city 'would he a very ; pleasant one, and fraught with advantage to those who valued the benefits which flow from a steady and peaceful pursuit of industry. He hoped the friendship so happily commenced would be long continued, and more firmly cemented than ever, and that Rewi would have no cause to regret the friendly attitude he had now assumed. He also trusted that the good example and powerful influence which Rewi could wield would not only be exerted in that chief’s lifetime, but remain after him. The Mayor concluded by calling for cheers for Rewi and Mr. Sheehan.

Rewi in reply said: My word to you is, there is one and only one, a remnant, but I am going to see things right with the palceha. The good work that has been begun is to go on. Mr. Sheehan said he had always looked upon Auckland as his homo, and was only too glad to be able to bring amongst the Europeans to-day one of their old opponents, who had met us at the first fight at Raugiriri, and at the last at Orakau, whose hands were from first to last unsullied by crime. The first time he saw Rewi he pinned his faith to him as an honest man. He believed iu him thoroughly, and felt convinced that the first result of that chief’s coming to Auckland would be that they would hear no more of the King movement. They might hear of isolated disturbances, but no more of native difficulties on a large scale. He looked forward to the time when Rewi would take his seat in the Legislative Council. Rewi’s sole objection at present was that Parliament did not sit at Auckland, and he had said that he would bring back the seat of Government to Auckland if he could. He thanked them for coming in such disagreeable weather to welcome Rewi. The chief would remain in Auckland several days,' and he (Mr. Sheehan) hoped during his stay he would visit places of interest, manufactories, &c, so that he might take away with him some lasting impressions of his visit. It must be remembered, however, that Rewi had not visited Auckland for 20 years, and had therefore a great deal to see. In conclusion the speaker reiterated his thanks. Several more rounds of cheering having followed, Rewi was then escorted to a carriage, and during his walk thither lie warm]}’ shook by the band all Europeans who stood in the front rank. He was then driven off to the Northern Club.