PAPAWAI NATIVE MEETING.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3443, 26 May 1898, Page 2

PAPAWAI NATIVE MEETING.

RECEPTION OF THE GOVERNOS AND ADMIRAL. HEAD CHIEF OF THE WAR CANOED OF THE QUEEN.Special, to The Times. Grettown North, M vy 25. A special train conveying the viceregal, naval. Ministerial and official visitors, with some ordinary excursionists bound for the native gut boring at Panawai, arrived at Qreytowa from vV’ellington at noon.

Lidy Rantuvly, who had been slightly ind'rpos.-d on the previous evening, felt so unwell shortly after tha journey began that it was deemed best that she should return to Wellington, and she left the train at Kaitoke and returned to town. Prom Kaitoke until Oreytown was reached ram fell, sometimes hsivily. and two thunderstorms, one accompanied by bail, were passed through. Between Kaitoke and the Summit a jerk was felt which caused excitement for a moment. The train was stopped, and it was found that a large bouldor had rolled down tha hill-side, lodging against the inner rail and causing a bend which threw it about four inches out of line. It was raining with such driving persistence at Greytown that the reception of tha Governor and Admiral Pearson had to take place in the railway goods shed. Addresses of welcome from the burgesses

were presented their Excellencies, and the Mayor, Mr J. D. Hsagerty, expressed his regret at the non-arrival of Lady Kaufurly, for whom the women of the town had prepared a special address. The Mayoress presented a bouquet to Lady Constance Knox. The Governor, in reply, said it was a pleasure for him to travel in New Zealand, for a warm welcome awaited him, not only on his first official visit to the towns, but also on other visits he might pay them. Admiral Pearson said it was many years since he first came to this country, and be was glad to find so much progress and the country’s wealth increasing. In town a cavalcade formed, the visitors proceeding to Papawai in vehicles. The members of the native contingent, formed a mounted escort for the Governor and the Admiral. A few slight showers were experienced on the road, but the weather gradually improved. On arrival at the entrance to the pah, the Waipawa Native Brass Band took the head of the procession and played it to the front of the meeting-house. Here a party of male and female Maoris danced with much vigour a haka of welcome, encouraging the visitors to approach the building, which the Governor and Admiral entered to the strains of the “ National Anthem.” The Europeans were grouped at the farther eud of the hall around the Governor, the Admiral, the Premier, Archbishop Eedwood and other distinguished visitors, who were accommodated with special seats. Among the guests were the Mayor, prominent citizens and representatives of all denominations. There must have been over 200 E uropeans present, and there would have been more but for the rain. The number of Maoris in the settlement is about 600, of whom over 200 came from a distance. The gathering included only Wairarapa and Hawko’s Bay natives, the representatives of other districts not yet having arrived. The proceedings iti the meeting-house began with a welcome from the various chiefs, to which the natives, seated on mats on either side of the hall, occasionally shouted approving chorus. Then came the reading by Parateae Ngata, an East Coast native, of an address to the Governor. The address referred to Lord Eanfurly and Admiral Pearson as two precious gems belonging to the crown of the Sovereign, and it was fervent in its loyalty. The Governor, in reply, said it always gave him the greatest pleasure to be present at a native gathering, owing to the kindly welcome he always received, and strong expressions of loyalty to the Queen were always heardat them. The gathering, he understood, had a business side. It was moat satisfactory to him to know that the native race liked to talk over their affairs with the Ministers of the Crown, so that

any differences that might apparently arise could be considered and, if possible, remedied. He took occasion to assure the natives that the Ministers expressed the greatest interest in everything appertaining to the welfare of the native people. He knew it was the Ministers’ earnest endeavour to act fairly and justly towards them. Referring to the late Major Kemp, whom he last saw at a similar gathering. Lord Ranfurly said he regretted that his absence from New Zealand prevented him being personally represented at the last ceremonies on the body of the man who had been honoured by his Sovereign, and had been brave at a time in the history of this country when brave men were required. But all races must suffer losses, and England had also suffered at the present moment the loss of one of her most prominent statesmen, who had devoted the whole of his life to the welfare of his country. In conclusion, the Governor said he was sure Her Majesty had every confidence in the Maori race, in their allegiance to her person and flag, of which the natives as well as the English people were so justly proud. The address to Admiral Pearson was remarkable for some picturesque figures of speech. It welcomed the Admiral and his rangatira companions, and referred to Admiral Pearson as the bead chief of the war canoes of the Queen, who had come in the groat seabird that glides over the waves of the ocean.

In reply, the Admiral thanked the chief for the invitation extended to hintv-If and tho officers under his command. Ha had long wished to see the faces of those who fought the English so bravely in days gone by, and who had now become such loyal subjects of the Queen. Another address was presented to the Premier and his colleagues. Mr Seddon, in the course of a long and forcible speech, in reply, spoke of the gathering as illustrious and representative. Later on they might discuss matters as important as those dealt with at Waitaugi. Ho spoke as the mouthpiece of those opposed to the present Government when he said they also desired the welfare and best interests of the native race.

The Premier’s speech, like those of the Governor and the Admiral, was warmly applauded. On its conclusion the Hon Mr Carroll, who was a very excellent interpreter, Anglicised an intimation now made by Tamahau Mahupuku into “ It is now feeding time.” The guests filed through the folding-doors into the dining hall, where over 200 Europeans and several Maori chiefs sat down to an abundant cold collation prepared by the natives and wellserved. Maori youths in clean white aprons were attentive waiters.

After dinner the toasts of “ The Queen,” “The Governor” and “The Admiral” were honoured.

The Governor said ha hoped to bring Lady Eanfurly to see the splendid pah oh some future occasion. His Excellency proposed the health of tho entertaining chief.

Tamahau, in response, alluded to the significance of members of both races sitting at one table and eating out of one plate. The Governor and the Admiral were presented with mats, which they wore, and after witnessing another haka, led by a member of the native contingent, entered the carriage and drove off to the railway station amid cheers.

Their Excellencies and the naval officers greatly enjoyed the visit. Among the other visitors were the Hon T. Thompson, Messrs John Hutcheson, C. ■Wilson and J. Graham, M.’sll R. The Premier remained at Papawai some time conversing with the natives, who presented Mrs Saddon with a handsome feather mat. This evening the Premier attended a meeting of Liberal supporters. To-morrow he is to have a conference with the chiefs at Papawai on the laud qnest'on.

Mr and Mrs Seddon retain to Wellington in the evening. The Admiral has invitad some of the leading chiefs to Innoh with him on Saturday and inspect the Royal Arthur. Later in the day the chiefs will partake of the Governor’s hospitality at Government House.