WILLIAM NAYLOR'S MONUMENT.

Colonist, Volume XIII, Issue 1287, 25 January 1870, Page 3

WILLIAM NAYLOR'S MONUMENT.

Raglan, January 17.

The monster meeting of natives at Raglan to celebrate a tungi over the grave of the warrior chief, William Naylor, will take place in February. From all accounts "this will be the largest meeting ever held by natives, over 2000 being expected to attend. Among other native celebrities, his Majesty Tawhiao, the Maori King at Kawhia, has sent, notice of his intention to come, attended by his Ministers and 4-00 of his loyal subjects. His Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Donald M'Lean, Native and Defence Minister, are also expected to honor Raglan with their presence on this occasion. Considering the critical state of native affairs, this meeting is unquestionably of very great, importance, and advantage shouM'be taken of,ifc by the Native Minister to make as favorable an impression on the Maori mind as possible, in order that, when they disperse, these favorable impressions may be disseminated throughout the land.

An obelisk to the memory of fche late warrior chief, William Naylor, was erected by Government on Tuesday, January 18, in the Government Reserve, near to the late residence of thafc chief. Ifc was executed by Messrs. J. and G. Buchanan, of Welles-ley-street, Auckland, and reflects great credit on the artists for the excellent manner in which the work has been done. The obelisk is lift. 6ins. high, and is composed of Hobart Town stone. It has a rockwork basement, with a moulded base and pedestal; the cap ornamented with a dove and branch ; in centre of ornamental shield, emblematical of peace; octagonal moulded base for shaft, surmounted with a drapery vase. It bears the following inscription in English and Maori: —" Sacred to the memory of William Nero Te iwaitai, who died April 27th, 1866. He was always a firm friend of the Europeans, and a chief of much influence." This tribute of respect to one af their greatest heroes cannot fail to have a beneficial effect on the Maori mind at the coming great meeting

Hamilton, January 17,

For some time past various rumors were afloat as to the whereabouts of Te Kooti in the neighborhood of Alexendra. On Saturday evening, Colonel Moule, commanding the Waikato district, issued a proclamaton, calling all classes of the militia out for actual service. The settlers were panic-stricken. Guards were mounted at eight o'clock in fche evening, and scouts sent out; the wives and families continuing to arrive through the night. The Constabulary from Ngaruawahia and Alexandra were drafted to Cambridge, leaving those places, of course, unprotected. The various positions of Te Kooti and his scouts I have already sent you by telegram ; and up to the hour of writing, ten o'clock, no further intelligence respecting his movements have been received. Louis Hettifc arrived on Saturday evening from Orahriri, and was quite surprised at our warlike preparations, and stated there was no danger. On Sunday, a native requested permission for the Tamahere women and children to be allowed to come into Hamilton. On being questioned by Colonel Moule as to what had become of their lords and masters, he answered they had gone to Matamata to be out of harm's way (their leading chief having left by steamer on Friday). The colonel remarked that they had better follow their legal protectors; and the messenger retired rather crest-fallen.