A Big Maori Meeting.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XVIII, Issue 1688, 13 April 1885, Page 2

A Big Maori Meeting.

TE WHITI, TITOKOWARU & OTHERS TO VISIT GREYTOWN. GREAT PREPARATIONS BY THE WAIRARAPA NATIVES.

Some time ago we announced that there would be a large Native gathering at Papawai, near Greytown, in June, when Te Whiti, Titokowaru, and their followers would be present. It was estimated that about 4000 Maoris would be congregated together on the occasion. Some little anxiety was caused among the Natives residing in the Wairarapa, lest they should not be able to supply enough food for so many visitors, and we afterwards learned that the visit by the above notables and their followers had been abandoned. We now learn, upon very good native authority, that the gathering will take place in June, though the number of visiting natives will not bo so largo. It has been arranged that Te Whiti and Titokowarn, with their followers (about 2000) shall visit Wanganui. Alter the festivities there, Rangi will lead 1500 back, and Te Whiti and Titokowaru will come on to the Wairarapa with 500. The Palmerston and Te Ore Ore natives will join this company on the way down. The travelling will be on foot and by horses, and we are told there will be about 50 carts in the procession, in which the food for the journey will be conveyed. The object of the visit to Greytown is to show that whatever estranged feeling may have existed in the past towards the Government Natives and the Europeans, there is none existing now, and that there is but one desire—that there should be a lasting peace. The Maoris are now erecting a building at Papawai, in which to entertain the visitors. It will be the largest native building in the colony : 182 feet long by 66 feet wide. The chief, Piripi, and his people in the Lower Valley, have given £7O towards the timber required for it, and .£92 have been contributed by the Wellington chiefs, Wi Parata and Eneka The Masterton, Castle Point, and, probably the Napier Natives will send pecuniary help. Invitations have been sent to the Natives in the South Island, and they will bring up a quantity of mutton birds with them. Taimaiharoa and Ihaia, two of the principal chiefs in New Zealand, are expected to be present. A letter has been received from Henare Potae, of Gisborne, stating that he will probably come down and bring food also. The greatest interest is evinced by the Maoris in the coming meeting, and they are determined to show their visiting brethren all hospitality and good feeling. Last week a meeting was held at Waitapu to discuss matters. The large building is to bo divided into three spacious rooms. Te Whiti, Titokowaru and other leading men will have one set apart for their especial use. The second will be for the visiting natives, and the third will be for Europeans. It is not tho intention of the natives living in this district to canvas among the European population for subscriptions to help them eniertiin their visitors ; but they would thaukfuly receive such help if tendered voluntarily. Taking into consideration that the meeting is specially one of peace, and to cement friendly relations not only between the Natives themselves, tut with Europeans, and remembering that the Wairarapa Maoris are a quiet and orderly people, and who have stood by us in the past in times of trouble, we should like to see them assisted by the settlers. At such a time, help would be much appreciated, and show that our sympathies are with them in the object of the meeting. Offerings, in the shape of money, sheep, or food of any kind would be welcome, and the benefit would bo felt by the settlers in other ways. Such an influx of visitors cannot but be "good for trade" to the Greytown people. During the stay of tho Maoris in this neighborhood it is probable that the Government will run a cheap excursion train from Wellington, and no doubt a large number of Wellington people will find a pleasure in trying to get a glimpse of such celebrities as Te Whiti, Titokowaru, Ac. We shall be glad to acknowledge any sums forwarded to us in aid of the entertainment land'