The Waka Maori. WELLINGTON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1874. NGATIPOROU MEETING AT WHAREKAHIKA, HICK'S BAY.

Waka Maori, Volume 10, Issue 23, 17 November 1874, Page 281

The Waka Maori. WELLINGTON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1874. NGATIPOROU MEETING AT WHAREKAHIKA, HICK'S BAY.

An important Native meeting was held at Hick's Bay, East Coast, on the 3rd of October last. Some 350 of the Ngatiporou were present, including all the principal chiefs. Much disappointment was felt at the inability of Sir Donald McLean to attend. The business of the meeting was initiated by hoisting a flag. The chiefs Iharaira, Major Eopata, the Mokena, and Mr. Campbell, E.M., Captain Porter, and Major Pitt, occupied seats on a platform round the flagstaff, the rest of the people being grouped in hapus around. A picked body of thirty, drawn up beside the platform, fired a volley, after 'which they danced a war dance. At one end of the column, says the Poverty Bay Herald, was Mrs. Houkamau, gorgeously attired in a blue silk gown, with a blue velvet hat and purple feather, who, in spite of her age, displayed extraordinary agility. Major Eopata acted as master of the ceremonies, giving out the subjects to be discussed. "We give the following notes of the proceedings as forwarded to us by Captain Porter and the Natives: — The following were the subjects of discussion brought before the meeting called by Iharaira Houkamau at "Wharekahika:— 1. The subject which was raised at the meeting at Mataahu, in the year 1572, namely, loyalty and adherence to the Queen, in return for her love freely bestowed upon the people of these islands. She has doubly loved the Maori people, inasmuch as she first sent us the "Word of God, and secondly, the laws to secure our, safety and well-being. 2. That we in return love her and obey her laws. Let us no longer depart from her laws, but let us live within the pale of her laws and obey them, that we may of a truth be her subjects. Let us serve God. This was the first of the laws which she (the Queen) sent to us to be observed by us. Let us obey her laws that our loyalty to her may be evident. There is no reason why we should not obey both these laws (human and divine). They are not burden- ■• • ■ • • i • . - - .J* - - i_ •_ i

them to the Government or to other Pakehas, so as to clear the way for the proper management by each tribe of its respective portions of land. By this means they will be enabled to arrange for satisfactory leases of their lands to Europeans or the Government. 4. That a member be chosen at this meeting to represent the district of Waiapu in Parliament. _ Major Eopata having called upon Ngatiporou to give expression to their opinions on these subjects various chiefs arose and spoke as follows: ' Hoteste Poeotteancu.—l consent that the sheep be sold, and I approve of choosing a member. I propose Euka te Aratapu. Karatjeia Pahuea, of Uawa.—The Maoris of my district have no sheep; they all belong to the Pakehas. For two years past I have been proposing that Henare Potae be our member, and all my tribe approve of him. Pine Ttihaka.—l am willing that the sheep of my district be sold, but let the price be a fair one. I approve of Euka te Aratapu as our member. Henabe te Keel—l am willing to sell our sheep, but let us have sheep in exchange, or money, if it is to be money. lam in favour of Euka te Aratapu to be our member. Mom Whabepoto.—l agree that the Maoris' diseased sheep be sold off, so that our land may be clear to lease to the Pakehas from Waipiro Bay to Waiapu. I and my people signed a paper last year declaring ourselves in favour of Henare Potae as a member. Apirana te Mane, Herewini Tamahori, Eutene Hoenoa, Te Warihi Onewa, Piripi Kiwara, and the Hatiwira Houkamau all declared themselves in favour of selling the sheep, and approved of Henare Potae to represent them in Parliament. Te Hatiwira Houkamau said his choice of a member rested upon Henare Potae, because he thought the words of a chief only would have any influence in Parliament. Hoani te Aute would consent to sell the sheep if a fair price could be obtained. He was in favour of Euka as a member. Tamihaka Kakak-o.—l agree to sell the scabby sheep, lest I {i.e., his people) also become infected. I choose Henare Potae as member, and I have two reasons for doing so: he possesses a knowledge of the English language, and he is a chief. I knew that Karaitiana and Tareha were chiefs; but Henare Potae has one fault—he has acquired a habit of excessive drinking. But perhaps he may reform if reasoned with. Wi Pewhairan-gi.—l have nothing to say about the sheep, as we possess none in our district. With respect to the member, let us have Henare Potae, who is a chief. The words of a nameless man would have no influence (in Parliament). Captain here explained to the meeting that the electoral district represented by the member for the East Coast extended from Eangiwhakaoma (Castle Point) to Hauraki (Thames),includingTaupo, and that they could not, therefore, of themselves elect a member, but that the inhabitants of the whole of the district would have a voice in the election. Hatiwira Houkamau said, in reply, that they had taken no part in the election of Karaitiana Takamoana, and yet he was returned as member. Te Kereama Tamararo, Timoti te Kani, Hare Paraone, and Pehimana te Horu, all approved of selling the sheep, and of Henare Potae to represent them in Parliament. Te Wikieiwhi te Matatjbit.—l salute the Queen, and the flag which hangs above us. With respect to the sheep in our district, I am willing to allow the to destroy them, but let them give us other sheep in place of them, or money. I approve

of Henare Potae as member. (He here turned to his hapus and asked them if they approved of Henare lotae, and they answered unanimously, " Yes.") Hoasi Ngatai.—With respect to the words that were first spoken about religion and laws, I have to say that I approve of those things-let them come here. 1 say with respect to the diseased sheep belonging to some of us, let them be'sold, so that my land may be disencumbered, that I may lease it to the Pakehas I get no profit from Maori sheep. .Let Henare Potae be the member. Haee Paihia.—Let the sheep be sold to the Government, and let the question of payment rest with them. I am m favour of Euka as a member—the man who understands the language of the Pakeha (Hamahona and Te Herewini also declared themselves m favour of Euka.) Anaeti Tebeteee.— Health to the Queen. I and Mokena have been observers of the law and religion from the time of the Kohimarama Conference down to the present day. I agree to sell the infected sheep (Here he turned to his hapus and asked them if they were in favour of Euka to represent them, and they answered unanimously, " Yes.") Major Eopata here disapproved of the hapus assenting m this way, and suggested that each man should express his opinions singly. Whereupon Hemi Paroa, Wi Hana, Hemi Tokowaka, and Harawira Taua, declared themselves each in favour of selling the sheep, and of Henare Potae as their member. Harawira Taua said he thought the land should be leased to the Pakehas, so that all might receive some benefit from it. Peteea te Hotjkamait.—l express my thankfulness to the Queen, who is a woman benevolent and gracious. I have no sheep ; they are all gone. The only sheep I have are Maori dogs. With respect to the two members proposed, let us have them both. Apieana te Make.—-I have 300 sheep. If I get a good price for them I shall let them go—say £1 per head. Let Euka be the member. Anaru Kahaki, Te Hati Eairi, Te ITorcra, and Paora te Haenga, all declared themselves in favour of Henare Potae as their representative. They were willing, they said, to sell the sheep for a good price. Aperahama te Ivuri thought the sheep should all be sold, as, after a while, the wool would be unmarketable. He considered Euka a fitting person to represent them. Wieemu Keiiia.—l have a thousand sheep. If the G-overnment give me the same number of healthy sheep for them I will agree (i.e., to the infected ones being destroyed). I do not approve of returning a member. Te Katene Ngatoko, Eaniera Eaerena, Pincaminc te Awarau, and Mita te Kapaawai, all consented to the sale of the sheep, and approved of Henare Potae as member. Piniha Waikaaho, Te Keepa Tieke, Tihore Hamapiria, and Karamana Moepuke, said they did not possess any sheep, but, with respect to the choice of a member, they were in favour of Henare Potae. Paeatene Ngata.—l belong to the hapus of the family of Karuai. I am willing that our sheep be sold, but not for less than 10s. or 15s. per head. With respect to a member, let the duties of a chief be deputed to a chief—that is, to Henare Potae. H. Paiiiia.—lt is a proper thing to sell the sheep, so that the land may be clear of infection. Let the price be 10s. or 15s. Let Henare Potae be the member. Teneti, of Waikato, and Eutene Haokai, were in favour of selling the sheep, and of Euka as member. Hakaia te Kara wanted 15s. per head for the sheep, and approved of Henare Potae for a member.

Te Irimafa Otakoratt.—l salute you, the Queen. I have in past times repeatedly fallen away from you, but now lam adhering fully to you. I have lonosince given my sheep to (Captain) Porter. For those which remain at Waiapu I require 10s. per head, including rams. Let Henare Potae be the member. Karaitiais-a Pakttra.—l have long desired that they (the owners) should sell their sheep, so that sheep belonging to the Pakehas might be introduced, from which I should receive some benefit. I approve of Euka for a member, because he is a man who does not drink, and because he is a man of intelligence. There has never been anything against his character. Eev. Mohi Turei.—l rise to speak upon the two subjects which have been brought forward. First, the love of the Queen to the Maori inhabitants of this island—that is to say, the introduction of Christianity; and, secondly, the laws. This people held fast to those two blessings down to the time when evil arose, and then the canoe (people) of Ngatiporou was broken. At the meeting at Mataahu (in July, 1872), it (the canoe) was repaired and renewed. At that meeting the canoe, Horouta, of our ancestors, was alluded to. "When leaving Hawaiki,no kumaras were added to the stock laid in by Arikinonoa. The canoe (Horouta) was wrecked, and afterwards repaired, and kumaras were then taken on board and brought to all parts of this island. Some of the food of Awapaka (kumaras) was produced at Major Eopata's meeting to remind us of these things. And Major Eopata exhorted us to abide by the laws, and to hold fast to the faith, to let our hearts be as firmly fixed (on these things) as the unyielding rock. But the canoe (people) of Ngatiporou is not yet perfected. I am deeply grateful for the love of the Queen which she has evinced towards us. With respect to the sheep, doubtless this proposal is made because evil consequences are foreseen ; lest the infection should spread to places yet uninfected, and poverty and ruin be the result. Therefore it is proper to sell them that the land may be cleared for the reception of healthy sheep. There is no reason why they should not be disposed of. "With respect to a member, we are clearly in favour of having one for ourselves alone; and probably other tribes are desirous of of electing one for themselves to represent them in Parliament. If Henare Potae be chosen, let him keep his body in subjection; probably he will be able to resist his inclination to drink. Eev. Matiaha Pahewa, of the Whanau-a-te-Akau hapu.—This is our second meeting convened for the purpose of firmly establishing ourselves and our lands under the power of the Queen, as a protecting fence around us and our lands against the approach of trouble. Let us no longer hearken to the promptings of other Maori tribes. That was the reason of our getting into trouble in days gone by, namely, by following the advice of others. Now, however, let us keep the eye fixed upon the sight of the gun, and upon the bows of the canoe {i.e., let us carefully attend to our affairs). Pirst, let us rebuild the' broken church of Ngatiporou (or reunite the dismembered church of Ngatiporou). Let us bring fresh raupo, fresh material to block up the openings, and fresh lashings. If we neglect this, we shall suffer in consequence. Secondly, with regard to the Queen. She is a Christian woman; therefore we receive the water of the law clear and pure, to shield and guard both Pakehas and Maoris. Were it otherwise, the water of the law would be turbid and impure. As Christ says, " A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." Ihaeaira te Houkamaxt. —As regards the question of (destroying) the sheep, I once owned sheep,

but Ido not now. Come hither, Ngatiporou his hands to the people), that you may learn what are the objects of my earnest desire, and that we may see you. Come ! ye of Apanui and other tribes. Direct hitherward your first (leading, foremost) canoe. Attach the lengthening piece, lash on the bulwarks, plug up the holes, and bind in the raupo, lest the water get m. Come hither both my canoes! Here stands the post to secure you to. There are two canoes to which I refer, that of Apanui and that of Porou. Come to Mohua! Come within the shelter of the Queen! Let our loyalty be not merely lip-loyalty, but let us get close in to the very root of the matter. Come in from the right hand and from the left; my only desire is that wc may really enter. I have called this meeting as a marriage ceremony for all the tribes (a means of union) ; and here stands the sheltering power of the Queen (the flag), and her laws are being declared to you. The Eunanga commenced at "Waikoukou; and you have clothed yourselves with this garment (the law). But if your conduct be bad, you will suffer; if good, you will prosper. The Government has cast over you its protection, and I offer that protection to you all now. Ido not wish a few only of you to accept it; I require you all to embrace it. (Here he saug a song expressive of his loyalty and love.) Tlemi Tapeka, Hone Mokena, Hutana Pukenui, and Hutana Taru, declared themselves in favour of Henare Potae as a member. Hutana Taru approved of selling the sheep, as he had himself seen that they were infected. At twelve o'clock noon, the meeting was adjourned by Major Eopatato three o'clock, after dinner. The total number in favour of Euka as a member, including those who spoke and those who signed their names, was 107; the number in favour of Henare Potae was 350. But the numbers in favour of each will be largely increased when the names of those residing in other districts arc obtained. After dinner the people again assembled at the foot of the flagstaff. A collection was then commenced on behalf of Te Houkamau (probably to assist in defraying the expenses of the meeting), and the sum of £l4 7s. 9d. was subscribed by those present. Major Eopata then submitted two other subjects for the consideration of the meeting—first, the appointment by the Government of Mr. Wilson as Commissioner; and, secondly, the propriety of rejecting the interference and advice of other tribes in .Ngatiporou affairs, lest complications and trouble result. Ecv. H. Tawha.—l am willing that a Commissioner be appointed for this district. Secondly, with respect to the people who come here deceiving and misleading us with their advice, which you say we must reject. It is right that the people should not suffer from the counsel of others, therefore let it be repelled. Hearken not to them, but be guided by your own knowledge and experience within your own boundaries. Let those people fish up their land which has been sunk by their own devices; but as for you, be not influenced by their notions of things. If, in the future, you trample under foot this advice, you will undoubtedly get into trouble. Karaukia Pahuka.—l will make known my thoughts to the meeting:— 1. Let the Native Land Court be brought within the Ngatiporou boundaries. 2. Let all JNgatiporou difficulties be determined by the law, not by the power of chiefs. 3. Let Christianity be maintained, and also schools for the children.

4. Let a Commissioner for our district be chosen, 5. Let there be a mail established within Ngatiporou boundaries, from Tokaataiau to Taumata-o-Apanui. 6. Let a member be chosen. Hatiwira Hottkamatt said he was in favour of Captain Porter being appointed as Commissioner. He objected to the interference of other tribes with Ngatiporou affairs. Hoteke Poeottrafgi wanted to know if there were to be two Commissioners. He said, "To facilitate the business, let each hapu be -asked, ' Whom do you favour?' and let them answer, * Let Porter be the Commissioner.'" He also objected to the officious interference of other tribes in Ngatiporou affairs, and desired that such interference should henceforth be repelled. Major Eopata explained that the Government had informed him that one Commissioner only was to be appointed—Mr. "Wilson; and he asked the meeting why they were unwilling to accept that gentle man. Hotene Porourangi, Piniha Waikaho, Hati Eairi, said they objected to Mr. Wilson because they knew nothing of him—he was a stranger to them. Tamihana Kakano also objected for the same reason, and said they approved of Captain Porter because they knew him—his worth was known to all the people. Hoani Ngatai said he would rather the G-overnment should appoint a Commissioner, good or bad. He would prefer a stranger to one who had friends among the people. Euka Haratapu did not wish to interrupt the proceedings, but he was desirous of knowing what the duties of the Commissioner would be, that they might be clear on that point. Major Eopata.—Euka asks what the duties of the Commissioner will be. Probably he wishes to know also what are the duties of a member. Karaitiana has been our member for several years, but I have not_ seen the fruits of anything he has done. In my opinion, the work which he was appointed to do he has not done. The duties of the Commissioner will be to purchase land, and to make arrangements by which the desires of those who wish to lease land may he carried out. The Government propose to appoint Mr. Wilson; but as very many of you are in favour of Captain Porter, it may be that your desire will not be overcome. _ Eev. Mohi Tueei.—Let Porter be the Commissioner. I have four reasons for choosing him:—l. His knowledge of the Maori language. 2. He is " united to us in Kapohanga."—(A proverb. " Kapohanga " may be applied to the Ngatiporou district.) 3. He is the guardian of the Ngatiporou Militia. 4. Por these reasons which I have enumerated, he will be prepared to pay attention to my (our) words when the day arrives (on which we may have occasion to speak). The Government approve of Mr. Wilson. But they also know Porter and his works. With respect to the interference of other tribes, do not allow yourselves to be tempted by outsiders. Hare Pabaoite. —I am in favour of Porter as a Commissioner. He is familiarized with us and our district; but who knows anything of Wilson ? I have seen the worth of Porter—the parent of the people. Let us have no advice from strangers about our internal affairs. Peea Te Ktjei and his hapu also declared their approval of Captain Porter as Commissioner. Henare te Kiki wanted to know why a Commissioner should be appointed at all. He thought a member quite sufficient. Mohi Whaeepoto.—l am for Porter. The Government did not consult us in the matter; had they

done so, we should have declared ourselves in favour of Porter. That one, Mr. Wilson, is a hard man—he is a water-hen from Opotiki. He had better return to his people, the Whakatohea. Mokena Koheee. Probaoly the Government fixed upon Mr- Wilson because, it may be, that he is a man experienced in that kind of work. Porter has other duties which the Government has set out for him to perform. A dog for catching wood hens requires different knowledge to other dogs. And that may be the reason why the Government is desirous of appointing Mr. Wilson. He is their choice, but, nevertheless, the unanimous decision of the people in favour of Porter cannot be ignored or disregarded. Etjka te Arataptt.—lf the question had been finally settled there, {i.e. at the seat of Government,) it is probable it would not be brought forward here for discussion. I think the fact of the matter being introduced here, shows that it was expected we should discuss it. That being so, I declare in favour of Porter. He has been a good man, but the new laws may have the effect of changing the direction of his thoughts. But no doubt he will seek to benefit and enlarge the people, and assist their advance in knowledge. Let us have Porter. Of Mr. Wilson we know nothing. He may be a good man, or he may be a serpent. I have heard that he got into trouble with the people of Opotiki. With regard to the wisdom of other tribes, which they bring to Ngatiporou, let it be kept away. Some of them came and tempted us in days gone by, and some of our people were victimized in consequence. Why should we return to such works ? As we have recovered from our afflictions, let us now repent ourselves and be on our guard. We have knowledge of our own for the conduct of our affairs, by which we must stand or fall. Major Eopata.—l approve of the clearness of your thoughts. Tou say you do not know what the duties of the Commissioner will be. His duty will be to buy land, and to arrange for leasing land; but not to obtain land in opposition to the wishes of the people. The owners of the land will please themselves about parting with it or not. Mokena and I said nothing in Port Nicholson when we heard of it (the appointment of Mr. Wilson) ; we left the matter for you to consider. Te Hata Hokopatjra.—l belong to these boundaries. lam of Taumata-o-Apanui. This Commissioner, Mr. Wilson, about whom you are considering, is a man with whom we are quite familiar in our district. Tou say Porter is a man whose good works are known to you, and his kindness to the people. So I also agree that Porter be our Commissioner. Such is man. He leaves his own wife and makes love to others—in days gone by, with one ; and today, with another. Wilson has completed those transactions (in which he was engaged in their district). Perhaps you are right in what you say (about him) ; but the people themselves are partly to blame. I and my hapu are for Henare Potae as our member. Iharaira te Houkamatt.—l will make known tothe meeting the contents of a letter received from our friends to the north, containing their opinions on the subjects for the consideration of which this meeting has been called. These are the words of the letter : —" Proceed yourselves with the business of the meeting. Whatever decision you arrive at shall be for us all. Whatever candidate you consider most fitting, let him be the member. Let Porter be the Commissioner. We know nothing of Mr. Wilson." Tamihana Kakano.—Major Ropata's explanation about the duties of the Commissioner is satisfactory. It is right that I should be allowed to lease my land if I please. But I shall not sell.

Captain Poetee, here expressed his gratification, at the good, feeling towards him expressed by Ngatiporou. They were aware that he was merely acting as an agent of the Government in whatever measures he carried out amongst them, and he was glad he had given them satisfaction. He informed them that the duties of the Commissioner would not be confined to Ngatiporou alone, but would extend to Turanga and other places. Heeewini Tamahoei said it was decided that Captain Porter was to be the Commissioner, the man who had grown up amongst them, and to whose presence they would not dread to approach when they wished to consult with him about their affairs. If buying and leasing land was all the Commissioner had to do, Porter could perform those duties. Let no man say he would not sell land, for a day would come when he would sell. Te Hati.—Let it be finally settled at this then, that Captain Porter is to be the Commissioner. Let Major Eopata (addressing the Major) proceed to make known to the meeting the remaining subjects for discussion. We must defer the conclusion of this report to a future issue.