THE WAAHI MEETING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13435, 24 July 1911, Page 3

THE WAAHI MEETING.

(Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 21. The native meeting at Waahi was resumed to-day. Among those gathered in the marae were Mahuta and Mr Henare Kaihau, M.P. Ahuriri (Mahuta’s Prime Minister) commenced the proceedings by urging upon all the necessity for united action. Amy lack of unanimity would have a tendency to delay the settlement of the land, a question in which they were vitally interested. Hori Herewini (Wharna) endorsed the sentiments of Ahuriri. The opposition, however, would not be conciliated, but again expressed the opinion that the election of the “mana” committee ought to be re-considered, as the present committee was not representative. Mahuta dilated on the necessity lor unanimity and declared that his actions were regulated solely for his desire to advance the interests of the race. He spoke of the opposition of the Waikato natives as something that grieved him sorely. They declared that they recognised three flags —a black one, which symbolised death ; a red one, which was a sign of war; and the third, of pure white, which denoted peace, concord and harmony. Some might stand under either of the first two mentioned, but he preferred the white one, as only under its folds could the social, moral and materiel progress of the race be consummated. Unless the opposition is placated before to-morrow, the result of the aeries of meetings may bo nil. as it is presumed the Acting-Prime Minister may refuse to do anything until the broach is healed. This, according to those who favour the general scheme, will he a terrible obstacle to the settlement of a vexed question which has agitated the native mind for a long number of years. SIR JAMES CARROLL ARRIVES. AUCKLAND, July 23 Sir James Carroll arrived .in lluntly by the early express on Saturday morning from.Wellington, and in the afternoon proceeded to Waahi to attend the native meeting. On. landing at the - settlement, which they reached, by launch, the party was met by a guard of honour, consisting of 22 native constables, and proceeded towards the marae. A number of women went in advance with branches of green shrubbery waving as an accompaniment to their gesticulations welcoming the visitors to the marae, where Mahuta. Henare Kaihau and others were waiting to receive them. The visitors occupied the southern side of ilm square, the adult natives present being estimated at .ictwoen 600 and 800. About 50 representa* ives of the various hai.nr, stood in front of their followers, holding a white flag with the name of the hapu inscribed thereon. The opposition party, distinguished by a banner, were also present, under Papa Kirkwood. The welcome given to the Minister was most cordial and hearty. Rain, which had fallen during the morning, again commenced to fall heavily and it was almost impossible to hear the speeches. Mahuta. in a brief speech, welcomed Sir James Carroll, and said he was sure his presence would bring about the settlement of the various points in dispute. Henare Kaihau and the Acting-Premier then addressed the gathering. Sir Jas. Carroll returns to Wellington by to-night’s express.'