THE Wellington Independent. Friday, July 27, 1860. THE MAORI KING MOVEMENT.

Wellington Independent, Volume XIV, Issue 1442, 27 July 1860, Page 2

THE Wellington Independent. Friday, July 27, 1860. THE MAORI KING MOVEMENT.

We have had forwarded to us from Auckland a pamphlet on this subject, entitled " The Maori King Mo vein ant in New Zealand, with a full report of the Native Meetings held at Waikato in April and May 1860." It is from the pen of the Hey. Thomas Buddie, long known and respected as a laborious missionary belonging to the Wesleyan Society. Of all men in New Zealand Mr. Buddie is perhaps the best fitted, from personal acquaintance with the subject, to narrate the history of the remarkable movement which has now assumed so serious an aspect. He has done so with a fullness which renders his pages fresh even to those who, like ourselves, have closely watched the movement during the last few years, and has added much to the interest of them by the comprehensive report of the speeches delivered at the late rununga. The notes of these speeches, published in the Auckland papers, gave only a very poor idea of the scope of the discussion, and a perusal of them as now published will amply repay all who choose to road them. We should like to see Mr. Buddies pamphlet (72 pp) have a large circulation, convinced that its perusal would do t more to give just ideas of tho character and extent of this movement and lead to a sound course of action on the part of the people generally, than any other means we are acquainted with. We proceed to give an outline of some of the details of the King Movement as narrated by Mr. Buddie.

There is nothing like beginning at ihe very beginniug Iv a sketch intended for permanont refereuco—a contribution towards the history of New Zealand, it is well that it should be so. Mr. Buddie accordingly informs us that the renowued Ngapuhi warrior Hongi was probably the first to conceive, and certainly the first to aim at the establishment of a Maori Kingdom. Exactly forty years ago he visited Knglund and saw King George The greatness and power of the nation stirred his ambition. " There is but one King in England" said he " there shall be only one King iv New Zealand," and the suit of armour and supply of arras presented to him, seemed to afford the means for the realisation of his hopes. During seven years of warfare he conquered the Thames, Wuikato and Taranaki districts, but a bullet at Whangaroa terminated his career before he was able to attain to tho Sovereignty he coveted.

It wa«i not until 1852. five ami twenty yeirs after Hongi's death, that any fartbor attempt was made towards the establishment of a Kingdom. This movement arose in our own neighbour!) nod (at Otaki), and from a like origin to that which prompted ilongi. Tamihaua te Rauparahu had been to England and his descriptions of what ho saw there, fired Lt;in»;ih.it'U's nephew, Matini te Whiwhi's patriotism or ambition as it had previously done that of the great Ngapuhi ; hut a mission to the Ninth, lo induce the Waikutos and others to join in the movement, effectually extinguished' it. The Northern Natives wrote dissuading those of the South to abandon the idea. "We salute you all. This is our word 1-) you. New Zealand is the house, the Europeans are the

rafters on one side, the Maories are the rafter? on the other side, God is the ridgepole ag.iinst which all lean, and the house is one."

A land league was afterwards formed at Taranaki. This is found to have exercised a powerful influence in establishing the King movement which has lately taken so decided a shape, — hecome indeed a great fact. A block of 400,000 aces between Wangaehu and Rangitikei was sold to the Government in 1849 for £2,500 Hona of Waitotara, and other Chiefs were desirous of following this example. The whole Coast was ere long in a ferment. Many strongly condemned parting with any more land and many as strongly approved of each Chief doing as he pleased. The agitation was kept up by Tamati Reina itenerating the Coast from New Plymouth to Wellington, and at the meeting held at Manawapou, a few miles to the nerthward of Patea, at which there were about 1000 present, resolutions \ver<s passed declaring that no more land should be sold without the consent of the confederation, defining the European boundaries, and dec^ring that on Native territory Native law should prevail. A new Testament was buried and a heap ot stones raised in witness of the covenant entered into. To give permanency to this i determination a " beating the bounds" bas taken place at certain periods. ' -This, was the origin of the land league of Taranaki, and the determination of the Natives to carry out its conditions was in a few months afterwards made painfully apparent, ltawiri, a Native Assessor or Magistrate, sold some land at Taranaki to the Government, and proceeded to cut the boundaries. Katatore, an active land-league chief, proceeded thither also, fired on Rawiri's party, killing him with six others and wounding 1 ten. From that day to this the Natives at Taranaki have been at war with each other ; but having some mouths since detailed the stiugjrle we need not here again cnterinto farther particulars. The present King movement originated with William Thompson Tarapipipi, principal chief of the Ngatihuua, who has continued its chief promoter, and will now probably be chosen as Potntau's successor. He is the son of the famous warrior Te Waharoa, long since dead ; but until lately has given no sign of inheriting his father's warlike spirit, preferring generally to remain at the Church Mission School, where he has been brought up from bis boyhood, to sharing the excitements of the battle field. He is said to be very intelligent, understands English sufficiently to use an English Bible, desirous for peace, and altogether may be considered as one of the most civilized of his tace. The reasons which led Thompson to enter upon the King Movement is narrated by the Maories as follows. Conversing with one of his English friends, he expressed bis admiration of some of our Hsuages and especially of our mode of administering justice. His friend replied " your path is underneath my thighs." On enquiring what was meant by this strong figure he was told to *' search it out." He pondered long over too hidden meaning, and at last came to the conclusion that it indicated the slavery and oppression of his people. " That path,' he leasoned " is the path of dogs only, then are we to be treated like dogs? Does the pakeha intend to put us beneath bis feetf But he shall not be permitted." The desire for the establishment of a Maori Kingdom was the ~ result, as a preservative against the degradation of the Native race. Whethers^kk^ch an origin is the correct one, whet^J^^H^^uidonginated the movement o JßßH9H|^^Hßh^^l ings connected with thjj^B^^^HHBHH^HHI suggested it, will probafl^B^^^^N^^^^Bßß ascertained. It woul^^HH^^^HH^^^^^H[ to know who Thoinpsonj^H^^^^^flHfl^pflßH w;i3. The reasons wluch^BHHßH^^^'wß^s^^ from disclosing it must ne^sHH|^^ut it is not improbable that a gentlerna^Tormerly connected with the Native department is indicated, whose secret endeavours to excite disaffection among the Natives, at the same time that he was holding an influential appointment, not only resulted in his ignominious dismissal, but nearly procured bis arrest for treason. Thompson was first joined by Ta Heuheu, successor to the old and powerful Taupo chief, of that name, who with 30 others was buried a few years since beneath an avalanche of earth. In disposition Te Heuheu is the reverse of Thompson, being very sanguine, excitable, and accustomed to war. He is stated to have a huge amount of perseverence, seldom giving up the prosecution ot any object on which he has set his heart. These two men are, at this moment, the life of the King party. Men of totally different temperaments and looking (at the commencement, at any rate) for the most • opposite results." " I want order and laws" said Thompson, at a great meeting held in 1857, "a King could give these better than the Governor. The Governor never does anything except when a pakeha is killed. We are allowed to fight and kill each other as we please, a king would end these erils." Such peaceful views find no favor with Te Heuheu. At the same meeting he expressed himself as decidedly opposed to British Rule. He spoke of insults to which he said the natives were constantly subject from white men. Referred to the prostitution of their women, the spread of drunkenness among the men, of indignities frequently offered to chiefs, and declared hi i determination to throw off the yoke, and to seek the ultimate expulsion of the pakehns from the Country. The first meeting ti> promote the movement was held at Taupo in December 1853, at which an incident occurred, which deserves to be recorded, if merely for ils effective wit •' At one of the evening meetings, which was held in a large house lighted up for the occasion, one of the advocates for a general clearing of all the pakehas, — Governor, Missionaries, settlers—was eloquently pressing his views upon the audience, when Tarahawaiki of Ngaruawhaia walked quietly round and one after the other put out all the lights till the place was in total darkness, and the speaker in possession of the house was brought to a full stop. » Dontyou tbink you had better light up the caudles again ?' he said. ' Most certainly' replied Tarahuwaiki, ' it was rery foolish to extinguish them!' The meeting at once apprehended the meaning of this symbolical act, and the orator sat down amidst roars of laughter enjoyed at his expense." Tarahawaika was a leading man in the late king's counsels, and exhibited, says Mr. Buddie, a spirit of moderation and friend, iiness towards Europeans which induces iha hope th.it be still considers it would be foolish to extinguish all the lights. At this meeting' it was decided that no more land should be sold to the Government between Wduganui and Auckland, no roads allowed to be made withiu such district, no prayers to be offered to lor the Queen, and that a King should be elected to rule over the New Zealaiiders as the Queen and Governor do overihe settler.*. The nftu meetiug was held ut Waikato in May 1857. Thompson and Te Heuheu he uled the Kiug party, expressed themselves as before quoted, and Sauted the fUg given by William IV. to the Bay of Islaud tribes with the nsc ription, " Polatau King of N.Z." William

Naylor headed the other party comprising tlie lower Waikato tribes, who were then all opposed to the King movement. This party floated the Union Jack. Naylor is the principal chief of the Ngatimahanga, and resides at Waingaroa on the West Coast. He is one of the greatest warriors of the day, and passessss all those qualities which in savage life, not uafrequently concentrate- themselves in such individuals. Keen, sagacious, and brave, his wisdom in counsel, eloquence in debate, and courage in battle, combined to render his name a tower of strength. His steady opposition to the King movement and his firm adherence to the Government must however have shorn him of a large portii n of that influence he till lately possessed. Nothing shows this more than his conduct at the great runanga in May last. When Naylor found that the flag staff wa9 intended to be erected, and that if he spoke against its erection it was intended to put forward a woman to reply to him, he determined to leave immediately. Thompson was however deputed to intreat him to stay and an impartial healing was promised. He stayed for a day or two and warmly spoke in favor of the Governor and peace ; but left with his following before the crowning act of opposition to the Queen' 3 government was carried out — the actual erection of the flagstaff amidst the huesas of the tribes assembled.

The result of these meetings was the nomination to the Kingship of Tewherowhero, or as he is now c&lled Pptatau. The choice was admirably made. He was the man of all others most suitable for the conso idation of the kingdona. His name was universally kuown as that of a most successful warrior and carried with it a powerful prestige. He was connected by blood with several important tribes, aud was the most likely to draw together those that were distant and independent. He had the additional recommendation of being too feeble to oppose the wishes of those who governed in his name. He called himself only, "a bundle of bones" and would lie smoking his pipe, wrapped in a dirty mat, while his " ministers" made laws and promulgated them in his name. His monarchy was certainly a " limited" one. The next meeting took place at Ngaruawahia, afterwards chosen as the site of the capital. A considerable advance had been made meanwhile and of the tribes that attended all were willing to acknowledge him as their head, though onehalf objected to giving him the title of king, and the power over them and their lands which that title was understood to convey. Thompson and the king party asked Potatau to become their king, and on. his consenting they made over their authority aud land to him. Katipa and the other party asked him if he would be their father, and when Poiatau replied " Yes," a salute of blank cartridge was fired, and three hearty cheers followed. The distinction between King and Father is not very comprehensible to our minds, buta wide and importantdistinction is present to those of the natives. A procession was formed by the Kingites, and Potatau rode into a neighbouring settlement, amidst musket salutes, an address of welcome, and other civilized et ceteras. His formal recogni tion over, he. returned to Ngaruawahia, situaced at the confluence of the Waikato and Waipa rivers, and two days ride from Auckland. It has since been surveyed by a Maori surveyor and a large town laid out in acre allotments. The streets are at right angles, and have been named after leading deceased and living Chiefs. Th&Huap of the town is in custody of the J|HjHfa|retary, but although it is two years j^HHHJK^ to °fc U P Q is abode there, the city j^^^H^Hk^ c Xin ff Party sent their flag H^^^H^^^^HBL^nd wide, and were very sueThe young chiefs which the older ones once H^H^HHmndling away, and having no hope of^pPng revived for them while colonisation continues to advance, they eagerly fall in with a scheme which promises to unite their race and raise their individu il influence. Some of the Lower Waikato tribes, a'l of whom formerly supported William Naylor, have fallen in with it, as well as many more.

. In May last a great meeting of the Waikato tribes \va3 held at Ngaruawahia fully to establish the Maori Kingdom. There were pre* sent about 3000 persons, one-half of whom were women and children. A few Europeans were also present, the Superintendent of Auckland, the Bishop of New Zealand, the Native Secretary amongst the number. The Taranaki war had given an interest and importance to this meeting which none previously Lad possessed. "William Thompson, with a following of 150 armed men, was the first to pay hisrespects. Their address was •• O King, live for ever ; thy kingdom, thj mana live for ever; but the address of the next body was of a different order, and reminds us how liable the future of this movement is to be guided by fanatic teachers ef the Habakuk Mucklewrath school. Hobepa from Tauranga gave it thus, « King, live for ever. Thou art not a man but a spirit. Thou didst not spring from earth • but came down from hearen. Thou art a God. Thou art like Melchizedek, without father without mother, without descent, bavins neither beginning of days nor end of life.' ° It would be foreign to the object of this article—which is merely to narrate the origin and progress of the King movement, were we to enter into the details of the late ru uinga. Those who wish to learn them can do so"by purchasing Mr. Buddies bot>k, and they will be well repaid for the expenditure of the trifle it costs. Suffice it to say that so determined were they to crept it that, as has already been stated, they preferred to insult men like Wil Ham Naylor rather than that they should speak against it, and when the Native Secretary (Mr. McLean), was making a telling speech (so telling that many of the Chiefs were heard to say, "The speech of McLoau was quite straight, great was its light.") Te Heuheu arose and interrupted him by telling him " it was night," on which Mr. McLean broke off promising to continue it next day ; but the next day no meeting could be got together, every one being busy preparing for the erection of the Hag-staff. Mr. McLean, the Bishop, and other Europeans fully understanding why the natives refused to meet, took their departure and two days' afterwards (31st May) the flagstaff was dragged to its place and upraised amidst war dances, salutes, and the wildest demonstrations of joy. The Maori Kingdom was on that day more firmly established than erer, more firmly established than the most far-seeing European could have believed possible There were four principal subjects discussed or settled at this meeting. Ist. The i»n\i:nce of an overwhelming majority decided against supporting Wi Kiugi in his war with the Governor at Taranaki. They felt that their support of Wi Kiugi would be a declaration of war against the Europeans generally, and this they are not disposed to make- At the same time such tribes as please may go to his support on their own responsibility as some had already done. ■ 2nd. By almost unauimous consent, it was again decided not ouly not to sell more land but to refrain from leasing.

3rd. Believing that roads tendfd to the alienation of l.uids, or at any rate that il opened the way for soldiers and big" jyuns, it was therefore decided that this "fintofall wants," should not be satisfied within the King's territory.

4th. The erection of the flagstaff an 1 flair. There was no discussion on this subject. Thy few who opposed leaving bsfore the erection took place.

Mr. Buddie says that the erection of ibis fla.» staff is considered as t!ie complete establishment of the Maori Kingdom. So that contrary to many predictions and despite v goad deal of " pooh pooh" this movement has advanced til! it has bcotne u-fuct. Its pi'oirres-: has bee 1 slow and quiet, but sure. Its promoters have worked steadily at their object regardless of toil ot expense. They have been advised, cautioned, reasoned with, ridiculed, laughed at, and told again and again that the movement must fail ; but they have kept their end in view and sought by every means at command to accomplish it. This is characteristic of the Maori, wlio, when he has set his mind 0:1 a thing, does not easily relinquish the hope of possessing it, though he meet with many discouragements, nor does he shrink from toil or trouble to attain the object of his desire. Persuaded that a printing press would advance it, they have contributed several hundred pounds for the support of a priming establishment and have procured the necessary press. The tribes supporting the King Movement are those of the Afanukau and Lower Waikato, except the Waiuku people, portions of several interior tribes, at Waipa, Ot.iwhao, Ringiawhia, Maunijoatautou, Taupo, and Mataraatu, portions of the East Coast tribes at Tauranga, A'mriri, Opotiki and IJutt, :uid portions of the VVest Coast tribes at. Kawhia, Tamnaki and along the coast to Wanganui. Additions a-e const iut ! y beinir made, and in our own neighbourhood the VVairampa "and Otiki may probably ere Ions; send in their adherence The tribes north of Auckland, o-j the Thames, and those at Waingaroa and Aotea, with others in the South of this Island are not only unconnected with it but deuule.lly oppose it and publicly express their detcrmiuati-m to remain subjects of the British Crown.

The ultra King party say the movement has already done much good— it has extinguishel animosities, unite..! their tiibes, put an 'end to the sale of land, and i>i doing the latter they believe the axe has been laid at the root of aI! their uneasiness and wars. The moderate King party concur with one of the speakers at the great meeting, who, holding out the palm of his hand said, " There is good to-day, but to-morrow it is reversed," turning his hand the other side upward. This he did several times to show that the good is mixed and constantly alternates with svil. The party opposed to the movement believe " there is trouble in the flag" " It will be a grave for you" say some, " It will prove treacherous" say others. Meanwhile a number of young chiefs, restless spirits, hare been set in motion whom it will be impossible to control before much mischief has been done. The majority at a Hununga does not bind the minority, or at any rate the latter have not hitherto submitted to this necessary law. The consequence has been that serious outrages have been committed. Mission schools have been entered and half caste girls forcibly taken away ; tribute has been demanded from European settlers an. l squatters, and violeuce used where it has been refused ; stores have been plundered to obtain arms, and a party have gone to the help of Wi Kingi at Taranaki. King Potatau regretted all this sincerely and vvouid have prevented it had be been younger. "If I were young and strong as once" said he, "they should nut do such things with impunity; but a bundle of bones just held together with a cord, what can I do ?"

The sudden death of Potatau, of inflaenza, last month opens up grave questions. There will doubtless bo several claimants for the throne, and much will depend on the character of his successor- whether he be a quiet peacedesiring man like Thompson, or au excitable warlike one like Te Heuheu. On the other hand it may lead to disunion aud prove the happy means of seriously checkiug if not overthrowing the whole plan.

Were this article not already extended to an unusual length, we should liked to have touched upon many other topics connnected with this subject introduced into Mr. Buddies interesting pamphlet, such as the speeches delivered at the late meeting, which are given fully and abound in poetic imagery, Potatau's proclamations, appointment of Magistrates, &c, &c. We must not, however, conclude without alluding to the effect this movement has had in relation to the position in which the two races stand toward each other, and the consequences that must result from an armed interference. Whether it be necessary to take such a course or not, is not a question for discussion here ; whether necessary or not the results must be the same if arms are appealed to. If necessary we must submit with the best grace we possibly can; if unnecessary — if it can possibly be avoided a great calamity will be averted. War is an evil and so is the .Maori King movement ; if we must have one let us choj.se the least.

On these two subjects we quote Mr. Buddies views —

" The movement could not fail to disturb, and in fact was calculated to destrwy, O;o amicable feelings that previously existed between the races. If not destroyed, thuso feelings are at least sadly diminished. Confidence is shaken. Maorics receive the .statements of the pakeha with apparent distrust, the pakeha looks with equal jealousy on those of the Maori. Mutual 'suspicious are excited. Natives are watching the movements of the white man, and wondering what is intended by all the military drill and practice that is going on ; while the white inati is watching the movemeuts of the Maori, apprehensive of a coini:)-* struggle. Though the great body of the Waikatos are loud in their professions of friendship towards the Europeans, and boldly assert their determination still ta cultivate that frendship, — nor is there any reason- to doubt their sincerity — yet, it cannot be denied that a great amount of disaffection towards the Government, and of ill feeling towards Europeans generally, exists among the King party. The ultra men let out this feeling occasionally dur ing the demonstrations at the late meeting (see the speech of the P.ietai, p. 32). He was rj. plying to Tumo, who had opposed the proposition to tikear.ns against the Government, by quoting the scripture, " How in my times shall my brother sin against ma, and I forgive him ?' to which Paetai replied, "How many? I will count them,— lUnjrihe:it;i, Hone Eleke, Wanganui, Tauranga, Auckland, Te ftangitak. Howm.iny? If these wrongs had been committed against us by Maoris, we should have sought satisfaction Ion -4 a^o " * * * Wbai will be the future of this movement becomes a very natural enquiry "It must be put down by force of arms," say some. This is easily said by these who (eel themselves «eoura, within the reach of g.irrison protection. But wo have more confUiiict; im the s:i»ueity of t;iose who adiuinistei the affairs of the country, than

to suppose them capable of attempting any thing so palpably foolish. It is hoped that oui rulers Conn a truer estimate of the probable consequences of such ;. stop, than th>.se who talk at randan in this fishion. It is more easily slid thun done. Any atte.npt to suppress it by fiice of .-inns ■would urulo-i inertly cre.Ue a. flime that would vii:i from one end of the land to the other, a fl me that would not be extinguished, !'_y double or treble tlio furua ai presuist in the coir.itry. The native-; appear to have counted Oieci.st; lh.;y are not without sus;/cion that <uoh an attempt m ly f.llow the pr Hidings () f ths late; ineeliii-r They lul, infect, been told YaM their fl i^-stafl w.m'.l bo cut down, and much of what transpired iv the war' dance was intended to be defiant. One of the old chiefs privately expressed his deep concern that the party should thus force on a collision. While it may be considered that they aYe sincere in disclaiming- any intention to attack the Europeans, yet there are those who would not be sorry were the Europeans to attack them ; and it would soou be found that the slightest act of aggression proceeding from the side of the p.ikeba, would instantly bring- the tribes to make common cause, and issue in a war of the races.

for thus troubling yoa is that, if such a report was allowed to remain uncontradicted , it might not only be detrimsntal to my own interest?, but disadvantageous to the town of Wellington, especially as we are sanguine that it will in time be the chief resort for tho mail steamers in this colony. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,

WILLIAM MASON

Wellington, Juno 1, ISGO.

Tiik following Tenders were sent in for tho works 'in Torv-sireet : Forming arid infilling,, tho streat, 30 chains, Johnston ihiire, .£1.42 10s. : Metalling alone, 30 chain*. \V. Prince, £40. Erecting the Bridge, 11. Meech, Mi 10*.. Vo. do. P. Minchen, £47. Do. do. C. Mills, £24 105. Vo, do. w. Lawes, £33. 00. do. T. Winckley, £32. Metalling only, G in. deep J. Leach, £99. Formation of the Street, W, Andrews, £80. Erecting Bridge do. £38. For Erecting Bridge, Forming the Street, and Metalling, in one tender, Firth, Daley, and Hill, £ 1.29 10s. The Tender of Messra. Firth, Daley, and Hill, was accepted by tho Committee.