THE MAORI KING MOVEMENT.

Wellington Independent, Volume XIV, Issue 1442, 31 July 1860, Page 5

THE MAORI KING MOVEMENT.

We have bad forwarded to us from Auckland a pamphlet on this subject, entitled " The Maori King Movement in New Zealand, with a full report of the Native Meetings held at Waikalo in April and May 1860." It is frcui tl:e pen of the Rev. 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 wiJl amply repay all who choose to read them. We should like to see Mr. Buddies pamplet (72 pp) hare a large circulation, convinced that its perusal wjuld do more to give just ideas of the 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 do not know what arrangements have been maJe for its circulation in England ; but we strongly recommend its circulation there, as the best informed of the British public are but little aware of the importance of this movement. We proceed to give an outline of some of the details of the Kiugf Movement as narrated by Mr. Buddie.

There is nothing like beginning* at the very beginning. In a sketch intended for permanent reference — a contribution towards the history of New Zealand, it is well thatit should be so. Mr. Buddie accordingly informs us that the renowned 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 England and saw King George. The greatness and power of the nation stirred his ambition. " There is hut owe King in England" said he " there shall be only one King in New Zea. land," and the suit of armour and supply of arms presented to him, seemed to afford the means for the realization ( f his hopes. During seven years of warfaio he conquered the Thames, Waikato and Taranaki c istricts, but a bullet at Whangaroa terminated his career before he was able to attain to the Sovereignty he coveted.

It wa.'i not until 1852. five and tvventv yen's after Hongi's death, that any farther attempt was made towards the establishment of a Kingdom. This movement arose in our own neighbourhood (at Otaki), and from a like origin to that which prompted Hongi. Tamihiina te Rauparaha had been to England and his descriptions of what he saw there, fired Rangihii eta's nephew, Matini le Whiwhi's patriotism or ambition as it had previously dwe that of the great Ngnpuhi ; but a mission to the North, to induce the Waikulos and others to join hi 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 to you. New Zealand is the house, the Europeans are the rafters on one side, the Maories are the rafters on the other si le, God is the ridgepole against which all lean, and the house is one."

A land le.igue was afterwards formed at Taranaki 'J'liis is found to have exercised a powerful influence in establishing the King movement which has lately taken so decided a shape,— become indeed a great fact. A block of 400,000 aces between Wangaehu and Rangitikei was sold to the Government in 1849 f. i r £2,500. Hon.i of Waitotara, and otlier Chiefs were desirous of following this example. 'J'he whole Coast was ere long in a torment Many strongly condemned parting with any nii'i-ft land and many as strongly approved of r.icb Chief doing as he pleased. Tile agitation was kept up by Tarauti lleina it'eneratiug the Coast from New Plymouth to Wellington, and at li.c meeting held at Manawapou, a few miles to the nerlhward of Patea, at which there were about 1000 present, resolutions were jassed declaiing that no more land should he M.ld without the consent of the confederation, oiihiing the Emopean boundaries, and deo'aring tiiut on Is'aiive teniiury Native l.iw should pievail. A »ew Testament was buried and a heap i-t stones raised in witness uf the covmant entered into. To give permanency to this determination a "beating the bound!," has taken place at certain periods. This was the origin of tile land league of 1 aranaki, and the determination of the Natives t» c.i cry out its conditions was in a few months afterwards made painfully apparent. liawiri, a Native Assessor or Magistrate, sold some 1 uni lit i.ua.iiiki to the Government, and proceeded t> cut the boundaries. Kutiitorr, an actne liiid-le.igue ciiicf, proceeded thither also, iirud on RuWin's party, killing him with mx mhtis and wt-uiuling ten. }<'ium that day to this the Natives at Taranaki have been at war with each ttherj bat having some inoulljs since

detailed the stiugjjle we need not here again enterinto 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 Pota tail's successor. He' is the son of the famous warrior Te Waharoa, long 1 siuce 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 his 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 race. The reasons which led Thompson to enterupon/ the King Movement is narrated by the Maories ; as follows. Conversing with oneof his English friends, he expressed his admiration of some of our usuages and especially of our mode of administering justice. His friend replied " your path is underneath my thighs." On enquiring what was meant by this stroqg figure he was told to " search it but." He pondered long over the 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, theu are we to be treated like dogs? Does the pakeha intend to put us beneath his feet? 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. Whether some such an origin is the correct one, whether his own mind originated the movement or whether the proceed ings connected with the Taranaki Land League suggested it, will probably never be accurately ascertained. It would, however, be interesting to know who Thompson's enigmatical " friend" was. The reasons which prevented Mr. Buddie from disclosing it must be obvious ; but it is not improbable that a gentleman formerly 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 his arrest for treason. Thompson was first joined by Te 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, a 'd accustomed to war. He is stated to have a laige 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 evils." 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 his determination to throw off the yoke, and to seek the ultimate expulsion of the pakehas from the Country.

The first meeting to promote the movement was held at Taupo in December 1856, at which an incident occurred, which deserves to' be recorded, if merely for its 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 Tarahawaikt of Ngaruawhaia walked quietly round and one after the other piit out all the lights till the place was in total daikuess, and the speaker in possession of the house was brought to a full stop. ' Dontyou think you had better light up the candles again ?' he said. ' Most certainly 1 replied Tarahawaiki, « it was very 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, liness towards Europeans which induces the hope that he still considers it would be foolish to extinguish all the lights. At this meeting it was decided that no more land should he sold to the Government between Wauganut and Auckland, no roads allowed to be made within such district, no prayers to be offered to for the Queen, and that a King should- be elected to rule over the New Zealanders as the Queen and Governor do over the settlers.

The next meeting was held at Waikato in May 1857. Thompson and Te Heuheu headed the King party, expressed themselves as before quoted, and floated the flag given by William IV. to the Bay of Island tribes with the inscription, " Potatau King of N.Z." William Naylor headed the otrrer party comprising the lower Waikato tribes, who were then all opposed to the King movement. This party floated the Union Jack. Naylor is the princi pal chief of the Ngatiraahanga, and resides at Waingaroa on the West Coast. He is one of the greatest warriors of the day, and possesses all those qualities which in savage life, not unfrequently concentrate themselves in such individuals. Keen, sagacious, and brave, his wisdom in counsel, eloquence in debate, and i.ourage in battle, combined to render his name a tower of strength. His steady opposition to the King movement ami his firm adhereuce 'to the Government tr. ust however have shorn him of a large portit 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 sU.ff was iutended to be erected, and that if be spoke against its erection it was intended to put forward a woman to reply to him, he deter minfd to leave immediately. Thompson was however deputed to intrc t him to stay and an impartial healing was promised. He stayed ior a clay 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's government was carried out — ihe actual erection of the flagstuff amidst the 'tuzssas of the tribes assembled.

Tbe result of these tnceiings was the nomi* nation to the Kingship of Tewhery vvbero, or is lie is now called Potatau. The choice was admiihhly made. He was the man of all others most suitable for the consolidation of the kinguom. ti is nume was universally known as that of a most sucsessful warrior and carried with it v powerful prestige. He was connected tiy l)lood with several important tiihes, and was the most likely to draw together those that wore distant and independent. He had the

I additional roctiinmcuidation of being too feeble to oppose the wishes of those who governed in his name. He called himself only " a bundle of bon^s" 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 one half 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 y their authority and 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 important distinction ispresent 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, sitraced 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 towu laid out in acre allotments. The strpets are at right angles, and have been named after leading deceased and living Chiefs. The map of the town is in custody of the King's Secretary, but although it is two years since Potatau toek up his abode there, the city is still waste.

During 1859, the King party sent their* flag and emissaiies far and wide, and were very successful in making friends. The young chiefs see the authority which the older, ones once possessed, dwindling away, and having no hope of its being revived for them while colonisation continues to advance, they eagerly fall in with a scheme which promises to unite their race and raise their individual influence. Some of the Lower Waikato tribes, a'l of whom formerly supported William Naylor, have fallen in with it, ag well as m ny more. la May last a great meeting of the Waikato tribes wa3 held at Ngaruawahia fully to establish the Maori Kingdom. There were present about COOO 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 uone previously had possessed. William Thompson, with a following of 150 armed men, was the first to pay his respects. Their address was '• O King, live for ever; thy king.l -mi, thj ra ma live for ever;" but the address of the next body was of a different order, and remin Is us how liable the future of this movement is to lie guide I by fanatic teachers of the Habakuk Mucklewrath schoo 1 . Hohepa from Tauranga gave it thin, " King, live for ever. Thou art not a man but a spHt. Thou didst not spring fro'n earth ; but came down from heaven. Thou art a God. Thou avt like Melchized&k, without father without mother, without descent, having 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 ruining*. Those who wish to learu them cm do so by purchasing Mr. Buddies book, a.d they will be well repaid for the expenditure of the trifle it costs. Suffice it to say that so determined were they to erect 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. McLeun), was making a telling speech (so telling that many of the Chiefs were bend to say, " The speech of McLean 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 beinor busy preparing for the erection of tlie flag-staff. Mr. McLean, the Bishop, and other Europeans fully understanding why the natives refused to meet, look their departure and two days' afterwards (31st May) the flagstaff was dragged to its place an- 1 upraised amidst war dances, salutes, and t'le wildest demonstrations of joy. The Maori Kingdom was on that day more firmly established than ever, 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 influence of an overwhelming tnajo rity decided against supporting; Wi Kitigi in his wjr with the Governor at Taranaki. They felt that their support of Wi Kingi would he a definition 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 unanimous consent, it was again decided not only not to sell more land but to refrain from leasing. 3rd. Believing that roads tended to the alienation of lands, or at any rate that it opened the way for soldiers and big guns, it was therefore decided that this "lirstof all wants," should uot be satisfied within the King's territory. 4th. The election of the flag staff mU fl.i<_>-. There was no discussion on this subject. The few who opposed leaving before the erectio.i took place.

Mr. Buddie says that the erection of this fl vi staff is considered as the complete establish. nent of the Maoii Kingdom. So that contrary io many predictions and despite a good deal of! "pooh pooh" this movement has advanced till j it has bcome a fact. Its progress has been slow and quiet, but sure. Its promoters have worked steadily at their object regiulless ol toil or 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 characteiistic of the Maori, w!io, when he has set his mind on 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 printing establishment and havj procured the necessary press. The tribes supporting the King Moveraeut are those of the Manukau and Lower Waikato, except the Waiuku people, poitions of several interior tribes, at Waina, Otawhuo, llaugiawhiu, Maungoatau'ou, Taupo, and Matamata, portions of the East Coast tribes at Tauranga, Ahuriri, Opotiki and Htm, and portions of the West Const Uibcs at Kawhia, Tarauaki and a'oug the coast to Wauganui. Additions are constantly being made, and in our owu neighbourhood the Wairarapa and Otuki

may probably eve long send in their adherence. The tribes r.orth of Auckland, on the Thames, and those at Waingaroa and Aotea, wilh others in the South of this Island are not only unconnected with it but decidedly oppose it and publicly express their determination to remain subjects of the British Crown.

The ultra King party say the movement has already done much good — it has extinguished animosities, united their tribes, putan end to the sale of land, and in doing-'the latter they | believe tKc axe EaTT) c'en laid at the roctt of all their uneasiness and wars. The .moderate T£iog party concuiLwith oue of the/Speakers at the great meeting, whT^Koltfitfipoiit 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 evil. 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, have been set in motion whom it will be impossible to control before m-ich mischief has been done. The majority at a Rununga 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 bepn demanded from European settlers and squatters, and violence used where it ha*s been refused;, stores have been plundered to obtain arms, and a party have g^one to the help of Wi Kingi at Taranaki. King Potatau regretted all this sincerely and would have prevented it had he been younger. "If I were young and strong as once" said lie, " they should not 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 influenza, last month opens up grave questions. There will doubtless ba several claimants for the throne, aud much will depend on the character of his successor— whether he be a quiet peacedesiring man like Thompson, or an excitable warlike one like Te Heuheu. On the other hand it may lead to disuniou and prove the happy means of seriously checking 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 iv 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 choose the least.

On these two subjects we quote Mr. Buddies

views —

" The movement could not fail to disturb, and in fact was calculated to destroy, the amicable feelings that previously existed between the raaes. If not destroyed, those feoliigs are at least sadly diminished. Confidence is shaken. Maories receive the statements of the pakeha with apparent distrust, the uakeha looks with equal jealousy on those of the Maori. Mutual suspicions are excited. Na tires 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 man is watching the movements of the Maori, apprehensive of a cominnstruggle. Though the great body of the Wai" katos are loud in their professions of friendship towards the Europeans, and boldly assert their determination still to 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 man let out this feeling occasionally during the demonstrations at the late meeting (see the speech of the P.ieUi, p., 32). He was re. plying to Tomo, who had opposed the prop.*sition to tike arms against the Government, by quoting the scripture, " How many times shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him ?' to which Paetai replied, "How many? I will count them,— -llangiheati, Hone Heke, Wanganui, Taurnnga, Auckland, Te Rangitak. How many ? If these wrongs had been committed against us by Maoriss, we should have sought satisfaction long ago " * * * What will be the future of this movement becomes a very natural enquiry "It must be put down by fore- of arms," say some. This is easily said by those who feel themselves secure, within the reach of garrison protection. But we have more confi-bnee in the sagacity of those who administer the affairs of the country, than to suppose them capable of attempting anything so palpably foolish. It is hoped that our rulers form a truer estimate of the probable consequences of such a step, than those who talk at random in this f.ishioi. It is more easily siid than done. Any attempt to suppress it by force of arms would undoubtedly create a flame that would run from one end of the land to the other, a fla ne that would not be extinguished, by double or treble the force at present in the country. The natives appear to have counted the cost; they are not without suspicion that such an attempt may follow the proceedings of the late meeting. They had, in fact, been told th.it their (lag-stuff would be cut down, and much of what transpired in the war dance was intended to be defiant. o;>e of the old chiefs privately expressed his deep concern that the party should thus force mi a collision. While it may be consid-rad that they are 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 soon be found that the slightest act of aggression proceeding from the side i>f the pakeha, would instantly bring the tribes to mike common cause, and issue in a war of the ractj.s.