THE GREAT MEETING OF NATIVE CHIEFS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1451, 4 September 1860, Page 5

THE GREAT MEETING OF NATIVE CHIEFS.

In our last summary we noticed the opening ot the Conference of Native Chiefs, held at Kohimarama, a few miles from Auckland. It has now closed and the following letter from a correspondent, •which we have only just received, will make our readers acquainted with its scope. We were not prepared to ascribe to the Conference the importance or beneficial results which our correspondent does ; but we are fully aware of the difficulty there is rightly to judge such a movement from a distance, especially when its proceedings are reported by the local press only occasionally, and then briefly. While admitting this, we, however, guard ourselves, against being held responsible for the sentiments expressed. THE KOHIMARAMA CONFERENCE. {From a Correspondent.) Auckland, 20th August, 1860. Now that tbe great meeting of Cbiefs at Kohimarama has closed its proceedings, it tvill doubtless be interesting to your readers to have suine general account of it- The fust weeks speeches in Conference were reported in our local papers, but latterly their columns have been so crowded with the proceedings of out Colonial Parliament that the orations at Kohimarama have necessarily been excluded. A complete narrative of the proceedings would be interesting as a matter of history. It is the first occasion on which Chiefs from all parts of New Zealard have met together, and as an mii itive step towards r jpresentative institutions it must certainly be regarded as a most important era in Maori history. A copious record of tbe proceedings, with full reports of the speeches (in both English and Mauri), will, I undeistaud, be published in tie "Maori Messenger."' This will be very variable for the purposes of reference ; but it is aiso dv.s!nble that we should have the English version, in the form of a pamphlet. It would appropriately take a place in our New Zealand literature, and would be acceptable as au offering to our antipodean fiiends. Tim? and space alike require that my present slt'j'.ch should 1)0 a brief one, and I shall therefore content myself with a hasty glance at thi m liv features of the Conference, and shall conclude wWli a 'few observations, ou the probable effects of this measure on the future of th; "Ma oi i race.

The day appoinle 1 for the opening of Conference was tbe 2nd of last month, but on account of ihe non arrival of Mr. McLean and some of tbe chiefs from the South, it was post poned by his Excellency to the 10th of the same month. Tl c Bishop of New Zealand kindly placed tbe Melancsian College and adjacent buildings, at the disposal of the Government, and thus much inconvenience and expense in the lodgment of the chiefs ivas obviated. These buildings arc pleasantly situated in ,i Miiall bay, named Kohimarama, just within the entrance of ll.e harbour.

His Excellency addressed bis opening speech (:t report of which has .'ilready appeared in your journal) to one hundred and twelve chief-*, a:--j.»>mhled from almost every part of the country. And before I proceed further, I must correct au important mislake which appcaivd in yo ;v j oticii of tbe meeting some weeks since, li was sta'ed that the chiefs who attended the Conference bore only a small proportion to

those who had been invited. The reverse is the fact. Of the number named as having been present at the openiug several had n^t received formal invitations from the Governor, but were deputed by the invitees as duly qualified representatives of their respective tribes^ About a hundred more arrived at intervals before the Conference had closed and took part in the proceedings. So that, although many of the actual invitees were absent their tribes were fully represented by their deputies, and the conI ference was consequently almost as largely attended as had been originally contemplated. The troubled Province of Taranaki was not directly represeuted. Several chiefs were invited but could not leave their homes under existing circumstances. Neverthelessitsinterests were waimly advocated by the Ngatiawa chiefs from Wellington (who came originally from Taranaki). Waikato (proper) did not send so many members as its population would warrant, but this is attributable to the sudden death of King Potatau. These exceptions do not materially affect the general value of the representation. Any one at all acquainted with the proportional numbers of the various native tribes, will admit that the representation of the race, as shown in the following list is, on the whole, a very fair one.

Ngapuhi (Bay of Islands) — Tamati Waka, Wiremu Kaitara, Huirua Mangonui, Wiremu Hau, Tango Hikuwai, Wi Tete, Hori Kingi. Parawhau, ( Whangarei) — Manihera, Wi Pohe, Taurau Tirarau. Ngatiwakaue, (Rotorua) — Ngahuruhuru, Taiapo, Tukihaumene, Winiata Pekamu, Eruera Kahawai, Ngamoni, Tauara, Ngarama, Pomate, Tauahaka, Rotohiko Haupapa, Henare Kepa, Pererika, Herewini Amohau, H enare te Pukuatua, Taoangaanga. Ngntipikiao, (Eotoiti and Maketu) — Rirituku te Perehu, Rewi, Hona, Anania, Te Pirihi. Tapuilta, (Kai Tuna Rerei) — Moihi Kupe, Roto te Wharehui. Tuhourangi, (Tarawera Lake) — Kihirini, teTuahu. Ngaiterangi, (Tauranga) — Tomika te Mutu, Wiremu Patene, Hamiora Tv, Hamuera te Paki. Ngntihe, (Maunga Tapu) — Maihi Pohepoho, Menehira Rakau. Ngttiawa, (Awa-a-te-Atua) — Te Makarini. Te Tawera — Maketu Petera, Te Rongotoa, Wakaheke Pauro, Tamati Hapimana. Ngatilcma'.era, (Hauraki) — Karaitiana Tuikau Maimona Purau, Ngatimihanga, (Waingaroa) — Hemi Matini, Te Waka. Manukau — Rihari. Ngatihine, (Aotea) — Manihera, Hira Kingi. Nt/atiwhalua, (Orakei) — Wiremu Hopihona, Paora, Koene, Kawau. Ngalihine, ( Waikato) — Horohau. Ngutipaoa — Patara Pouroto. Ngatitoa, (Porirua and Wainui) — Tamihana Rauparaba, Matene Te Whiwhi, Hohe'jfa Tarnaihengia, Ropata Urumutu, Nopera Te Ngiha, Horopapera, Pukeko, Hohaia Pokaitara, Rapihana Te Otaota, Hapimana, Te Hope. Ngnlitama, (Nelson) — Wi Katene Te Manu, Hemi Slatenga. Ngntiriukawa (Otaki and Manawatu) — Horotnona Toremi, Parakaia Te Pouepa, Hukiki, Wi Paiaka, Kuruhou Rangimaru, Te Moroati Kiharoa, Te Ao Marere, Ihakara Tokonui, Takerei Te Nawe.

Taranaki ( Wellington) — Wiremu Tamihana, Hemi

Parai. Ngaitahu, (Otago and Canterbury) — Pita Te Hori, Teiiaroa. -P«<M/okoko,(Upper U'anganui)— Tahana Turoa. Wanganui — Hori Kingi Te Anaua, Te Mawae. Hoani Wi Hipango, Mete Kingi. Tamati Wiremu, Kawana Paepae, Hori Kerei.

Ngnliapa, (Whangaehuand Rangitikei)— lhakara, Hapurona. Ngarauru, (Waitotava) — Pehiinana.

Ngatiltahnngunu — Te Wereta Kawekairangi, Ngatuere, Kaniera Te Iho, Hoani Te Kaho, Karaitiana Te Korou, Wiremu Waka, Te Koroneho, Wiremu Kingi Tu-te Pakihirangi, Te Hapuku, Tamihana Ruatapu, Te Hapimana, Te Rangi-

tuawaru, Te Waka Perobuka. (Wairarapa.) Ngaliporou, (East Cape) — 'I c■• hikiriwhi Te Matehc, Wiremu Pahuru, Te Irirnana Ngamere. Ngnliamn, (Wellington) — Manihera Ngatoro, Porutu, Epiha Wiraweko. Those who irrived afterwards were principally Ngapiibis and Waikatos.

It has been ur<,'ed by some that the conference is a partial one, tbe Governor's invitations having been confined to Mr. McLean's nomi. nees, who consisted entirely of loyal chiefs Now this is a most unfair and unjust insinuation. That they are nominees we do not fora moment dispute. To elect them by suffrage would have been, in the present circumstances of the country, practically impossible. Theie were only two courses open, namely, eitber^to nomi nate cbiefs according to a scale th'att would secure a fair representation, or else to postpone the meeting till tbe native people had been in some way enfranchised, and so qualified to elect their own representatives, which, even if practicable, would probably entail a considerable delay, and verify the old proverb of" closing the stable door after the horse has gone." Ami no one will deny that tbe Governor, in adopting the former course has indeed been fortunate in having tbe advice and assistance of Mr. Me Lean (the Chief Native Commissioner) for it is noto rious that their is no other person in this country who possesses bo great an influence over tbe Native race, or is so well qualified to manage Native measures. And I may here observe that it is doubtful whether, without bis influ ence, it would have beeu possible to bring together at this juncture under nau roof, and for one object, the heads of tribes whose p:ist history presents one continuous story of mutual hatreds, jealousies and feuds. It was a bold experiment to bring into immediate contact with each other, old chiefs whose former career was one of bitter animosities towards each other, and whose names could not fail to awaken on both sides most savage associations ! It was, I say, a bold and somewhat hazardous experiment — especially at a time when disaffection and distrust were becoming general — but Mr. McLean has proved himself equal to the responsible task, and the Conference has resulted in extraordinary success. But I am digressing. To return to our subject. With regard to the other allegation that has been urged, namely, that none but professe lly loyal chiefs were invited and that the meeting was consequently a packed one, we have only to say that it is equally ungrounded. Any one who will take the pains to read attentive the speeches delivered in tbe Conference, and the written replies tv his Excellency's Address, will be convinced that a fair proportion of the members are from the ranks of the disaffected. In making their complaints and submitting their grievances, there has been a fine spirit of ! freedom and candour exhibited. The language has in every instance been so temperate that I persons unacquainted with the Maori disposition would be apt to put a false construed in on it, and deny that any of the really disaffected men were present ; but in answer to this we m;iy remark that the Maori, as a rule, observes much delicacy in the expression of his ! opinions publicly. The most violent agitator fur the " Maori Kingy' had he been present at this Conference would probably have expressed his news in lauguige quite as moderate and sonsib!e as any of {hat before us. I have f i.id thus much in introducing tbe siljoci in order to correct a false impression effect ,>f which was seriously to dai!;;igt; the

character of the Conference in the estimation of the public.

The meeting extended over a period of four weeks. The Chiefs generally assembled at 11 a.m., and continued their speeches, with very short, intervals, till about 2 p.m , when they adjourned to an adjoining hall to dine. The fare was good and ,very suitable ; and it is scarcely necessary to add that after their exertions in the speaking hall, the "honourable' members invariably did ample justice to the viands. When the subject under discussion was of more than ordinary interest they reassembled after dinner and resumed business for another hour.

Mr. Donald MnLsan acled as President, and Mr. Walter Buller as Secretary ; with a full staff of Clerks and Reporters. The President directed the proceedings, and the subjects of discussion were regulated by Message from the Governor which arrived from time to time, and was received by the Chiefs standing. The speaking was generally very animated, and occasionally there were fine specimens of Maori oratory. Thomas Walker Nene, our well tried friend and ally, made the first speech in the Conference. He is a fine, eloquent speaker, and was always listened to by the other Chiefs with the deepest attention. Hisspeecbas are full of allegiance to the Queen mid devotion to the Colonists, whona he claims as " the people of his own rearing." And Waaka, does not content himself with mere professions. He alluded delicately to his past services, and offered himself again as an ally for our troops at Taranaki. Long live Tamati Waaka— As his photographer styles him—" the Maori Star of the first magnitude !" Several other influentional Chiefs intimated their willingness to co-operate with our troops to suppress rebellion. The Presideut (Mr. McLean) opened each day's proceedings with an appropriate speech. He entered into full explanations of the various subjects that came under the notices of the Chiefs, and answered the questions that were raised from time to time. He entered into a very detailed .history of the Taran/iki disturbances, foitifying his statements at every point with authentic documents.

To the close of his speech, which lasted fpr nearly three hours, he was listened to with deep attention, and it was attended whh marked effect. There had evidenty existed a good deal oT misconception as to the origin of the present war, and several of the Chiefs had animadverted rather severely on the course pursued by the Governor. They charged him with having precipitated a war before having fully investigated the respective claims of Wiremu Kingi and Tein. Mr. McLean's v^ry satisfactory explanations of the circumstances v/hich led to the outbreak had the effect of convincing many if not all of them that the Governor had used every means in his power to avert hostilities, and that Wi Kingi had provoked war by his arrogance and rebellious bearing. Several of those who had previously conde.nned the Governor's proceedings expressed regret that they had not waited for his explanation before committing themselves.

On the 10th instant, the following very im portant resolutions were passed by the Confer ence : —

Ist. " That this Conference takes cognizance of the fact that the several Chiefs, members thereof are pledged to each other to do nothing inconsistent with their declared recognition of the Queen's Sovereignty and of the union of the two races ; also to discountenance all pro ceedinsjs tending to a breach of the eoveuant here solemnly entered into by them "

2nd. "That this Conference is of opinion that the project of setting up a Maori King in New Zealand is a cause of division and strife and is fraught with trouble to the country." 3rd. "That Ibis Conference having heard explained the circumstances which led (o the war at Turamki is of opinion that the Governoi was justified in the course taken by him; that William King te Itangitake himself provoked the quarrel ; and that the proceedings of the latter are wholly indefensible."

4th. " That this Conference deprecates in the strongest manner the murders of unarmed Europeans committed by the natives now fight ing at Taranaki."

sth. " That this Conference desires to thank the Bishop of New Zealand for his kindness in allowing them the use of the buildings at Kohim; rama-

6th. " That this Conference desires to thank his Excellency the Governor for his goodness to the Maori people; that is for his constant kindness and love to them; and also for granting them this great boon of the Runanga, whereby they are enabled to express their 1 views and propose measures for the settlement of the difficulties which arise among the native people.

7th. "That this Conference desires to thank their friend, Mr. McLean, for his great exer tions on their behalf, and for his kindness to the natives of this Island of New Zealand ; and to say that should he ever leave this country he will never be forgotten by this Itunanga — never, never ;"

Ihe Rev. Mr. Burrows has attempt :d in the columns of the Southern Cross to make it appear that these resolutions were not really adopted by the meeting, the show of bauds being doubtful as to majority, and the resolutions not having been put "negatively by the Chiiirmiin. These objections have been satis lactorily answered by Mr. H. T. Claike, one of the Government Oilicers who was present at the Conference He gives a list of those who siyned the resolutions ;tt the els>so of tb? meet, ing, and also the names of those who signed a protest to resolution 3. The former number 10(5, the latter three ! O;i the following clay (Aug II.) His Excellency the Governor attended, with Uis suit, and closed the Confeience with a short speech iv which he enumerated the subjects that had come under their attention, and exhorted them to go home determined that " the education of their children, greater attentions to the cultivation of the soil, the erection of better houses to live in, and the acquisition of European property" shall engage their chief attention for the future.

Having given an outline of the meeting I now come to the other part of my subject. Having an eye to finance you are ready to ask, whether the advantages secured to us are com mensunite with the expense that has been incurred. I have no official data to quote, but it is generally supposed that the cost of bring ing the chiefs together, of maintaining them here, and of sending them home again, will not fall far short of £5000. I think your readers will admit that if the objects contemplated by the Govt ruor in onveniug this Conference, have been attained, then the money has been wisely expended. If on the contrary ihe meeting has in reality been a failure, then uudoubt edly it is matter of regie t that so much money has been spent to so little purpose. The question then at issue is simply this:— Has the Conference answered the ends for which it was designed ? My convictiou is that it has. The Governor's declared object in assembling the principal chiefs of New Zealand was (I quote from mcmiry " to devise some measures

whereby the relations of the two races might be placed on a more satisfactory basis than at present exists." In other words, f>s I understand it, that such relations should be estab lished as would lead

Ist. To the suppression of existing war and the prevention of such evils for the future.

2nd. To the more speedy settlement by Europeans of what are now purely native districts. ' o: i s^3rd. 'To the amelioration of the natives themselves — their advancement in the scale of civilivation, and their amalgamation (so to speak) with their European neighbours. It was only anticipated by the promoters of this measure that a great step in this direction would be achieved by the association of leading Chiefs who should represent all the conflicting interests of the native race. Their hopes have been realized. The " thin edge of the wedge" has been inserted and those only who are conversant with native affairs can fairly appreciate the advantage thus gained. Several very important subjects have engaged the attention of the Chiefs. The Maori King movement has been freely ventilated and very little sympathy for it elicited. The Land Question — the great question of the day — has been very freely discussed.

The subject was introduced by His Excellency in a very appropriate message. Though we may not be able to mark any immediate results, we believe, that the way has been paved to a more satisfactory adjustment of Native tenure. There is not room here, to enter into a consideration of the subject in all its bearings ; but it is self evident that the general adoption of so-.ne system for the definition of tribal boundaries to land, would very much simplify the negotiation of land purchases, and would tend much to prevent tribal feuds ; while the gradual individualization af title iv places where the land is in actual occupation by the natives, would conduce largely to their social and poli deal advancement. It was not to be expected that ;he Natives would come to any definite arrangement on so short a notice, but all the argumeuts in favor of the scheme are now fairly befoie them, they will go back to their homes and cousult with their respective tribes, and will come to the next general Conference with matured opinions, and prepared to recommend some definite scheme.

As I have already remarked, a full explanation was entered into of the origin of the Taranaki War; the effect of which will be to remove much misconception and consequently to give additional streugth to our cause. For it must be borne in mind that in dealing with these Chiefs we are influencing the heads or representatives of large and powerful tribes, and any impression made on them will communicate itself iv all it 3 force to their respective people.

Araoiig the younger Chiefs especially a good deal of interest was excited by some elementary rules forthebetteradminsiration of justice in Native districts, compiled by the late Chief Justice (now Sir William) Martin, and submitted by the Governor for their consideration. Their attention has been directed to the desirability of some measures for the better administration of justice in districts remote from our Courts, and this will probably lead to the more general adoption by the native tribes of tha "Native Circuit Courts Act" and " District Regulations Am," fiarasd purposely to meet such cases.

This question of mixed juries in cases of lrurcler where persons of the Maori race are conconcerned, has also been discussed. Tlie important principle here involved, seemed to be fully appreciated by the Chiefs. To judge from their speeches "the union of races" was their common motto. All strongly advocated iini.u), as the surest means of securing' peace, and of elevating the condition of the Maori. The association of English and Maori jurors would tend much to cement our fiiodly rel iti'jns with each other, and would tend much lo promote that identity of feelings and interests, which aff mis the surest guarantee of peace and prosperity.

The English law of succession to property was explained to them, and their adoption of it recommended as a means of obviating many of their present difficulties.

Some very appropriate remarks were made by Mr. M'Lean on the Treaty of Waitangi ; and it may be here observed that nothing wil l tend more to confirm and strenghthen that TTreatyt ty than the written replies, from the several hapus, of bis Excellency's opening address

It will be seen from this brief summary that some very important subjects have been discussed by the M.iori Assembly. Questions affecting the best thiierests of their race have been fully considered by them. Their thoughts have been directed to subjects of infinitely more interest to them, than the M-.iori King and Luid League, and the most favorable results may be anticipated.

Apart from those considerations we must net overlook, what many are api to under estimate, namely the wiy wholesome effect of this Conference in r?a-.surins the mind of both races. A little mutual explanation goes a long way towirds removing misunderstanding and restoring rec'.pr >na! onfi le.ice. It is s ) i-i the affairs of private individuals, aad not less so in those of communities. No one will deny that a feeling of mutual distrust and misapprehension wa.s fust gaining ground between the Co'onists anil the Ma Ties — a feeling which would soon havo deepened into a settled hatred, and must eventually have found vent in a widely spread c )llision. Ageneril Muoii war was beginning' t> loom up in the distance. Tiie very possibility of. this produced at one time such a panic that snores of nur Colonists (chiefly belonging to this Province) left the Country, and miny more wjuld soon have followed their example. But confidence has been restored ar,d iranquility again prevails. To what is this effect to b.attributed but to the timely convention of the Maori Chiefs ? The explanations of the president, and the free and frank expression of opinion on the part of the Native Chiefs has had the effect, on the one hand, of assuring tho Natives that the intentions of the Government are pacific, and, on the other band, of couvincing the Colonists that the spirit of rebellion which was supposed to be general amoug the Native tiibes does not really exist.

Returning to the topic of finance we may ask, Is not Unchanged condition, in our relations with the Maori mco, we'l worth tie outlay of a few tho isand p. Hinds ? On the principle that prevention is tenfold letter ihuu cure, it is far better to expend the sn.n of live thousand pounds to carry" on; a measure which u.muot fail to benefit the il.iori people, and 10 pimn >te peace, than by witiiolding tiat outlay lo run the risk of involving the Colony in a general war which would probably c >st a million sterling, and would cripple the Colony for many years. There is. a c!a.is of persons whot-j f )ite is Tliey grumble at anything and everyiMny, without waiting to enquire into the merits of a question. With such we have no dealings, nor have v/e any sympathy with the advocates of a " penny wise and pound foolish" policy. Such meu will be inclined to look at lho live thousand pounds and to look nofurthei.

We value the money but are willing to let it go for a fair equivalent. And when we consider the improved state of our relations with the Maori in the restoration of confidence—the voluntary confirmation secured to the Treaty of Waitangi — tb« „b}j»w given to the insiduous Maori King movement by the disapproving voices of the Conference — the accession of strength to our cause at Taranaki bj the removal of misconceptions entertained by other tribes, and which was likely to militate against vs — and the stimulus given to measures calculated to promote the well being of our Maori fellow-countrymen— l think we *re bound to admit that the money has been wisely and judiciously expended. Nay, had the amount even doubled that sum, the same lemarks would apply, for what is .£IO,OOO as compared with any one month's outlay iv Military operations at Taranaki during the continuance of hostilities there?— to say nothing of the precious lives that have been lost, the heavy destruction of private property, the almost ruin of that Province, and the temporary damage done t) the credit of the Colony at a distanoe. It must be allowed that a representative institution like the present is first what the natives need. It has been stated by the bast native authority that the time has come when the natives must be governed, if governed at all, through themtelves. If they do not find an outlet in some institution of this kind, they will find it in something more expensive to us. It may be regarded as a safety valve towards maintaining peace, and on this, as well as other grounds, it is earnestly to be hoped that the Conference will become a periodical one — say annual or bi-ennial. It is gratifying to find that this opinion prevails in our General Assembly, a sum of £2,500 has already b«en voted to meet the cost of another Conference, to held (probably at Wellington) in 1861. Before the Kohim:inm.i Conference met, many of its best friends anticipated a failure; but the result has realised the most sanguine hopes of its promoters. And now, in conclusion,— following the geod old rule of " honour to whom is due" — it is only right to bear tine's testimony to the energy and perseverance of Mr. McLean, (the Native Secretary) to whose efforts we are mainly indebted for the very successful issue of this, the first Maori Confeience. The Chiefs themselves recognised Mr. McLean's exertions, and put their appreciation of them ou record in their Resolution No. 7.

Let opposing parties assert what opinions they may as touching the policy of the expenditure, all will admit that to Mr. McLean is due the credit of having successfully inaugurated an institution, wMoh promises to exert an important influence on our future relations with the Maori people, and that too, at a critical juncture when rainy were disposed to regard it as a most dangerous experiment.