PUBLIC DINNER AT NAPIER TO KOPU AND IHAKA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2388, 14 July 1866, Page 4

PUBLIC DINNER AT NAPIER TO KOPU AND IHAKA.

(Froni the HaioJces Bat/ Herald, June 16.) On Tuesday last, a dinner, got up by public subscription, was given in tlio Council Chamber to the warrior chiefs, Ihaka and Kopu, to which also 100 of their followers were invited, ns well as the principal chiefs of Hawke's Bay, all of whom were present. A considerable number of Europeans were also in tho room, including Jonas Woodward, Esq., Yen. Archdeacon Williams, Eev. Samuel Williams, nnd others. The dinner was provided by Mr. Eobottom, who got it j up in excellent style, taking care that nothing should be wanting to make the gue3ta as comfortable and well supplied as possible. His Honor took the chair, Ihaka being seated on his right, and Kopu on the left. Colonel Whitmore and J. Gr. Gordon, Esq., acted as croupiers. Full justice having been done to roast beef, plum pudding, and all the et ceteras, his Honor proposed the Queen; afterwards his Excellency Governor Sir George Grey. His Honor then referred at considerable length to the guests of the evening, explaining how true and loyal they had proved themselves, from the very beginning of Kingism and disaffection in the Island, up to tho present hour. They had never wavered or delayed to see who should gain the day, but at once decided on sharing the difficulties and dangers of war with the Euro pcans. They fought bravely, and succeeded, and now that they have returned from the field of battle, the least offering that could be made to them was to show our high appreciation of thciv conduct by thus publicly asking them to eat and drink with us as es teemed friends, whom we shall always desire to consider as such. Tho Superintendent alluded to the gallant manner in which they had upheld the Queen's authority, by remaining loyal, and risking their lives in the several engagements which have been fouglit against the Ifau Hnus ; and it wa3 mainly owing to theiv determined bearing and unflinching loyalty that tho subjection of the rebels on tho East Coast had so soon been accomplished. The chiefs of Herctaimga— Karaitiann, To Hapuku, and others— had wavered (in their loyalty), but Kopu and Ihaka never had two thoughts ; they had always been tho friends of the European in this district, and this dinner was meant to show that the Europeans were not forgetful of the benefits which they have been the means of conferring on the settlers, by setting a good example to those natives who were wavering with regard to Hau Hauls m. lie then proposed the health of those chiefs, which he was sure all, Europeans and natives, would join in drinking with great pleasure. Healths drank amidst great cheering. Ihaka Whauga rose amidst much, cheering, and said :— Friends,— l feel proud of this token of your regard and kindly feeling towards us. I have always been steadfast in my friendly feeling toward the Europeans, and shall always continue to be the same. They have been my friends ever since they landed in this Island. The Hau Hau religion is folly, and has been the means of bringing much distress and bloodshed. I hare fought to pvit it down, and have succeeded in a great measure in doing so. Pitiera E.opu then rose, also amidst much, cheering, and said :— Friends, Europeans, and chiefs of Herctaunga. Salutations. Great is tho pleasure in meeting you all here My intentions have always been friendly towards the Europeans. They have been my advisers since the time that they landed in this Island. I hnve never worn fulae colors ; I. have been Hie same from the first. When tho Hau Hau religion first made its appearance, I never countenanced it, but, when its devotees became so outrageously overbearing and warlike in their demeanour, I took up arms against them, and sent to Mr. M'Lenn for assistance, which he afforded by sending us arms and ammunition, with which we fought and conquered tho Hau Jlaus, whom I hold in the utmost abhorrence. I firmly intend never to let any man, of whatever tribe, live in my district if he holds any such false, nonsensical opinions. As soon as the warm weather sets in I intend taking the field again, and searching for Kereopn, even if I go the round of the Island. We will hem him in, so that there shall be no escape. My assistants in this undertaking will be the friendly tribes from Waiapu, Turauga, Opotiki, and Bay of Plenty, 30 that there can bo no escape. Friends,— tribes of Hawke's Bay —bo of one mind; be friendly to the Europeans, and they will be our advisers and protectors. What are we ? Did wo, ever have suck food as this that we should attempt to fight with them.

Karaitiaua — You are severe (addressing hi 3 Honor) in saying that the chiefs of Heretaunga were wavering in their loyalty lo the Queen. This is not the first public dinner that lias boon given in this district ; there have been other meetings, both here aud at the native settlements inland. The name of tho Queen has always been the first proposed, and respectfully mentioned. I have always been loyal to her Majesty, and friendly towards the Europeans. As for the Hau Haus religion, I never gave it a second thought, knowing that it was only originated for the purpose of creating dissension between the Europeans and natives.

Eonata also spoko at somo length, in a similar strain, denying that he had ever wavered in his loyalty.

Tiireha then stood up, and said that his Honor's words were very good. He (Tarcha) had always been Joyal, and would continue to be friendly to the European. Ho also expressed tin ell pleasure in seeing Ihaka and Kopu amongst them. He forcibly alluded, in conclusion, to the fact that it was owing to Mr. McLean that peace had been preserved in Hawke's Bay, and lit? concluded by proposing Mr. McLean's health.

Colonel "Whit more said that ho had boon requested to propose the health of Morgan, chief of Waiapu, whose health should have boon proposed together with those of Ilmka and Kopu. That chief had remained firm in his loyalty, when threatened by overwhelming numbers of rebel?, and had been the first that had been brought into collision with the rebels. Ho also wished to mention that there were other chiefs of Heretauiiga, who, though they had not been actually engaged in putting down tho rebellion, ho had no doubt would have willingly done so had there been any occasion for their assistance. Those chiefs had told the Europeans not (o fear anything, as they would protect them against any danger, to which he (Colonel Whitmoro replied that their offer j was good, but at t'no saoie time the Europeans wished to be in a position to protect themselves.

Several other natives spoke, and the Eev. Samuel Williams also addressed a few words to those assembled. The meeting tame to a close about 10 o'clock.

This public demonstration was richly deserved, and it will have a most beneficial effect by proving to the natives generally that tlio settlers of Hawke's Bay arc not in- ' sensible of tlio good actions ot such chiefs as Iltaka and I£opu, who, under Mr. Locke's advice, acted with great decision m repelling Hau Hau aggression when its votaries first > came from Poverty Bay, to carry on an ex- ! terminating war against all who would not I join them ; and who, at a subsequent period ' took the field against the Hau Hau3 in arras j under Te Warn — rendering the most efficient service in suppressing the rebellion.