THE WAIKATO.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3178, 20 April 1871, Page 3

THE WAIKATO.

INTEEVIEW WITH MANUHIRI RESPECTING THE HUB DEB OF TODP. [Translated for tho "Southern Cross" from "To Waka Maori."] On the 14th December two influential natives, called Te Kohari te Patene and To "Wheoro, started for the King's settlement to prevail upon the Waikatos to give up to the Government the murderers of Mr Todd. Te Kohari Wi Patene— who wrote the following account to the Maori newspaper — is a very intelligent young chief, educated at the Bishop's College in Auckland, and possessing a very fair knowledge of the English language. Both Wi Patene and To Wheoro are connected with all the Waikato hapus, and have a thorough knowledge of Waikato native matters : — " We proceeded to Kuiti, where were assembled all the chief's of Waikato. Several chiefs spoke, but only in reference to the death of Kihi Te Kanawa. At the request of Tiaho, Manuhiri and all the other chiefs came to the house wherein were Te Wheoro and Wi Patene. Tawhaio also was present. Wi Patene, after awhile, addressing Manuhiri, said : We have coire to see you, that is, the Waikuto people. Do not suppose that wo have been sent by the Government — not so. But we have usually heard of other tribes committing murders — now we find that you, Waikuto, have adopted the practice. For this reason I and your child ( Wi To Wheoro) huve come to hear what you have to say respecting this murderous work, and that you also may hear what, our thoughts are on the subject. — 13 ere Manuhiri angrily asked : Do you threaten me ? Eli ! — Wi Patene said :Wo are not threatening We simply wish to speak of the consequences of this work of murder of yours — of Wuikato. — Te Wheoro : Manukau is dead. He was murdered within my boundury lino. And I say to you that you are guilty ; very guilty — Manuhiri : I Bay rather you are guilty; you have killed the land. — Te Wheoro : You are tho guilty one. You have murdered apakeha within my line. — Manuhiri : Whose line is that P Who knows anything about that line ? — Te Wheoro : I do, and so do you. Tho Europeans are residing within it. — Manuhiri .- I know nothing about any ouch line. Tho only line I know of is at Mnungatawhiri. — Here the parties began to wax hot in dispute. — Te Wheoro said : Listen to mo. You know my boundary (i.e., tho Government boundary). The Europeans are residing within it ; from Muungatawhiri it extends to Waikato, and thence to Pirongia. A short time ago you decided in favor of peace in tho land ; tho four sides of the Island heard your announcement of peace. You have trampled upon tho peace declared by yourself; you have murdered a pakeha, and you are | now guilty. Give up these murderers in satisfaction for the slaaghtered pakeha. Give them up at once that we may be clear of this | evil, and be as we were in days gone by. — Mauuhiri : No! you will be the atonement for that pakeha. You (i.c , all loyal natives) will shortly be slaughtered by the pakeha. — Te Wheoro : For what renson should the pakeha attack me ? Am I (i.e., are we) a murderer like you ? What to me is the work of these Blavee, that you should cay I shall be tho victim ? — Mtißuhiri : Eh ! What ! Depend upon it the pakehus will cut you up phortly. — Te Wheoro : If I do evil as you do, the pakeha will turn upon me. But if I live quietly, what harm can come near those who live in quietness ? The Sacred Word cays, ' Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' I advise you to give up tho murderers, that peace may bo in the laud. — Munuhiri : When did you find out. that I was so good and easy a man ? — Te Wheoro : When you applied yourself to promote peace — then I saw your goodneas. I had hoped you would continue in that course. Leave to other tribes such foolish work. Do you conduct yourself aright. — Manuhiri: If you were pakehas I should still epeak ns I now do. — Te Wheoro :Do you imagine the pakehns would come to talk to an evil man like you, a murderer? — Prom the observation of Te Wheoro and Wi Patene, of this great leader of the King party, they are of opinion that he inclines to evil (war) ; that he is not favorable to peace and quietnesß ; if he wore bo inclined he would allow crimes to be dealt with by law. Te Wheoro, in conclusion, said to him : Now I know that you are the prime mover in this murder, from your determination to withhold tho murderer. We have now nothing more to say to you. We shall return home. — On the same day we started for homo und arrived at Hamilton, where we caw Mv Searancke. We then came on to Karakariki, and here the chiefs of Waikato mustered, with the view of arranging ibr obtaining satisfaction for the death of Manukau. Mr Searance advised them to wait instructions of tho Government before doing anything in the matter. To this they agreed, and tho assembly separated. They are now awaiting the decision of tho Government, and, whatever that may be, will be prepared to adopt it. — Te Kohari Wi Patkne."