THE LUNA WITH MR McCLEAN IN KAWHIA HARBOUR

Waikato Times, Volume III, Issue 142, 5 April 1873, Page 2

THE LUNA WITH MR McCLEAN IN KAWHIA HARBOUR

Welhui' lweivcd t ] ie following interesting memorandum from tlnj lion t'lo Native Minister :— The Luna eros-pel the Manukau bar at half-past twelve on Monday. A strong south carter was blowing, with heavy sea. During afternoon and evening tho sea grew heavier, and the water became so dis igreeable that it was determined to tate shelter for the m<.»ht under Albatroas Island. About ton the Luna was snugly anchored there Wedncsd ly morning tho se,i had not abntcd, and the vessel steamed into Kawhia harbour. Captain Fairchild found theentrancetoth 13 benut if ul haven just as he bad known it when last there — May, 18G7. On that occasion ho piloted H.M.S. Eclipse, Captain Frecmantle, winch had on board Sir George Grey, then Governor. Still the same ease of entrance, and when inside of the same, splendid shelter and anchorage. The Luna first ran into the southerly branch ol tho harbour, formed by river Waiharekcke, and anchored close to the house formerly occupied by Mr. S. A. Joseph, now of tho firm of Messis Montofiore, Joseph, and Co., of Sydney. Somo Maoris at onco came off, occompnnied bj tho chief Manehao, his two sons, and Kaupokia. During the morning, other parties of Maoris arrived on board, *tid at longth there came from the northerly (or Kawhia river) side of tho harbour, tho chief Tapihana, who gave the Europeans so much trouble formerly. A scene then occurred ou deck. Tapihana addressed Mr McLean in words of welcome ; and he, as well as tho other Maoris, said that if tho Luna had not been a Government vessel with Mr McLean on board, she would havo been ordered to leave tho liarbour. The threat would not have been an idle one, for several hundred Maoris could have been collected in a few hours Tapiliana, however, expressed great pleasure at seeing Mr McLean, and made use of the remarkable expression, thai when Mr McLean first visited Kawhia it was open to him ; that now, at his second visit, it should be open to him and the Government vessel ; and, that at his third visit it should bo open to all vsssels. Mr McLean replied in friendly terms ; and Wi Tako, who displayed unwearied activity during the day, followed in a long speech, in which he pointed out to tho large number of attentive Maoris present, the alvantages of peaceful and friendly relations with the Europeans. Mr McLoan now became aware that on the Kawhia " i ver side of tho harbour t!ic v wrre Home important personages, and he sent n boat across. On its return, he received tho information that the older of the King's sons, Tutawahia, was staving in the King's house at Kawhia, together with Hone Wotero (John Wcsloj), and other chiefs, and that if the Luna went across, Tulawhra would meet Mr McLean. Accordingly the Luna steamed over, and Mr McLean, with two officers m attendance, landed. Ho was received on the beach by Hone Wetere, and at the gato of the garden of his father's house, Tutawahia met him. A vist remarkable interview followed. The accidental arrival of the Luna was hailed as a good omen for the future. Mr McLean was invited to enter K.iwhia whenever he pleased, and finally he was asked t# itiv until the King could be sent for to meet him. Mr McLean said he could not stay, but invited Tutawahia and attendants to visit the Luna, and be introduced to his Excellency the Governor. After some hesitation he consented. Twice Tutawlna asked : " But will you carry me away if I go ?" He was assured in reply that he might go on board or not, ai ho pleased, ftud that if he wont he would be conveyed on shore again as soon as he wished. On reaching the Luna, he and his followers were introduced to the Governor, the Colonial Treasurer, and the other gentlemen, including Mr Pearce. M ll.lt ; and Mr Christopherson, Consul-Gene-ral of Sweden and Norway, who is on a visit to New Zealand for the special purpose of reporting to his Government as to tho capabilities of the colony respecting immigration, Tutawuhiu 19 a manly, handsome young fellow, about nineteen years old. He displayed throughout much feeling, and ou his arrival on board he was deeply affected. The unexpected and sudden breach of the isolation in which he had dwelt seemed to impress him, most powerfully, and for Beveral minutes lie had to be left in the midst of his followers, who seemed to vie with each other iiv manifestations of sympathy and respect for him. After partaking of luncheon, and being shown the engines of the Luna, the visitors took their leave of the Governor, who presented Tutawahia with a saddle and holsters which ho had much admired. The visitors then returned to shore accompanied by Mr McLoan. Before leavivg Tautawahia and the chiefs, Mr MeLeim arranged that he would return to Kawhia for the purpose of renewing friendly relations with Tutawahia, and in all probability meeting the King. It is likely that from this visit of tho Luna to Kawhia most important results influencing the future peaceful relations with the King natives will arise. Had the visit been planned.mstead ofaccidental,the-Maorisirould doubtless h ave resented it. As it was, nothing could i-xcucd the good feeling and friendship they manifested. Haupokia accompanied Mr McLean to Wellington. The Luna arrived alongside the wharf about half-p.ist six o'clock.