King Tawhiao's Visit to Cambridge.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1413, 23 July 1881, Page 2

King Tawhiao's Visit to Cambridge.

SBldom of never has there been a public demonstration in Cambridge at which the enthusiasm of the people has been so manifest and sincere as on the occasion of King Tawhiao's visit) to that township on i hw>day last. Though the visit was announced to take place fully a week a#o, since when the people have been daily disappointed through the King not been able to quit tho residence of his, friend Rewi, at Kihikihi, whb had nearly killed his distinguished visitor with kindness, the enthusiasm and sympathy Which characterised the people from -the beginning, evidently did not abate one jot, and | the provisions which they had provided a week ago becoming unfit, were consequently disposed of, and replaced with a generous readiness. When it became definitely known on Thursday morning that the King and his party would certainly visit Cambridge' that day, all the available bunting in the town was hoisted,, and an arch erected across Duke-street, on which the inscription, "King Tawhiao, welcome to our town of Cambridge," was prominent. The visitors arrived at the West side of the ■ river i at about eleven o'clock in the morning where they waited until halfpast twelve and then reformed in processionai order and proceeded towards the township. A large crowd of natives and Europeans had assembled at the top of the hill to view the procession en youte, which presented as it wended its way across the bridges a most imposing and impressive spectacle. Major Mair and Major Jackson occupied the first buggy, md Manga (Rewi) followed in another. In the first of the procession' were the influential chiefs Wahanui, Tuhi, Henare Kaihau, and Honana, behind whom followed King Tawhiao himself supported by Tautahai, and Tima Tana, (two halfcastes) ; a few of tho budy guard, each armed with a double-banelled fowlingpiece, surrounded the king and about 400 armed natives composed the remainder of the procession, the rear of which was brought up by a large number of women aud children, principally mounted on horseback, the whole oonspicuoux by their orderly Dealing. On approaching the top of the hill a large number of natives who had been in town for a few days past commenced an impromptu haka pprfonnance by way of welcome to the processionists The Cambridge Brass Band, under Mr Mackintosh, preceded the procession to the Public Hall where the reception committee consisting of Messrs. Wells, Johnson, Reid, Hewitt, Houghton, Kirkwood, Hughes. Dick, Isaacs, and E. B. Walker, were collected to present an address. The address, which was enKros^ed on parchment by Mr North of Cambridge, was in the Maori language, and was read by Mr Grace, to the king. It was as follows: —

The Address. To Tawhiao Tukaroto.—Welcome, welcome, chiefs and people of Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto. Welcome in the spirit of good-will and fellowship. Welcome this opportunity of expressing our good feeling towards you and the chiefs accompanying you, this being the first time of your coining amongst us. Hoping that your visits to this district will not now cease, but that you will frequently return to visit us in the same friendly spirit that you and your people have now displayed, we trust that this visit of you and your chiefs will be agreeable to you all, and that you will no longer regard us as strangers, and that you will return home to your settlements and take with you increased feelings of good will towards us. Signed.—Thos. Wells. Tawhaio in replying to the address, said :—Listeu all you people and Europeans of Alexandra, Te Awamutu, Orakau and Cambridge. Before coming amongst you with my party, I sent my messenger before me to inform the people that I was going in. I arrived in Alexandra, and I said : Greetings to you all." I am travelling now to the end of my journey. I conclude by saying, happiness to you all Vociferous cheers were then given for King Tawhiao and for Major Mair. The king ami party then entered the hall. Tawhiao, with Ins wife, sister, sister-in-law, and sons, Tv Tawhiao, Pouka, and Ngahe took seats at the upper end of the room, when the reception committee came forw arcl at his request, .and were individually introduced to him. Several ladies were also introduced, amongst whom were Mesdames Brooks, Evans, Richardson, Williams, Hoskings, and Bull, Misses Clarke, Gwynneth, and several others. After remaining for some time in the hall, Tawhiao was escorted to the Farmers' Club, where he will reside until his departure from Cambridge. His followers were then introduced to the '' kai," a massive pile of which, consisting of bread, beef, fish, sardines, salmon, tea, sugar, potatoes, &c, with an abundant supply of spirits and beer, was displayed in front of the Public Hall, and with which it is unnecessary to say they became satisfied and contented, having had an abundance of wood to cook it, and comfortable apartments allotted them in which to enjoy it.

The Banauet. The complimentary banquet which was given by Messrs E. Maclean, E. B. Walker, R. H. D. Ferguson, and A. Raynes, was announced tor six o'clock in Raynes' National Hotel, and punctually at that hour the guests assembled Before going further into the evening's proceedings, it would be unjust and a violation of all sense of duty were we not to pay a passing compliment to the interior of the dining-room in which the banquet was given, and the excellent spread laid therein. The tables were arranged round the room, and were weighted with a repast, the following bill of fare of which speaks for itself : —■

MFVU. Oysters auxNatuicl. Soups. Julienne | Oyster Fish. Boiled Schnapper, Sauce Hollondaisc. Entrees. Juged Hare I French Cutlets and Stewed Oysters | Mashed Potatoes Fillet of Beef, Sauce Removes. Roast Sirloin Beef Roait Goose, Apple Roast Saddle Mutton, Sauce and Jeily Boiled Chicken, Oyster Roabt Sucking Pig bauce Boiled York Ham Game. Roast Pheasant, Bread Roast Hare, Game Port Wine Sauce Sauce Entrcmcnts. Cabinet Pudding Tarts Meringue Gcllie a la Champagne Maccdoine of Apricots Trifle Gehe au Cognac Plum Pudding Tipsy Cake Custard and Glass Cream a la Vanilla Wine Jelly. Maccaroni Cheese. Dessert in Season.

WINES. Sherry, Pile, Brpwn ; Port. Dark, Pale ; Champagne, Louis Roederer s carte blanche, Sillery Mousseaux carte blanche ; Grenace, Dark, Light; Matore, Dark, Light; Cognac, Hennessy's, Boitean, Moukam and Co.'s: Beer, Griffin's Pale, Dark, Bull Doe,

It may with certainty be aaid that a more creditable and abvpdaat supply of meats, winea, aud the procurables of the season could not have been anticipated, and it reflects the highest credit,, upon the host himself, and his tasteful assis- ' tunta Mesd'anies Raynea acd Milae, who

flanged the spread. The room wiui handsomely decorated with bunting and Chinese lanterns, and presented in general a charming appearance. About 60 persons in all sat down to dinner. Mr E. Maclean occupied the chair, and Messrs E. B. Walker and R. 11. D. Fergusson the vice-chairs. On the right of the chairman were seated Tawhiao and Major Jackson, and on the left Major Mair aud Tawhiap's three sons, Pouku, Ngahb, and TuTaWhiao. Among others present were Colonel Lyon, Dr. Waddington, Messrs -4ume,- --Wells, Houghton, Isaacs Johnson, Reid, Campbell.^Hewitt, Kirkwopd, ,'Hugtyes, Dick, Grace, and most of t!ie other prominent residents, ; _,j»}so the jyaxiou^chiefa.ftL the Ngatimaniapoto and other tribes, amongst whpifr .were Manga- (Rewjj Tuhi, Henare .Kajhou, Honana, Tautahai, Timi Tana, and others. Before Tawhiao was lying a 'gigantic ham, on which were emblazoned the words '* Welcome to Tawhiao." It is unnecessary to say .how justice was done to the viands in particular, and the liquids in general ; suffice it to say that a very hearty' dinner was par* taken 1 of by all present. The dishes having been removed, order was) ' called f6r, when the chairman 1 (Mr E. Maclean), proposed " The Health of Her Moat Gracious Majesty the Queen." This toast was drank with the usual enthusiasm., The Chairman then proposed ''.The Governor. " In doing so he thought he was occupying a position thej Governor himself might be proud to occupy. He thought it would have given the Governor' great' pleasure to meet Tawhiao and the other Maori chiefs, there that night. He hoped, however, no long time would elapse before the Governor would have the pleasure of entertaining Tawhiao and the chiefs there present. He would ask them, therefore, to drink to the Governor. The toast was duly honored . In proposing the next to«rt/.i. the Chairman said : " Gentlemen, -flflll ask you to fill your glasses to the brira^TThe toast I am about to propose' y»"T he health of our guest, Tawhiao." it is a great privilege to have the* Opportunity of proposing this toast. Daring my life I have had the honor of being chairman at many dinners, but neverrbefore on any occasion has it given me greater pleasure to preside at a dinner than on this occasion. I wish to assure Tawhiao that the settlers of Waikato experience the greatest pleasure in the step he has taken in coming to see us ; that we settlers are only too glad to meet him half-way in the advances of friendship he has made us, and that there is not a' settler in Waikato that would not be proud to entertain him, as his guest. (Hear hear.) I wish to say it is a great privilege to me to be allowed to say that I personally feel under great obligations to Tawhiao. It has been my misfortune to have trouble with some natives. In my troubles the great chief now present said ' why doesn't he appeal to Tawhiao ?' I took that advice ; I laid my grievances before Tawhiao and he instantly sent one of his counsellors to enquire into my trouble and when he ascertained that I was in the right he ordered his people not to molest me. I take this opportunity of mentioning this circumstance publicly, and I say that if it is ft ever my misfortune again to have any difficulty with natives I .shall immediately appeal to Tawhiao, and I would advi.«e any of my friends to do the same, for I am quite certain that if they are in the right they will have immediate redress, and if in the wrong they will very soon know it. (Applause.) The glasses being again charged, those present rose to their feet and with " For he is a jolly good fellow," Tawhiao's health was given with rounds oi oheera and much enthusiasm. Tawhiao in responding said :—Gentlemen of the Hnuhnu listen attentively to my word and the European gentlemen also linten attentively to what I have to say. I went to Raglan, but immediately returned from that place after which I went to Hikurangi and remained there. I then went on anothervisit — a sh^rt one. I went along 1 the Pirongia ranges to Alexandra. But I remained at Alexandra only until the next morning, when I returned to Hikurangi. This is all that was done. Then it was proposed that we should tro to Alexandra. I then came to Alexandra, and proceeded at onco to Kihikihi. I then left Kihikihi and cirae on to Cambridge. It was the wish of the chiefs (Jand the Hauhau, or the Maori people that I should come to Cambridge. Yes ! and we have come here. The word that we should come amongst you came from the east, west, north, and south. You canllook at my appearance. I may bo bluck or dark, and perhaps my thoughts are dark— l don't know. This all has originated with myself. I know that if a word was said it would be finished at onre and everything made right again. You are different tome in appearance ; though I am very small, still I can attain great things. lam not speaking now with a view of going homo in the morning?. No ! I will continue my journey to the end. (Applause.) Mr E. B Walker then rose and requested the company to fill their glasses. He said: — The toast I have to propose this evening- is " The health of Sewi and Wahanui." This is I may say a great day for New Zealand. The eyes of all parties are turned now towards Tawhiao aud his chiefs. In olden timea there has been trouble. Now we meet as friends. Tawhiao has said that we are white and that he is dark, and that our thoughts are not as his thoughts. We are not children ; we don't take the book by the cover, but by the inside. We have heen the outside of the book for ft long time: but now we hope within. The book has been ojJfca'a little, and we hope that when it i 3 unfolded and turned over page after page we shall see larger and better things, and be able to thank God for what He has done to-day. All those who hare the welfare of New Zealand at heart believe that there are better days for the Maoris and the pakehas, (hear, hear). With these few words, hoping to see the book unfolded and see what we expect in it, I propose "The health of Wahanui and all the ohiefs in New Zealand. This toast was duly honored with the chorus of "For they are jolly good fellows." Wahanui in responding said:— This is the word that I am going to utter at the present time. This is not the first time that life has been brought into this building. The word is this, when the first-born comes into the world it is for him to conduct matters in a right way. This day we have travelled on our feet bo as to meet odo another, and to see one another, therefore we should greet one another. (Applause). Rewi then said : I commence the few words I have to say from the phrase which originated with you Europeans. A wedge is whatyou said is the instrument you use for splitting the log, and according to our ideas I am the first who has been made to go forth, and I am the wedge' by which the log ban be split. To-day you see that the principal wedge has come amongst you ; that is, Tawhiao himself has visited you, and he speaks correctly when he states that his appearance is dark ; but he says also correctly that it is not alone for him tp create those things that are good, and in' what he states,, that although he;. is dark he has come amongst you, he has uttered these words several times before ,jiow.' He comes amongst you for the 'purpose o{

laying down the course by which we will be all, perhaps, united. (Applause). The .Course is clear and the result will be good. We say to one another now salutations ami greetings. (Applause). Mr R. H, D. Fergusson then rose and riaid : The toast which has been entrusted to me is "Tho health of Major Mair." This gentleman has labored long and assiduously to effect the uniting of the two races, and he lias, I think you will agree with me, succeeded in a wonderful manner. £ am sure that all of us here presen,t on this occasion will be very nappy to drink his health and wish him ,every.auccess in his future career, for if his future career be as good as his past i -c*r6«r, it cannot fail to be a most excelf'lerlt bpe. • He has effected more than any living man has done in uniting the Maori and European races. I ask you, gentlemen, therefore, to drink his health. This toast was received with manifest enthusiasm with the "Jolly good fellow " chorus, and three cheers for Master Mair. Major Mair in responding, said : — Mr Chairman, Vice-chairman, and gentlemen, Europeans and Maori chiefs, I rise to thank you for the very kindly manner in which you have drunk my health. I agree with you in saying that thin is a very important day, not only for Waikato, but the colony of New Zealaud at large. This is a day that I know has been earnestly looked forward to for many years. There were times when many of ns thought we should never see this d^y. It has taken, as you are well aware, years to bring this about, and I am very proud, indeed at the result. But there have been many others who have been assiduously helping in this good work. There have been Eoropeans helping, and there have been others of the Maori people, and foremost amongst all those hus been Tawhiao himself. I know that for many years it has been Tawhiao's de*ire to be on friendly terms with the Europeans. Circumstances have delayed this, but now I believe we see the dawn of a new era. I believe that we see now a prospect of •union of the two races which has so long talked of, but has been de1. If, as you have said, I have done Bometh'ing towards bringing this about, I say again that lam very proud. I think perhaps too, that I could say something to explain our delay in reaching Cambridge. An expedition of this kind does not follow any known rules. We do not known when we will leave, nor do we know when we will reach any given plao«. The principal thing with us in expeditions of this kind is the food. When we get to one place we stay there until we have eaten all the food and then proceed tv the next (laughter), and if you continue to treat us as well as you have dono this evening I do not know when we will get away from Cambridge. (Laughter.) I have received repeated urgent telegrams from Mr Knox, Mayor of Hamilton and other settlers of that place asking the day and the hour when we will cross the boundary of Hamilton Borough. I have replied to him that it is impossible for me to say when we will reach that point, that ifc will not be until we have eaten up everything in Cambridge. (Laughter.) Then we may go to Hamilton and further on. Onco more gentlemen allow me to thank yon all present for the very kind manner in which you have drunk my health. (Hoiir hear, and applause.) Mr Ihos. Wells in proposing the next toast said :—Gentlemen—l: — Gentlemen— I feel th.it we should be wanting in courtesy to-nipht if we broke up without proposing the toast which I am about to give I will now ask you to fill your glasses and diink to the ho-ts of this evening — Mc-^rs M.iclean/Wiilker, and Fergusson. It has fallen to my lot as Chairman of the Reception Committee to propose tins toast. The committee of which I speak was chosen by the people of Cambridge to consider the most fitting steps to show our respect and esteem, and to reciprocate the friendship chat has been shown us by the advance of T.iwhiao and chiefs to our settlement. I am sme that lam expressing the sentiments of every member of that committee and of every settler and inhabitant of our district, when I say that we endorse cv cry sentiment of friendship that has been passed between the different speakers this evening. We feel greatly indebted to our hosts in bringing us here to demonstrate in this social manner our appreciation of the visit that Tawhiao and chiefs have paid us, and I am sure we are under considerable obligations to those gentlemen. I therefore beg, on behalf of the committee, to tender our sincere thanks to the hosts of this evening. The "Jolly good fellow" chorus was here given with unprecedented enthusiasm, and the health of the hosts was drunk in flowing bumpers. Mr E. Maclean, in responding on behalf of "The Hosts." said: Gentlemen, I thank you for the kind manner in which you have drunk our healths, Mr Fergusson's, Mr Walker's, and my own. It gives me an opportunity to say that I nope that if anything is not conducted according to Tawhiao's wishes, lie will put it down to our ignorance of Maori customs. It is our wish to show him our greatest respect and friendship. From what I have seen this evening, you all appear to be " iolly good fellows." I ought to have said that if you arc pleased with the reception you have received here to-night, the fact gives us much pleasure, and we feel sincerely gratified. Mr Walker thought that the pakehas were doing all the speaking. He recommended that they should give a chance to their no less eloquent friends, the Maoris, who were anxious to speak as well as they. k Apara said : — I thank the Europeans for \|roheir genial hospitality on behalf of and others. Because the spirit lof Jehovah is over Tawhiao, and because •'he his said that the gospel should bo preached to peaceful people. He was sent to release the prisoners, that if, those in bondage. Tawhiao said he could do great things. lam a great man too, but the door has been closed sit the present time. The word has been laid in our midst by Tawhiao now. He has already said that although he is small he can accomplish great things. I will end my subject here. Tauhaura said :—: — I was the messenger sent by Tawhiao to Mr Maclean. On the second occasion I was the man sent to reveal the good thoughts of Tawhiao to Mr Maclean. This is a further occasion on which Tawhiao has revealed his good thoughts, and he is himself good between us. Tuhi paid: — Mr Chairman, and gentlemen of this town, we have come into your presence with Tawhiao on account of his great thought ; he and his people, and bis chiefs, and the woman and children. That is a sign of a calm eea. I thank you very much my friends for this dinner which has been laid id order that we might eat together and have pleasure together. (Applause). Several other speeches followed and brought the evenings enjoyment to a close.