THE NATIVE MEETING AT KIHIKIHI. [By our Travelling Reporter.]

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1422, 13 August 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE MEETING AT KIHIKIHI. [By our Travelling Reporter.]

Hearing that Tciwhiao and Wahanui would have something decisive to Sriy on the subject of the lonsr disputed question of Mr Toles risht to the land at Otuutahuinga, to which he holds a Crown title, though the natives have repeatedly interfered with his fencing, I went to Kihikihi on Monday. After dinuer, the school was cleared for the pl.ice of meeting, and Rewi and YV.ihanui occupied the platform. Tawhiao was not there, but his seoiefcary held a letter which was to be read to the meeting. Wahanui told the meeting that the King had decided that all disputes should be ended fairly and honourably, and that in acting as he had done he was determined that everyone should have light a^ far as lay in his power, and then proceeded to read Tawhiao s letter. This, after repeating former assurances of the King's earnestness and good-will in his endeavour to bring about a settlement of all disputes between the two races, contained the following paragraph: — "To you, Mr Tole, my word in reference to the matter of your land is that from this day yoti can take possession of Otautalianga under my guarantee, and I, King Tawhiao, asaure you that no one shall molest you," "and this," concluded Wahanui, "I confirm, and that is all I have to say." As he concluded, a shout of applause burst forth from the natives and the pakehas. Mr Tole expressed his thanks, and then Mr Sloane of Te Awamutu, thanked the Maoris on the part of the settlers in this district, and New Zealand generally for the conciliatory and just manner in which they had acted in this matter. Wahanui in replying said that Tawhiao wished all his dealings to be clear and the meaning of them understood. Europeans had thought probably that this procession of Tawbiao's though long talked off, would not come off, but it had been'prophecied and arranged long ago. He as well as Tawhiao had known that both people working in unity would benefit one another and that continued division would be fatal to the Maoris. He hoped that Tawhiao would be tiusted for the good of all. (Great applause.) Te Puke then -protested against Tawhiao 's decision. In the course of his remarks he said " What Tole has fenced already let him keep, but I will not let him fence any further." Wahanui said: — "I have given Tawhiao's word as to Mr Toles possession, and. what Mr, Tole already holds that he Bhall keep. It is not Tawhiao's doing that there is any 'dispute. It is the man who ,sold the land who does, the wrong. Tawhiao has given his word and will not break it." ' ' ' ' Te Puke again protested saying that he had ' not' consented, to the king's decision and,- would, iiot agree 'with' it. Rewi then walked 'clown ' the room to*

,4pfcds Te Puke with his hat crashed in '"his hand and a terrible string of abuse rolling off his tongue " You contemptible slave !" he said, "If you had dared to apeak thus 20 years ago where would you have been now ?" and then he walked slowly back to the table where Wahanui wa3 sitting with his hand covering his lace, in a manner deprecating strife, but secretly, no doubt, enjoying tKe dtessing the old wa ; rrior r was givjqgjj&e toff n who ; disputed ttie 1 King's, dieision. When he reached the table he turned slowly round \ again' and' continued,- "tSileiice'yotitefuae lof uneaten meat I Tou ( have, heard the ! letter of the king ; you haye nq'authority in this matter, "dare to break the rules of the king from this day, and consider well that if you or auy^of your men interfere with this' land 'any more, I will fling you off it. If you will-fight, you shall fight, you shall fight me and no one else." It is needless, to say thatTe Puke was abashed, as the applause rang round the room again and again, aud the grafld,. old Nature's gentleman who had given him ( the castigation slowly marched out. , Mr Davis then said that Mr .Tple had left the matter to the king's arbitration, and even if that had been against him he would hare been as satisfied to abide by it as he was at the present moment. With warm thanks to Wahanui and the Maori chiefs, the meeting then terminated, In the evening there was considerable jollification amongst the natives, who appeared to enjoy their quarters in Kfhikihi amazingly, and to have plenty of money to spend. I must say of Te Puke personally that from what I hear he is a native who ia highly respected by all settlers who have had any dealings with him, as an honest wellmeaning man, and that he doubtless considers his claim to the disputed land a just one.