NATIVE MEETING AT PARIHAKA IN JUNE, 1885. (REPORT BY LIEUT.-COLONEL ROBERTS.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1885 Session I, G-08a

G.—Ba,

1885. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE MEETING AT PARIHAKA IN JUNE, 1885. (REPORT BY LIEUT.-COLONEL ROBERTS.)

Laid on the Table by the Hon. Mr. Ballance, with the Leave of the House.

Lieut.-Colonel Bobehts to the Undee-Seceetaey, Native Office. Sie, — Armed Constabulary District Office, Opunake, 4th July, 1885. I have the honour to submit the following report on the late meeting of the Maoris at Parihaka, compiled from information supplied by Mr. Charles Messenger, the Interpreter:— The Natives commenced to assemble at Parihaka on the 15th ultimo, the first to arrive being the Urenui and Waitara hapus, and later the following were represented : The Waikato, "Wanganui, Ngatiruanui, and Ngatiapa, altogether numbering about a thousand visitors. Eor the first few days nothing of importance occurred, and the Natives were busy draining their whares and potato-pits, which had been flooded by the heavy rains. On the 20th all assembled in the marae, as it was rumoured among them that Te Whiti would deliver an address, but he did not appear, and after food was distributed they broke up. On the 21st Bob Bangi (Ngarongomate) died. This man was a chief of Oakura, who, at one time, had much influence amongst the Maoris, but which had lately greatly declined owing to hapu quarrels. The usual tangi was held over him. On the 22nd various sums of money, amounting altogether to £47, were presented by Titokowaru and his party to Te Whiti. The party, marching in Indian file, passed Te Whiti's house, each depositing his gift on a table. On'the 23rd the Maoris again met in the marae to partake of a great dinner given by Tohu. This dinner was entirely different to the ordinary run of Maori foods: confectionery, puddings, cakes, &c, being supplied, and everything carried out in European style; waiters in attendance, &c. On the 24th Titokowaru, who evidently acts as leader in getting up the hakas and amusements, sent to New Plymouth and advertised a haka for the following Sunday. On the 25th, at the request of Te Whiti, Titokowaru's party performed a haka in the marae, all the Maoris meeting to witness it, and at the conclusion £68 was collected. Immediately after an old chief of Parihaka stood up and made the following speech : " This is June. Juno was to be the month, the 18th (our 17th) is gone. My ears are tired, nothing has been said but ' beg, beg, for money,' and lam sick of it." Nothing was replied to this. On the 26th it was reported Te Whiti would speak on the Ist July (our 30th June), and the conversation among the Natives was principally as to what he intended to say, all being anxious to know what the speech would consist of. Prom this date until the speaking of Te Whiti in the marae, which actually took place on the 29th, great preparations were made with the food for the feast. On the 28th Titokowaru held the haka advertised, about fifty Europeans being present, from whom a collection was made. A Mr. Elwain was requested to leave Te Whiti's house by Te "Whiti's son on account of a threat of a whipping which the Maori boy said Mr. Elwain had threatened him with whilst he was catching a horse on Mr. Elwain's farm some time ago. At the conclusion of the haka Titokowaru made a speech similar to that he delivered in Opunake and reported in my telegram of the 16th ultimo. On the 29th the large assembling of the Maoris, about eighteen hundred, took place in the marae, Te Whiti and Tohu speaking, translations of which speeches I have already furnished in my telegram of the Ist instant. These speeches closed the meeting, and the Natives afterwards commenced returning to their homes, the last to leave being the Waikatos on the 2nd instant. This meeting has been looked forward to by all the Maoris along the coast, as it was expected that Te Whiti would make a speech of great importance, rumours of all kinds as to what he would say being circulated by them. It would appear to me that the speeches are very satisfactory, and evince a strong desire on both Te Whiti's and Tohu's parts to preserve order and peace amongst the Natives. That Te Whiti's inflence over them is as great as ever is shown by the means which they adopt to procure money to present to him ; horses, cattle, and other property being sold to obtain it. There are large quantities of food at Parihaka, such as potatoes and the usual kind of Maori food; but at all their feasts at this meeting they endeavoured to copy the European meals, preserved milk even being procured from the stores, and everything was carried out in true pakeha style. No spirits or beer were allowed to be brought into the pa. In conclusion, I may state that the whole meaning of the speeches appeared to be peace. I have, &c, J. M. Bobeets, Lieut.-Colonel, The Under-Secretary, Native Office. Commanding Provincial District of Taranaki. [Approximate cost of Paper.—Preparation: £ . Printing (1,225) copies: IDs. 3d.]

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