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3. The main object of this meeting was to erect, with great ceremony, a flagstaff, and to hoist on it the " Queen's Elag"— i.e. the Union Jack—in token of the permanent establishment of peace, and of the return of the entire Native population of the East Coast from rebellion to their allegiance to the Crown, and from the Hauhau fanaticism to Christianity. There were also carried by the representatives of the several clans other banners bearing devices symbolical of the loyalty and Christian faith of the Maori people. 4. It will be perceived that a very appropriate prayer was delivered on this interesting and important occasion by the Eev. Mohi Turei, one of the thirteen Maoris who have been ordained clergymen of the Church of England; all of whom, it may be added, adhered steadfastly to the Crown and to Christianity throughout the troubles of the last twelve years. The prayer was in the following terms : — " Almighty God, Eather of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give " thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness to us, and especially for " thy goodness to us at this present time, in permitting us to assemble ourselves " together at this place to uphold thy truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let " now thy Holy Spirit descend upon us as a sound from Heaven, and as a mighty " rushing wind, like cloven tongues of fire. We bless thee for our creation, pre- " servation, and all the blessings of this life, but above all for thine inestimable " love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of " grace, and for the hope of glory. Accept now our prayers, 0 Lord. Why " standest thou afar off ? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble ? Look " down now in thy mercy upon this great assemblage of the tribes, the major, the " leaders of the people, and the ministers of thy Word, met together to fulfil thy " righteous commands. Bestow on us largely of the multitude of thy mercies. " Give us the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge and of " the fear of the Lord, that we may show forth thy praise and declare thy goodness, " not with our lips only but with our whole hearts, and turn unto thee, and walk " before thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives, through Jesus " Christ our Lord. And to thee and the Holy Spirit be all honor and praise for " ever and ever. Amen." 5. The speeches of the leading Maori chiefs present at the meeting will repay perusal; especially that of Eopata Te Wahawaha, who wore his uniform as a Major in the Colonial Militia, and the sword of honor presented to him by the Queen for his long continued services in the field in support of Her Majesty's authority and the cause of law and order. He began in these words : — " To all the runangas,* tribes, sections of tribes, and chiefs, I offer thanks " because we have all met here together to witness the raising of our ' Power' (the " flagstaff), and the sign of our union in this our great security, and to enable " me to show you these swords, which you have not before had an opportunity of " seeing. These swords arc a mark of honor from the Queen for your stedfast " loyalty to her; a token of her love and approbation conferred upon you for " your bravery in putting down the evil and upholding the good; and this flag " also is a token of the support afforded you by the Government for your bravery " in suppressing evil." After explaining the position of the Maoris at the present time, and exhorting them to peace and union, he concluded his address as follows:— " Let us all rejoice and be glad under this our flag (the Queen's flag), " because we arc able to breathe freely during this period of rest and security " under the protection of this new power. Therefore, let us also be energetic and " active in making roads in our districts, erecting schools for our children, build- " ing churches, and adhering and promoting Christianity; and let us also hold on " to the law as a protecting fence round about us. " Now I have explained to you, 0 ye people, the objects of our present " assembling together, and which may be condensed under two heads :—Eirst, " The command of Christ to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. " We shall then be His children indeed, and co-heirs with him in His kingdom. " Taking up the cross, we should pray always both in prosperity and in adversity. * " Runanga " in Maori signifies a Council or Assembly.