53

G.—3

A number of subjects were discussed, and the meeting adjourned about 4 o'clock until to-morrow. It will perhaps be remembered that after the late Native Minister's first meeting at Kopua Eewi wrote a letter and circulated it amongst the Natives throughout the Island. He spoke of issuing forth from the darkness of the past and beholding the stars of Heaven standing apart, —meaning that the chiefs of New Zealand were all divided in opinion, or following their own inclinations. He compared the Kingite people to a star called Rehua, and the Queenite people to a star called Tautoru. Religion and Faith lay clear between these two stars, and it Avould be the means of bringing them closer together. This faith and religion was represented by the Milky Way, or, as the Maoris call it, Mangoroa. This Milky Way was the path Avhich would lead them eventually to unity and peace. In this letter Eewi referred to another star called " Matariki," or, rather, a group of stars, the appearance of which was the herald of a fine plentiful season, or the opposite. This luminary Avas the messenger inviting the chiefs of the people to assemble for the purpose of becoming united in the bond of love and friendship. He now compares this star to himself and Sir George Grey, who are now one, and who were inviting all the people to come in and be joined to them. I may mention that Eewi this morning paid a long, friendly visit to Sir George Grey, who, I regret to say, is in a very delicate state of health. Eewi has had full reports of the several meetings made by his OAvn interpreter. I have seen one or two of these reports, Avhich are exceedingly accurate. These reports will be despatched to-morrow, by a special messenger, to the Native King and AVhanui, one of tho principal chiefs of his OAvn tribe. AVord has come that Titokowaru has sent his people from the Watmate Plains up to AVaitara with about fifty head of cattle as a present to the meeting. It is not likely that Eewi and his people will leave here for the next two or three weeks, it being his intention to devote that time to inducing the chiefs of the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui tribes to come in with himself in the settlement he has iioav made with the Government. The European settlers at Taranaki intend entertaining the Natives at a feast to be given at this place to-morrow. Tables are being erected in the centre of the area now occupied by the Natives. The day has been proclaimed a public holiday. Special trains will run between AVaitara and the toAvn during the day. A band of music will be in attendance, and a number of amusements, including a display of fireAvorks, has been arranged for. Probably Sir George Grey will leave for Wellington to-morrow afternoon, instructions having been sent to Captain Fairchild to be in readiness to take him on board to-morrow. It is uncertain Avhether the Native Minister will accompany Sir George Grey, or proceed overland, interviewing Titokowaru and his people on the way South. New Plymouth, Ist July. Early this morning the bellman was sent round the town, who announced that the Mayor had proclaimed the day as a holiday, that excursion trains would run at single fares, and that the Europeans would entertain the Natives at the Waitara at a feast to be held in the open air. The weather proved most propitious, although very cold. The rainy clouds had cleared away, and there was every prospect of a fine day. At an early hour carpenters were sent from here to erect tables, and the 8 o'clock train took down a large quantity of provisions, consisting of bread, cooked meats, cakes, &c. Three trains ran, taking over 1,000 people; the Volunteer band in uniform, aud a number of the leading persons in the place, with their families, also Avent. The scene at the AVaitara was a most exciting one. The Natives and Europeans assembled in the square facing the railway station, and fraternized in a most cordial manner with each other. The tables had been erected in the area. On them were placed the provisions brought from New Plymouth. Shortly after 1 o'clock Sir George Grey, the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, and Ministerial suite came to the place, and Avere accompanied by Eewi and other chiefs. Mr. Standish (the Mayor of New Plymouth) then took the chair at the head of the table. On his right sat Sir George Grey; the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, Native Minister; Eewi, and several leading chiefs, and to his left, Mr. Moorhouse, M.H.E., and Mr. T. Kelly, M.H.E. After the repast had been partaken of EeAvi rose and said he wished to address the Europeans, as he saw them before him that day in such large numbers. He said he Avas exceedingly gratified that such good feeling existed, and he felt pleasure at seeing them because they had come to Waitara to give them a feast at a time when he and Sir George Grey had made themselves one. The Mayor then proposed the health of the Queen, at which there was great cheering, both the Maoris and Europeans joining in. The health of the Governor was then proposed, and responded to with cheers. The Mayor then rose to propose the health of Sir George Grey; the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, Native Minister, Eewi, and Tawhiao. He said he would first like to say that it afforded him very great pleasure to meet his Native friends and the Europeans together. He liked to see in that meeting the better understanding, the more kindly feeling, that at present existed between the two races. They were laying the foundation stono for a grand structure which they would raise by-and-by. He Avas pleased to see that the Native chiefs Avere going to assist the Government in that great work, for they Avould be doing not only a great benefit to the Europeans, but to themselves also. By aiding the present Government in their endeavour to open up the country they Avould be benefiting themselves and. their friends the European people. He Avould do his best to support what the Government Avere doing. They were doing their best to restore confidence between the Natives and the people of Taranaki, so that they might live together in peace and friendship. He then proposed the health of Sir George Grey, the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, ReAvi Maniapoto, and Tawhiao. Sir George Grey, in replying, said he would have to be excused from speaking at any length, for he was not well. Tneref'ore what he said to them that day Avould be very little. He had for a long series of years desired to see accomplished what had now been brought about. Taranaki had been a place totally isolated from the rest of New Zealand. Its settlers had been shut off from their fellowcolonists by difficulties that could not be overcome. The difficulties were such that few would dream of, but that was now, he hoped, all over, and Taranaki would now make real progress in the same manner as other parts of the colony. He hoped, with the aid of Tawhiao and Rewi, to carry out the great work which he had commenced, Avhich Avould confer lasting benefit on tho district. He hoped, in the work he Avas now engaged, he Avould be supported by the whole of tho Europeans, and with the chief's assistance they would become one people. The Hon. Mr. Sheehan said he was glad to be present on such an occasion, when such good Avork was being accomplished, and he was gratified in being able to take part in such peaceful settlement