on the occasion of their visit to Putiki. The meeting assembled in the house known as "Matapihi." On this occasion the name was changed to "Aomarama" (lit. the intelligent world as distinguished from the benighted). The house of Pelhi and Topine at Ohinemutu was "Te Aomarama," and the symbol is intended to embrace all New Zealand. Waikato came, a hundred strong, with Rewi[1] at their head. Nothing but words of peace and goodwill were heard within the walls of Te Aomarama.
Afterwards Topine returned our hospitalities. The house was called "Hikurangi," and the meeting took place at Taumarunui.
I went—so did Mete and Haimona and Pehi and Topia and Te Tahana, in response to the invitation. Mete applied for the child of Uenukutuwhatu. Topine gave the woman (in marriage). The object of this gift was to cement this good understanding, and secure a pledge of future peace between the Pakehas and Maoris. The talk ended at Te Matapihi. The tribes who assembled there were Ngatiraukawa, Ngatikahungunu, and Waikato. Tahana Turoa spoke thus: "Listen, ye tribes assembled in this house! Mete now has the child of Uenukutuwhatu, to be nursed by Wanganui. I call on all the tribes to bear witness." Then rose Pehi Turoa: "I agree," said he, "that there shall be peace on this river—from the mouth thereof even to the source."
Hip! Hip! Hurrah!! shouted the whole assembly present at this meeting.
Pehi has arrived and is living in the town. This is all the news from this place. Mr. Richard Woon, the native resident magistrate, took part in these proceedings.
Ended.
- ↑ The fighting general of the Waikato.
