Meeting between His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, and Chiefs of the Ngapuhi and other Tribes, at Waitangi, 15th March, 1899.

Raniera Wharerrau: You will bear witness that we have erected a monument hare in commemoration of the Treaty of Waitangi. Welcome to you and the gentlemen accompanying you. Welcome to your Ministers. I need not assure you that our loyalty to our gracious Sovereign the Queen has been uninterrupted to the present. May long life attend you all.

Wiremu Rikihana: Salutations to the Governor. Welcome to you who represent the features of our Sovereign the Queen. Come and see in person your Maori people. Now that you have arrived at Waitangi you can see proof of our loyalty. Greetings also to the Premier, and to [unclear: your] Ministers and to those forming your party. May you live long: may God extend your term of life in this world.

Mr. Hone Heke, M. H. R.,: Welcome, your Excellency: welcome. We are glad that you are here in response to the invitation of the Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aupuri, and Ngatiwhatua Tribes. I also greet all those representative people from other parts of the colony. Our hearts are exceedingly glad at seeing the representative of the Queen here to-day. We are also pleased that in this visit you are attended by your Responsible Advisers. Speaking generally, it is not our desire to day to impose upon you a discussion upon the many weary political subjects which affect us. We consider that you should be freed from such questions. This meeting is called together for discussing the various political questions which interest us, and our grievances, and for formulating some forms of supplication to your Ministers hereafter. We are very pleased indeed at having this opportunity of seeing your Ministers, the Right Hon. Mr. Seddon and the Hon. Mr. Carroll present with you. We do not desire to overburden you with any discussion, so that after me on other will speak. Before bringing our address to a close, I wish to make you a presentation of this mere which I have in my hand, and which was considered of value by our ancestors. We tras it will be accepted by your Excellency and your Ministers as a testimony that the people responsible for the presentation have preserved an unswerving loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen. This present really comes from every one here at this meeting, who represent the different tribes.

Mr. Heke then advanced and handed the mere to His Excellency.

The Hon. H. Williams, M. L. C., then read the following address on behalf of the residents of this part of the colony: "We beg to offer you a hearty and cordial welcome on the occasion of your first visit to this historical settlement, the scence of many stirring and important events in the annals of New Zealand. It was here that European settlement in these Island had its birth. On this spot, some eighty-five years since, the first missionaries landed, literally carrying their lives in their hands, and many of the descendants of these heroic harbinger of Christianity still reside in this neighbourhood. Here also the first representative of British rule in New Zealand (Mr. James Busby) landed in the year 1833, hearing the commissions as British Resident, from Sir R. Bourke. Governor of New South Wales. In this hay, some fifty-nine years since, the first Proclamation of Bitish sovereignty over New Zealand was read, and within a few miles from where we are now standing the Treaty of Waitangi, which ceded these Islands to Her Majesty, was signed by the Native chief. Throughout the troubled and sometimes critical condition of affairs which attended page 67the early settlement of this colony, the loyalty and fidelity of the Native tribes residing in the Bay of Islands always shone out conspicuously, and now that, happily, peace and amity exist among all classes of Her Majesty's subjects in New Zealand, we beg to assure you that the residents of this district, both Native and European, are animated by the same feeling of loyalty to the Crown, and devoted attachment to the person of Her Majesty, and that we experience great pleasure in seeing your Excellency."

The Rev. Timoti Kiriwi, a Native clergyman, followed with the following address from the Natives: "Welcome, O Governor, the representative of our Queen; welcome to this of your tribes, the Ngapuhi, the tribe that first drew to land the the mana of the Queen. This is not an empty boast of ours. It was Ngapuhi that first planted Christianity in these Island, and from us spread the Gospel to the other parts of New Zealand. Peace was made among all the tribes of these Islands. The sea became calm, and there was peace throughout the land. After this our mother, Queen Victoria, desired to bring these Island under the authority of her Government, so that evil-doers might be brought to punishment, and the welfare of the two races fostered and encouraged. Our old men, who have now passed away, accepted the proposal. There stands the monument testifying to the fact. We have engraved on stone the words of the treaty agreed upon by Governor Hobson and the old chiefs of Ngapuhi, a reminder to beholders as to the fulfilment or otherwise of the words of the treaty. This treaty has been rained upon by the rain; it has been exposed to the blast of the strom; but the words are still clear; they cannot be obliterated. Owing to the evil counsels of certain persons, the thoughts of some of our old men became troubled, and they whished to annul the authority of our Mother, the Queen, but some other of our old men rose up and suppressed their evil designs. There are certain matters which cause us perplexity, but we will not allude to them here. Our desire now is to give you a hearty welcome, and to express through you our words of greeting to our Queen, and assure Her Majesty of our loyalty to her Government. We and our Pakeha friends are living together in peace; we are one people; we also desire to give words of greeting for Lady Ranfurly, and our earnest prayer is that you may both have peace, and enjoy good health in this land."

Mr. Heke then asked the Maoris whether they indorsed what he had said as to their loyalty to the Queen, and received a loud response in the affirmative.

His Excellency (the Earl of Ranfurly): The chiefs and members of the Ngapuhi Tribe,—I thank you for the true and loyal welcome accorded me as the representative of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. It is a pleasure to me to meet the descendants of those who in the past have taken part in both welcoming the Pakeha to these shores and in spreading the seeds of Christianity throughout the Native race. I am confident that loyalty which you have always given in the past you will freely give in the future, being, as you are, proud to acknowledge the mana of your Queen, who herself personally takes the deepest interest in the walfare of your race, and also proud to form an integral part of that nation which has over 350,000,000 subjects owning the same flag and the one lady as their Sovereign. It is with regret I hear that there are matters which cause you perplexity; and as there are here present many representatives from other tribes, and that you are gathered together to discuss matters concerning the welfare of your race, I desire to take this opportunity to say a few words both to your tribe and to the representatives of the other tribes who may be here to-day. Since my arrival in this colony I have endeavoured not only to visit the districts present inhabited by Pakehas, but also those inhabited by the Moaris. Thus I have already become acquainted with many of the leading chiefs of your race; and I trust that during my term of office in this colony I shall make acquaintance with the chief of every tribe and hapu in the country. You are doubtless aware that the official position and functions of a Governer are defined and regulated by the Constitution under which you live. The Maori people have now a fair share in the representative institutions of the country, and are therefore amenable to the same rules as their fellow-colonists. The sole responsibility of Native affairs which once devolved on the Governor is now a thing of the past, but it is not the less incumbent on him, as the Queen's representative, to watch over and safeguard the interests of the Native people as zealously as ever, and to see that the rights solemnly guaranteed to the tribes by the Crown in the now historic treaty, for which this spot is famous, are not infringed upon and violated. Her majesty the Queen expects the two races to live together in perfect amity—in fact, as brother. That, indeed, is the only way in which the interests of both races can be insured. It was with feelings of sorrow I heard that the industry of raising corn was now almost a thing of the past. In former years you used to export a fairly large amount of this necessary food-product from these northern coasts. This is indeed a retrograde movement; but still, if you look back fifty years, immense signs of progress are visible. Fifty years ago you were wretchedly clad, and blanket for day-wear was almost universal. You lived crowded together in the poorest of huts, lacking all the ordinary comforts of life; but to-day you form a most important section of the community, and are comparatively wealthy, your millions of acres of unsold land alone represetating an, enormous market-value. You enjoy all the privileges of representative government, and holding as you do seats in the Legislature, on the Native Land Court bench, and in the various Church synods, you already take an active part in the public life of the colony. It is of the utmost page 68importance for your future welfare that you should take advantage of the many object-lessons of industry which you see throughout the colony. The Pakeha settler has by his own labour and industry placed himself in the position he now holds, and it behoves you, too, to try to increase the prospority of your race by reviving the old industry of raising corn, and improving the land that is yours, so that "the talent," as the Bible calls it, which has been placed in your hands may prosper and increase, and not simply be buried in the ground. Many other industries besides agriculture are open to you, not the least in these northern districts being the kauri-gum and kauri timber industries, which give bread and employment to so many pakehas. I have heard with sorrow on more than one occasion a wail from your people at the paucity of the rising generation, and a cry of woe that so many great chiefs have [unclear: of] late gone to the far-off land from whence there is no return—chiefs whose names will not only live for ever in the hearts of the Maori people, but whose names are also held in reverence and respect by their pakeha brethren. I desire to express my earnest hope that the many bright children of your race whom I have met and talked to on this northern trip may, thanks to the care bestowed on them, live to take their places as active factors, desiring to increase the prosperity of the colony, and also the prosperity of your people. The older generations must not only live for themselves, but they must endeavour to build up their race; and, to do this, should adopt whatever sanitary precautions and modern ideas which, from their communication with ourselves, they must see [unclear: are] for the benefit of health and prosperity. It is useless for you to hold meetings year after [unclear: year] regarding grievances that are things of the past, and which cannot now be remedied. You should rather look forward to the future, and study also the present, dealing alone with what immediately concerns you and your welfare. Fifty-nine years ago your ancestors and great chiefs gave their adherence and implicit confidence on this historic spot to Her Majesty the Queen; and I trust this spot may also be memorable for our meeting to-day. Have I the full assurance of the chiefs as and Natives assembled here that for the future law and order will be observed, and that no further trouble shall occur? [To this the Natives readily assented.] Well, then, with a view of promoting love between the two races, I, as the representative of Her Majesty, will exercise the power of clemency given to the Crown, and those who have erred shall be restored to you ("Hear, hear," and applause.) There are other grievances which you consider exist. The redress of these grievances by Parliament must depend entirely on the good conduct of your race. To Parliament you must look for relief; and Parliament will, no doubt if you prove yourselves good and useful citizens, do full justice to you. I have the assurance of my Ministers that they have every desire to promote your welfare, and that any laws existing which you allege press harshly or unduly upon you shall receive every consideration.

The Natives then gave a haka of joy, emphasizing and approving the Governor's address.

His Excellency then replied to the address read by the Hon. H. Williams. He said,— It is with much pleasure that I have visited the historical and deeply interesting locality, where the sovereignty of Her Majesty was first proclaimed over this Island, and where Christianity had its first foothold, owing to the self-sacrifice and heroic devotion of the band of brave men who came here at the risk of their lives to preach the Gospel. In conclusion, I must express to Pakeha [unclear: and] Maori alike my great regret that Lady Ranfurly was unable to have visited you with me this day. I am sure she would have much liked to have been present, and to have made the acquaintance both of the inhabitants of the district and of the Natives and their wives. I hope, however, [unclear: that] on some future occasion she will be able to accompany me here.

The Natives then sang a Maori version of the National Anthem, as follows:—

E te Atua Tohungia te Kuini (God save the Queen).

Me tohu e te Atua
To matou Kuini Pai
   Kia ora ia.
Meinga kia maia ia
Kia Hari nui Kia Koa
Kia Kuini Tonu ia
   Tau Tini noa.

Ko ona hoa whawhai
Kia koro maia mai
   Kia whati noa.
Me whakararu mai
A ratou Hui e koe
To matou Kuini Pai
   Kia ora ia.

Nga Tino mea Papai
Me Tuku mai e koe
   Maua katoa.
Koia kia Kuini Roa
Hei Take mo te koa
E mapu ai te Reo
   Kia ora ia.

page 69

The vice-regal party and the leading Natives were then grouped in front of the Waitangi obelisk and photographed.

After His Excellency had shaken hands with a number of the chiefs, the whole party adjourned to the nikau whare, headed by the Kaeo Band, where luncheon was served in admirable style. The Hon. H. Williams presided, and was supported on the right by the Governor and Mr. Carroll, and on the left by the Premier. Among those present, in addition to the Vice-regal party, were the Rev. Canon Walsh, the Rev. W. Gittos, Mr. Clendon, S. M., Surgeon-Major Watling, Dr. Barr, Messer. Houston, Hone Heke, and Henare Kaihau, M. H. R.'s, Mr. Tunbridge (Commissioner of Police), Messrs. Ludbrook, Stewart, McAlister, Clark, Horace Williams, Willis, Hall (members of the County Council), Inspector Cullen, &c. There were also present about twenty-five of the principal Native chiefs, including Raniera Wharerau, Maira Kuao, Pokiha Taranui (Rotorua). Moki te Atamukoia (Hawke's Bay), Tane Horatau, &c.

After the party had lunched, the toast of "The Queen" was proposed by the chairman (the Hon. Mr. Williams), and duly honoured. In proposing the toast of "His Excellency the Governor" to the mixed assembly of settlers and Maori chiefs, the chairman said: We appreciate the great courtesy of His Excellency in honouring us with his presence on this occasion, and we regret very much that Lady Ranfurly has not been able to accompany him as anticipated. This gathering of Maori chiefs has been convened by the Ngapuhi Tribe to meet the representatives of all the Native tribes of the Island to unite in one great effort for the benefit of the Maori race, and is called the "whakakotahitanga"—that is, the federation of the tribes. They are very pleased to take advantage of the occasion offered them to unite with the settlers in showing their loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen, through her representative now present among us, and they call His Excellency's attention to the fact that they and their pakeha friends are living together in peace and amity as one people.

I will now speak with reference to the Maoris. Welcome, O Governor, to your people, the Ngapuhi. Let your countenance shine upon us. We and our European friends live here in peace and in friendship as one people. Long life to you, O Governor.

Ka huri tenei ki te taha Maori. Haere mai e te Kawana ki to iwi ki a Ngapuhi, titiro mai ano hoki o kanohi, tenei matou ko o matou hoa pakeha te noho tahi nei i runga i te pai me te rangimarie, he iwi kotahi matou. Kia ora koe e te Kawana.

His Excellency, in reply, said,—I thank you for the manner in which you have drunk my health as Her Majesty's representative. It has been a great pleasure to me to be here to-day at your meeting, and to have taken part in such a gathering as that which we have just left. I understand from the speech of your chairmain that one of the objects of that gathering is the federation of the tribes. We all know that "union is strength," and therefore the federation of the tribes should largely benefit the Maoris. The federation of the tribes alone, however, is nothing. It is the federation of the tribes with English-speaking people of this colony that we want to see made even closer than it is at the present moment. We want the two races to be united as brothers in every respect. When I stand on this spot—a spot where for the first time the British flag was hoisted in these islands—I cannot help thinking what a great Empire ours is. This brings to my recollection the story of the spread of the flag of which we are so proud. I do not mean to take up your time by going through the whole history of the progress of our Empire, but there are some points that I cannot help mentioning. It is about three hundred years ago since the British flag was first hoisted in any country beyond Europe. At that time it was hoisted by Sir Walter Releigh—a gentleman who brought back to our shores a weed that is very popular with many in New Zealand, especially amongst the Natives—in the settlement of Virginia, in America. Sir Walter Raleigh brought back tobacco from the shores of Virginia, and taught the art of smoking, which has not only been a great boon and pleasure to the people of New Zealand, but I feel sure that those who are responsible for the finances of the country are only too glad to see tobacco consumed here. After Virginia we added Newfoundland to the flag, and following that a few parts of the West Indies. Then followed Quebec, where the great fight took place which made the name of Wolfe and the Heights of Abraham renowned amongst all English-speaking people. But it is principally in the reign of our present Sovereign (who rules so ably over us all), that our Empire has increased to its present vast proportions. At one time, what were but two or three small settlements, with a few score miles of territory round them, represented all our African possessions. Now, however, if we look at the countless millions of acres and the vast wealth of gold and diamond-fields which are embraced by the territory over which the British flag files, we marvel at what has been done in so short a time. Our policy has always been to allow the citizens, where-ever we have placed our flag, to as far as possible manage their own affairs. We have not, like other nations, when we have gone in for colonization, found it necessary to do so by means of soldiers; nor have we used our colonies as a source of income for the Mother-country. No; England's method has been to leave her colonies to take care of themselves—to guide them in the best possible manner, and to help them in their difficulties, but not to impoverish their resources. No doubt we do benefit largely by our colonies; we benefit by their trade with the Mother land; and in the hour of danger we shall benefit by our colonies being united together in one strong bond page 70of love and friendship with ourselves. I think, gentlemen, a long speech would be out of place at such a gathering as this; but let it be the endeavour of everybody here to foster that love and friendship which now exists in the strongest degree between the Mother land and every part of the Empire. Let it be the endeavour of every one to impress upon his children and his children's children the great deeds that have made our Empire what it is, and teach them that patriotism which exists so strongly now amongst us all, and to look (as we do) on the one Mother land as our home, and on the one Sovereign Lady the Queen (whom may God long spare) as the greatest and best monareh that ever in history (past or present) has ruled a vast Empire.

Tani Haratau, in proposing the toast of "The Right Hon, the Premier, and the Government," said,—It is one of the greatest joys of our hearts to see the Premier in this district, and to extend to him a cordial welcome. We hope that, as a result of this meeting, laws will be passed for the good of both races, and particularly the Maori race. Long life to the Premier.

The Premier (the Right Hon. Mr. Seddon), in reply, said,—I thank you exceedingly for the cordial manner in which the toast of the Government and myself has been received. Although unique, it was most properly performed by the worthy chief who has just spoken. I may say this is the first occasion upon which a toast has been proposed by a Maori chief, and I appreciate it to the fullest extent. The gathering here to-day is unique, and I feel sure the federation that we have had at this table has been appreciated by the representatives of both races, who have enjoyed the splendid repast that has been put before us. The chief asked that the Government would propound and pass such laws as would be for the benefit of both races, as the Pakeha would probably do for his own race, and concluded by wishing that laws would be passed in favour of the Native race. I can only say that so long as the present Administration has the control of the affairs of this country, so long will we endeavour to do justice to that noble race which is so worthily represented here to-day. I think that in New Zealand, by the combined efforts of those who have been intrusted with the affairs of the county and those attending to spiritual matters, more have been done to preserve the aboriginal race than in any other country. It must be admitted by all who have known the Native race that they are hospitable to the highest degree—that when they were powerful and numerous, and when the pakehas were few in number, they showed every hospitality and friendship to those who landed in their midst. Now that things have changed, and the Europeans are powerful and numerous, it would ill become those who claim to be British subjects if they were not to return that hospitality tenfold, and endeavour to preserve those who are left of the Native race. (Cheers.) I look upon the gathering of to-day as marking an epoch in the history of our country from which much good must result to both races. I am glad that the Ngapuhi have here with them representatives from other tribes; and I trust that their conference will result in their uniting to help each other, and in their looking to Parliament for the redress of any grievances that may exist. I assure them that the Ministry will use its best endeavours to further any effort in the direction of promoting good feeling between the two races. Speaking for the Parliament of New Zealand, I assure them that we desire to do that which is right and just; and I hope the Natives of this country will never have occasions to say that because the Pakehas are all powerful now, an injustice is being done to them. In the language of His Excellency, I say, Let them prove to the Pakehas by their conduct, and by their usefulness—let them show a desire for improvement, and at the same time observe the laws of the country (which are really more for the protection of the weak), and I can assure them that their appeal to Parliament will not be made in vain, and that the Government of which I am a member will endeavour to do everything possible that may be for the preservation of the Native race, and at the same time maintain the position that our colony occupies at the present moment. This is the first colony founded after our good and beloved Queen ascended the Throne, and it is the brightest gem in the British Crown. I have it from the lips of our beloved Queen that she always takes a deep interest in her beloved subjects in New Zealand. I therefore say that it will always be a pleasure to myself and colleagues to promote the well-being of each and every subject in our land, and especially to further the interests of that great and glorious Empire to which we belong. It is only a few months ago that honour was done to our colony by the invitation to take part in that glorious Jubilee—an event unparalleled in the world. At that celebration there were together representatives of the Native race and of the pakehas. On that great occasion, I can assure you, there was no contingent present, no representatives of any part of the Empire, who were thought so much of as the contingent sent to represent New Zealand. We have here at this table a representative of both races. May the present good feeling always continue. I beg to assure in the colony have the good things that are intended for them. I thank you very heartily indeed for the cordial manner in which the toast of the Ministry has been received. (Applause.)

Hon. Mr. Carroll: I have great pleasure on this occasion in acknowledging the honour which has been done me by the proposer of the last toast. We are indebted to him for the kind words which he has spoken, and I think we might excuse him for wishing that greater improvements should be given to legislation affecting the Native race. We must bear in mind that page 71he does not do so from selfish motives. As they are so far behind in the advantages of this world, it would be only fair to give greater attention to legislative enactments affecting the Native race. I look to the future with a great deal of hope; I think the prospects are bright. Under a wise Government, and under the sovereignty of one of the greatest women that the world has ever seen, we are assisting in building up a great nation. I believe that New Zealand will in years to come be no small factor in building up a nation that will continue to hold the foremost place among the nations of the world. And in that nationality of the future, the Natives, I feel sure, will be a powerful influence. The Native race will never become extinct. They may lose numbers and colour; but a strong fusion of Scottish, English, and Maori blood will take place. (Applause.)

Mr. Clendon, S. M., Proposed the toast of "The Members of the General Assembly," to which Mr. R. M. Houston, M. H. R., replied.

His Excellency the Governor: It gives me the greatest of pleasure to propose the toast of "Our Maori friends". The warm reception that I have received everywhere from the Natives of this colony must alone make me extremely friendly to them. Personally, I take the deepest interest in their welfare. I regret that they have difficulties, but I look forward to the day when all their difficulties shall be surmounted. A difficulty is a thing to be overcome. If there are real difficulties, they can, I have no doubt, be put right. I feel confident that our meeting to-day is one that will be noted in after-history—that this will be a red-letter day, which will link closer together the two races. It is a day when they can talk over the misunderstandings that have arisen, and no doubt, with slight explanation and slight alteration, all grievances may become a thing of the past. Trusting that this may be the case, and looking forward with hope to the future, I have the greatest pleasure in proposing the toast of "Our Maori friends," and in wishing them long life and prosperity. With the toast I couple the name of Raniera Wharerau.

Ramera Wharerau: Your Excellency, Mr. Chairman, and gentlemen, I feel greatly honoured at the manner in which the toast of the Native race has been proposed by His Excellency the Governor. I am delighted to see here such a representative gathering of people from the district, and also representative Natives from other parts of the colony. It has been our great desire to invite His Excellency the Governor here to show Her Majesty's representative the loyalty of the Natives in this district, and also that of the other Natives represented here from other parts of the colony. I am also glad to see in our midst the representatives of the Natives in the Parliament of New Zealand—namely, Henare Kaihau and Hone Heke. I repeat again that I am very glad indeed that we have had the pleasure of meeting His Excellency the Governor; and allow me to take this opportunity of thanking you, Mr. Chairman, and all the others who have been connected with me in trying to help the Natives to provide the lunch of which you have just partaken. I am also glad to see this day the Hon. the Premier, accompanied by his honurable colleague, Mr. Carroll, and also the head of all the Forces of the colony. In conclusion, allow me to express the hope that you may all live long in prosperity, and that this shall not be our last meeting.

The Premier, in proposing the health of "The Chairman," the Hon. Henry Williams, said,— The name that Mr. Williams bears is one that in the past has always been, and will in the future continue to be. respected by both races in the colony. Whether in connection with the Church or in pioneer settlement, those who bear that name have done their part with credit to themselves and with benefit to the colony. In the north of Auckland, in Hawke's Bay, and in other districts. I have been assured time and again that they had done good work for the colony: and I, for one, when the opportunity offers, will never deny to those who have assisted in the work of colonisation that meed of praise which they are justly entitled to. The services of our worthy chairman, on occasions of great moment to both races, have always been cheerfully rendered. It is therefore only fitting that I should take this opportunity of paying a just tribute to the name he bears. In doing this I feel sure you will give me your hearty support.

The Chairman: I thank you very heartily for the way in which you have received the toast: and I thank the Right Hon. the Premier for his generous reference to the work done by those members of my family who came to this colony to bring the glad tidings of the Gospel to the heathen long before it was over contemplated that it would become a British colony, and for his appreciation of the work done by them as having been of benefit to the colony. I can only say it has been a labour of love, and I can assure him that those of us who remain—and their name is legion—will be ever ready in time of need to render to the Government all the assistance in their power. I claim to be a very old settler in this district. I came here in the year 1823; that was before many of you were born. During that time I have witnessed many rough scenes, and can appreciate the change in the Maori character; and it is very gratifying to me to find so many chiefs here to meet here to meet His Excellency as the Queen's representative. You are aware that last year our friends the Ngapuhi were under a cloud, through the folly of one man. who together with his comrades are now paying the penalty. It was particularly gratifying to me to learn to-day that His Excellency proposes exercising the right of clemency which he possesses by pardoning these people. I feel sure that the extension of the clemency will bear good fruit. The other Natives here, who were as much hurt at the action of those misguided individuals as were their pakeha friends, will be responsible for their good behaviour in the future. I am sure that this meeting of page 72the Natives with His Excellency will do an immense amount of good in the district. It is an act of Kindness on the part of His Excellency, and is highly appreciated by the Ngapuhi Tribe and the rest of the Native race. The Europeans here, who take an interest in the Native questions, are also much gratified. I thank you for your kindness.

His Excellency then bade adieu to the Natives, and, with his staff, returned to Russell by the Government steamship "Tutanekai."