Page 20.

This argument could not he admitted even if there existed any doubt as to the occupation by the invaders. But whatever weight it might have had if the fact had been as here stated by Sir W. Martin, it must certainly fall to the ground if the assumption on which it rests is untrue. The occupation, cultivation, and possession by the invaders has been shown above (Note, p. 12). But further, as was shown in the Governor's despatch of 4th Dee. 1860, Wiremu Kingi asked and obtained the permission of Waikato to return. He knew very well, no one better, that it was not enough to get the consent of Sir George Grey—even when obtained by a distinct promise (which he broke) of settling on the north bank of the Waitara—without ensuring the sanction of Potatau. The Maories know too well that the British Government has hitherto allowed them to fight out their own land quarrels in all parts of the North Island, to expect any safety on account of the Queen's sovereignty, against their Maori enemies.