In April, 1866, the Superintendent purchased the Manawatu Block, said to contain 250,000 acres, from five tribes to whom the land did not belong, the sixth tribe, the Ngatiraukawa, with very few exceptions, refusing to sell (see Appendix, Dr. Featherston's report). Dr. Featherston states, "It was tacitly admitted by Aperahama te Ruru and Nepia (both Ngatiraukawas) that although they were now opposing the sale, they could not suggest any other way of settling their quarrel with the Ngatiapa." How could they? Their rents were impounded. Dr. Featherston tells them that to attempt to settle the matter by arbitration, by a division of the land, or by investigation in a court of justice, would be a mere farce. Parakaia in his petition exclaims, "Alas! for the treaty of Waitangi;" might not these men have exclaimed, "Alas! for the grand desire of the British colonists, whatever can have become of it." Those two men have since signed the deed of cession.

The following appears in a memorandum drawn by the Ministers in 1860:—"The grand desire of the British colonists in respect of the Natives, is to see the Maori people rendered amenable, in their dealings with the settlers to British law .... that all the inhabitants of New Zealand should be subjected to the control of one equal law."

The following is in Mr. Weld's memorandum, drawn in 1860, in reply to Sir William Martin:—" The practical issue now, is whether the natives are peaceably to appeal to the justice of the British Government for the recognition of their rights, or whether, if they think those rights are infringed, they are to resort to force of arms." In Mr. Richmond's memorandum:—"One practical issue now being tried, is, whether the Natives are in future to trust to the justice of the British Government for the recognition of their rights, or to force of arms."

In a despatch from Mr. Cardwell to Sir George Grey is the following:—

"Downing Street,

26th April, 1864.

"I conclude by expressing an earnest hope that the operations in which General Cameron has been engaged may have already terminated the war, and shall rejoice when I am able to congratulate you on having succeeded, by the wisdom of your measures and those of your Government, by the skill of that distinguished commander, and by the valour of the Queen's troops and seamen, in restoring the blessings of order and good government to the Country intrusted to your care.

"I have, &c,

"Edward Cardwell."