The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 63
Copy of a despatch from Governor Sir G. Grey, K.C.B., to the Right Hon. the Duke of Buckingham
Copy of a despatch from Governor Sir G. Grey, K.C.B., to the Right Hon. the Duke of Buckingham.
"My Lord Duke,—
2. | I enclose at the same time copies of two Memoranda which I have received from my responsible advisers, in which they explain the circumstances connected with this transaction. |
3. | Your grace will observe that they state that the Petitioners have been repeatedly assured that full justice shall be done them; that the land in dispute has not yet even been surveyed, except to define certain reserves for the sellers of it; and that they hope ultimately that a just and satisfactory settlement of the case will be made. |
4. | I should have desired that, if possible, these claims should, in the usual way, have been submitted to the decision of a legally constituted Court, empowered after hearing the parties in the case, to have pronounced a judicial decision regarding it; and that the natives should in this manner have been taught to submit all their disputes, however complex, to a judicial tribunal. |
5. | On the other hand, it is alleged that it would be impossible to give any decision in this case which would not be challenged by the disappointed party and would not give rise to such a feeling of bitterness as might involve the country in serious disturbances; and as the Local Government and the general Assembly are now responsible for the peace of the country, it would be difficult to interfere with their deliberately formed views on this subject. |
6. | My belief is, that a strong and influential party in the Assembly and the country, will carefully watch this case, which has obtained considerable [unclear: otoriety], and that it is extremely improbable that any injustice can be done |
" I have, &c.,
" (Signed)G. Grey."
"His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos."
Petitions noted in the margin—(1), Parakaia; (2), Hare Hemi Taharape; (3), Pumipi Te Kaka; (4), Paranihi Te Tau; (5), Rawiri Te Wanui; (6), Te Hoia.