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An Epitome of Official Documents Relative to Native Affairs and Land Purchases in the North Island of New Zealand

Meeting held

Meeting held.

Having previously intimated to the chiefs my wish to meet them on the 12th, not less than three thousand Natives had collected at the Mission-station, between four hundred and five hundred of whom were chiefs of different degrees. At the appointed time for meeting I was mortified to observe a great disinclination on the part of the chiefs to assemble. After some delay, however, they began to collect; and at last the different tribes marched up in procession, and took their seats, something in the same order as was observed at Waitangi. Still I could not fail to observe that an unfavourable spirit prevailed amongst them.

The business of the day commenced nearly in the same manner as it had done on a former occasion, the Rev. Mr. Hobbs, of the Wesleyan Mission, interpreting. After a short address to the Europeans I entered into a full explanation to the chiefs of the views and motives of Her Majesty in proposing to extend to New Zealand her powerful protection. I then, as before, read the Treaty, expounded its provisions, invited discussion, and offered elucidation.

This undisguised manner of proceeding defeated much of the opposition, but did not to the extent of my wish or expectation remove the predetermination to oppose me that had already been manifested.