Conclusion.

I do not know that there is anything further to refer to. I trust we shall from this time forward go on and work together for the benefit of both races. I also hope that my views on the various questions, and my replies to your communications, have been to your satisfaction, and that, as a result of this meeting, good will result to both races in all parts of the colony, and especially to those residing in the north of Auckland. For many months I have longed to meet you as we have met to-day. Your member will tell you, although he and I differ on several political questions, that in respect to the Natives it is the earnest desire of the Government to do What is just and right, and he fully believes the Government to be earnest and serious in their desire to promote your well-being. On my journeys through the various districts I made inquiries from Europeans, and was told that some of the tribes here were still pouri, and that there was trouble brewing, When they told me this I was pained, and I made up my mind, if at all possible, to clear away all the dark clouds. I feel that your meeting the Governor and myself face to face has been for good. In the morning the mist is in the valleys, and sometimes in the winter the mountains are covered with snow, but as the sun rises he clears away the mist, and the summer sun melts away the snow. What was wanting to clear away the dark clouds that have been hanging over you was that those in authority should have your confidence, and that you yourselves should realize that is only by both races working together that this can be done. Our meeting together, and the interchange of thoughts and explanation of actions that has taken place, will, I feel sure, help to remove all doubts and misgivings. I earnestly hope that the confidence now established may remain after you are gathered to your forefathers, and that it may continue for all time. You should say, "Let us keep on the lines laid down by our ancestors at time the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on this historic spot." If this is done there will be no further dark clouds. There is room enough for all. Let us live as one people in love and friendship, and enjoy the good things provided for us by Atua, our Creator. May you increase in numbers until you become as powerful as you were at the time of signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. May the love which the two races had for each other when you were powerful and the Europeans weak be renewed, and may the hospitality which you then showed to the Europeans be now shown by them to you. May every comfort and blessing provided by an all-wise and ever-seeing Providence be showered upon you.

Mr. Hone Heke: Could you ascertain from the Crown Law Officers whether papatupu lands are rateable?

The Premier: Yes; if situate within the road-distance limit.

Mr. Hone Heke: I have a further request to make on behalf of the chiefs present, and that is that these speeches be printed in pamphlet form, and placed within the reach of every Native throughout New Zealand.

The Premier: I, with pleasure, consent to the request to have the speeches printed and circulated as desired.

Mr. Hone Heke: I have to thank you and your colleague for coming to meet us to-day and addressing us in the way you have done. I would ask you to leave all the matters mentioned in your speech in our hands. We will meet after you have gone and seriously discuss the very important matters enumerated in your speech. I am sure every one here will join with me in the expression of gladness at the events of the last two days. We are glad that on your return to Wellington you will consider these matters, and will announce to me, or us, the result of your Cabinet decision.