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Proceedings of of the Kohimarama Conference, Comprising Nos. 13 to 18 of the "Maori Messenger."

Reply from Ngaiterangi

Reply from Ngaiterangi.

Kohimarama,
July 16, 1860.

Friend, the Governor,—

Salutations to you! Hearken! These are the thoughts of our hearts on these laws which have been explained to us. We have discovered no fault whatever with the Queen or with you, O Governor, and we therefore, come to you as to our father. "For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." We have therefore thought in our hearts that there are two races inhabiting New Zealand, viz., Pakehas and Maories, that have been united by the law, and are now as one. What we are pleased with, is, the Government, and the bestowing upon us of the laws for the punishment of great offences, about land, and murder, &e., and also for the correction of small offences. We highly prize these laws. Witness the word in Matthew, 5th chapter and 5th verse, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." Enough on that subject. And now O Governor—hearken, you and your runanga! We have sought for some means of suppressing this King that he might be altogether put down, but have not been able to find any; the reason is, that he has sold the protecting name of the Queen for the title of Maori King. The only plan we can see to put down this Maori King is, for us to treat page 20 the matter with indifference. Do not put it down by force, for all the Maori Chiefs are with you, O Governor. This is our view of the matter. Another thing that we know is, that that King movement will not prosper, as there is no fruit. It is said in Matthew 7th chapter and 16th verse, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." Enough on that subject.

Friend, the Governor,—There are two feuds at Tauranga,—one about land, and the other to seek payment from us for the men killed just lately,—in the month of February. But we are now holding to the law. We will not conceal anything from you, for we are now united under our kind Queen.

This is another matter. Our land at Tauranga was owned formerly by a different people,—by Ranginui. Our ancestors made war upon them and took the land. It was inherited by their children, and has thus descended to us. Now the descendants of the conquered tribe, who are related to us through inter-marriage, insist upon having it back. This is not right, inasmuch as we were the conquerors and our "mana" over this land has never been lost. Enough of that. This is what we have thought in our hearts respecting the terms of the Waitangi Treaty. They are as they should be, and by adhering to them our present plans will prosper. Yes—we consent that she, that is, the Queen, shall have the sovereignty, so that she may look to these two races, the Pakeha and Maori. Yes, we will cling to you, O Queen, and [to you] O Governor! There is no power that can put down the Queen for we are now united.

Friend, the Governor,—Be kind to your Pakeha and Maori children. Our hearts are set upon promoting the good of New Zealand. This is all we have to say to you, O Queen, and O Government.

From Tomika Te Mutu,
Wiremu Patene Whitirangi,
Hamiora Matenga Tu,
Hamuera TePaki.