Title: Proceedings of of the Kohimarama Conference, Comprising Nos. 13 to 18 of the “Maori Messenger.”

Publication details: Auckland

Part of: He reo ture nō te taha Kāwana / Language of the Crown

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Reply from Ngatikahungunu. No. 4.

Friend,—Salutations to you! I have come into your presence to hear your words. The words I sought are those which you have spoken, that is, that the Pakehas and Maories should cleave to each other and live together, and work together, and that they should be of one mind. These words were spoken by the first Governors. They have remained down to the present time and are now spoken by you. Your words all are to the same effect: they all mean good. Friend, I must say to you concerning this word, that our union is nominal—that our bodies are united, while our hearts are divided, that is to say, the page 43 hearts of the Pakehas and of the Maories. The cause of the separation is this: some Pakehas, both low people and gentlemen, have said that we, the Maories, are dogs in your estimation. These words are not of to-day; but from the rime of the first arrival of the Pakehas to this island these words have been used. There is only one word that is true, and that is the word of God. These words of men are of two kinds—good and evil. These words have a tendency to separate us.

Your word also about the protection of this island by the power of the Queen, which secures us from aggression by other nations, is correct. The island is preserved in safety by the name of the Queen. Your request that I should speak my thoughts, that you may hear them, is also right.

Friend, the Governor,—I gave my land whilst the sun was shining The parts that were retained were named whilst the sun was shining. The portions that were returned by the Queen were named whilst the sun was shining. Nothing was done in the dark. These lands are not yet settled so that each man may have his own. This has caused other thoughts to spring up; the lands not being speedily settled. Friend, this is why some men have made themselves a King. In my opinion there is only one true King, even Jehovah in Heaven, and all people who dwell beneath the skies should serve him only.

Friend, the Governor,—I heard nothing good of the first Governors. Only one Governor has conferred on the Maories the good things of the spirit and of the body, and has taken notice of the Maori children.

Friend, the Governor,—These words that you have spoken will not come to pass because the evil has now become deep. Why did you not devise some mode of proceeding during the years that are now passed? Now that this island is in confusion through the King movement, and through fighting, do you for the first time take steps in the matter.

Friend, I will not say many more words to you, for this reason, that I and my Pakeha friends are living together under one law.

This is all I have to say to you. From