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

Reply from Ngatiwhakaue. No. 2

Reply from Ngatiwhakaue. No. 2.

Kohimarama, July 14, 1860.

Father, the Governor,—

We salute you! On the 10th of July we assembled before you, to hear an exposition of your just thoughts.

2. Listen Father! This is a pledge and an assurance which we now give you. We have, agreed to trust the protection of our land and other possessions to the laws.
3. We now abide by the Treaty of Waitangi.
4. One reason why we truly consent to the Queen is, that murderers be severely punished, and that all violent persons and thieves, and all who otherwise transgress the Law, may be judged.page 16
5. Father, we will faithfully adhere to the Queen. See! We have kept back nothing, but have expressed all our thoughts, and we have no cause of dissatisfaction to bring forward in reply to the invitation contained in your address. The heart is at rest and its thoughts have been made manifest to you. Nothing has been withheld by us. Every thing has been carefully examined. Your children may now rest in peace and contentment.
6. Father, the malice in men's hearts, leave to God. What the eye sees that alone, can the laws deal with. There are many Europeans who have learnt to speak Maori. What then is the reason?—why are we not admitted into your Councils to deliberate on matters affecting us both? One of our proverbs says—"Grow, O Law. Embrace, O Runanga." Enough on this subject. What follows is about the Maori King. We searched for some means of putting down this Maori King and found none, and for this reason, that he bartered the overshadowing protection of the Queen's name for the title of Maori King. The only thing we see is, that we will treat it with indifference. (Luke xiv. 11.) Do not make war upon him with words, for all the Chiefs are on your side. O Governor! first look to the root from which this thing, the Maori King, has sprung. Secondly, look at our words expressing our disapprobation of this Maori King, and, if this is not sufficient, let us know your own thoughts and how you would have us act.

Enough from your friends:
From Winiata Pekamu,
Topine Te Amohau,
Taiapo Te Waiatua,
Ngahuruhuru,
Henare Te Pukuatua.
Indeed, from the assembly of Whakaue.