Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Letter from Wi Patara to Tamati Ngapora on 27 April 1863

‘Ngaruawahia, April 27, 1863.

‘To Tamati.

‘Salutations to our brethren, our fathers, and the tribe. Probably the evil tidings of the doings of Ngatimaniapoto, in violently expelling Mr Gorst and trampling on the word of the King, have reached you. The present time is a time of darkness; it is impossible to guide matters aright. The Ngatihaua are leading on a straight road; but the tribes that do right are called “Queenites” by the Ngatimaniapoto; while of those that do wrong, it is said that they belong to the King. At the present time the burden of our affairs is very great. Potatau's words are altogether set at nought, and the word of any common man is by them considered right. They say that by their plans the King will be established: they have not kept one of Potatau's words, nor of his successor's. They say to the Pakehas living among them, whether missionaries or settlers, that if they acknowledge the sovereignty of the King, they will be allowed to remain, but that whoever declares himself a subject of the Queen will be expelled, although the land he lives on may be his own.

‘The Ngatimaniapoto are gone to occupy Waitara under Hikaka, Tikaokao, and many other Ngatimaniapoto chiefs: they have gone to drive away the soldiers who garrison Waitara. page 235 Perhaps the first mischief may not be at Tataraimaka; those at Waitara may be the most hasty to begin the war.

‘Rewi and the Urewara (an East-Coast tribe) have demanded that Te Ia should be given up to them, to do as they may think good. We said, “He must be a mighty magician who will uncover the incantations which have been laid at that place. Peace has been many times made there. Pukehawani1 is laid there. Rather let the other side be the first to leap over.” Te Paea and I were at Kihikihi.

‘From

Wi Patara.’

2