[Translation.]

Friend—salutations. We have heard that you have been appointed as a head of the Runanga in Auckland.

Friend Mr. FitzGerald. Here is one word to you about our land about Waihora; you yourself have seen that sheet of water which lies behind the mountains of Port Cooper; the Maoris catch eels there, and now we wish to sell that land (P water), because during the time that the lake was full of water, Mr. Kemp and Mr. Mantell laid down their money (in payment for the surrounding land); therefore they thought it not necessary to make any further payment for that land, and now the water is being let off by the Pakehas, that is to say by the Government, so as that land may be made a sheep station by the Europeans, and now there is very little (or no) water, it has be left for two or three years before there is sufficient water to overflow so as to enable us to catch eels; but no, it is being drained off by the Government, so as to be a source of emolument for them. Because of this we wish that payment be arranged to be given to us, for it is not well to take the land of any man away without a proper understanding, but rather let the arrangement be made straight at the present time. Therefore do we say, do you express this word of ours in the General Assembly, and make it clear to them; for we neither received a penny, halfpenny, nor a farthing from Mr. Kemp and Mr. Mantell in payment for that land. We received nothing at all on that account. Therefore we say, do you arrange about the payment to be given us for that land. If you look favourably on the word of Natanahira Waruwarutu and the great Runanga of Kaiapoi write to us; if not, write.

O friend FitzGerald, this work will not cease until it has been arranged. That is all.