No. 2.
Translation of
Letter addressed by Karetai to His Excellency the Governor.
Friend the Governor,—
Dunedin, Teonetiui, 18th August, 1854.Do not take the land of my children, because this is the land of the children, this being the real land of the Natives. Friend the Governor, listen to my speech: At the Waiwhakaheki is the beginning, and goes on to Takihareiou. Pukekura is yours, and has been sold to the Queen some time, but Pukekura is the only part of Waiwhakaheki that is given up to you. Waiari is mine, but is taken by the Europeans. The boundary is at Taikorekore, and on to Kerekere; this is the Native boundary, and on to Waiari. Waiari belongs to Timoti. Onekopua belongs to Hawea. Aokanariki belongs to Ripeka, these being the owners and holders of the land; also, part of the land belongs to Oera. Friend the Governor, give me back the land as taken wrongfully by the Europeans, because I shall be made a poor man, as the greater portion of the land belongs to the Europeans. Now Waiari belongs to the Natives; the Koau is the protector of Waiari, also Pirihira; the boundary goes to Perewahirie, then comes that of Panapa and Pita, and Pukehau, because they are the men of Waiari.
Friend the Governor, salutations to you; my word to you is ended.
Karetai.
Tioti Timoti.
Rapata.
Ria Waiti.
Werohia Waita.
Te Kohu.
Pita Koi Koi.
Panapa.
Pukehau.
Teao.
Ripeka.
Kuiri Koau.
Pirihira Kuru.