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

The Maori Messenger. — Te Karere Maori. — Vol. VII.] Auckland, August 15, 1860.—Akarana, Akuhata 15, 1860. [No. 16

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The Maori Messenger.
Te Karere Maori.
Vol. VII.] Auckland, August 15, 1860.—Akarana, Akuhata 15, 1860. [No. 16.

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The Conference at Kohimarama has at length closed its proceedings. His Excellency the Governor, attended by his suite, landed there from the Pinnace of H.M.S. "Niger" on the morning of the 11th instant. The Chiefs, who had assembled on the beach to welcome him (according to Maori usage), formed themselves into a procession—headed by Paora Tuhaere, a Ngatiwhatua Chief, who carried the British Ensign—and escorted the Governor to the Conference Hall.

Having taken his seat His Excellency formally dismissed the Conference with a short speech, which was interpreted by Mr. McLean (the Native Secretary) and loudly applauded by the Chiefs. This speech will be found in another column of to-day's "Messenger."

Mr. McLean having called on Hori Kingi Te Anaua, a Wanganui page 2 Chief, to step forward, His Excellency presented to him, in the name of Her Majesty the Queen, a very handsome staff, with silver mountings, and having the Royal Arms and the Chief's name engraved thereon; and at the same time requested him to take charge of three similar staffs for other Wanganui Chiefs, namely, Te Mawae, Pehi Turoa, and Aperahama Tipai. His Excellency then said that he had been commanded by our gracious Sovereign to make this acknowledgment to the well known services rendered by these men to Her Majesty's Government in these Islands, and added that he was glad to have an opportunity of doing so in the presence of so many influential Chiefs from all parts of New Zealand.

Hori Kingi having received the staffs, turned towards the Conference, then towards the Governor, and spoke thus:—"Hearken, O Governor! Hearken, also, Chiefs of this Runanga! I have received the Queen's pledge (holding up the staff)—a pledge of her regard for her Maori subject. Now, hear ye! This shall also be the pledge of my allegiance to the Queen's authority. I shall be firm in my adherence to the Queen even unto death. And when I die my son shall take this staff and follow in the steps of his father: so shall it be an heirloom in my family, and a pledge of our loyalty, for ever! ever! ever!"

His Excellency then withdrew, and as he embarked the Chiefs assembled on the beach and chanted in chorus a farewell song. In the afternoon of the same day many of the Chiefs returned to Auckland in the "Emu" steamboat. The rest spent a quiet Sabbath at Kohimarama and came up on the following day, page 3 but being anxious to return to their kinsfolk and friends, many of whom are still ailing from Influenza, they tarried here only a short time and then started for their respective homes. Now that they are again amongst their people we would recommend them to imitate the example of Pita Te Hori (of Canterbury), who, on his return home, about a fortnight since, called a general meeting of the people of his district, and entertained them with a full account of the sayings and doings of their countrymen in the "great Conference."

Thus pleasantly closed the Kohimarama Conference—the first general meeting of New Zealand Chiefs. These men have shewn their wisdom in thus consenting to bury old ancestral hatreds, and jealousies, and in meeting each other with friendly greetings to co-operate in promoting the common welfare and advancement of their race. This betokens the dawn of a better day. Christianity has paved the way for the advancement of the Maori people, and now there are no hindrances to their progress but those arising from their own neglect or folly. If tribal enmities and thirst for Maori revenge are allowed to hold dominion over the Native mind, then their progress in civilization will be retarded, and the period that must elapse before their complete union with the Pakeha will be lengthened.

There is truth in the words of Tamati Waka Nene on the first day of the Conference—" When the Governor came he brought with him the Word of God by which we live; and it is through the teaching of that Word that we are able to meet together, this day, under one roof." Surely another day is dawning with the Maori people! They will now page 4 give up their barbarous Maori habits for the civilized customs of the Pakeha; they will abandon Ture Maori for the just and enlightened laws of the Pakeha; and they will turn away from fruitless wars and quarrels to cultivate the arts of peace. The proceedings of the late Conference afford evidence of this. The more intelligent Chiefs have given ample proof that they fully appreciate the advantage to the Maori people of such an institution. They look upon it as the first step towards self-government—the first step towards the representation of the Maori people in the Legislative Councils of the country. But they must follow up these advantages, or they will avail them little. The children should be sent to the Native Schools, provided by the Missionaries and by the Government, that they may be instructed in the learning of the Pakehas, and hereafter be better qualified than their fathers to sit in Council and deliberate on the affairs of their race. While the children are being instructed, the fathers must use all the intelligence God has given them, for the benefit of their people: so will the Maori race rise in the scale of civilization and take its place among the nations of the earth.

The Governor has promised that another Conference shall be held in 1861. Let it excel, in every respect, that of 1860. Whether it be convened at Auckland, or at Wellington, or elsewhere, let the attendance be a full one; let every tribe in the country endeavour to send a representative. Some have said that if the next Conference is held at Auckland the men from the "Head of the Fish" will not attend. Friends, let not this feeling prevail. The place of meeting is of secondary page 5 importance. Do not let a little tribal jealousy rob the people of that which is calculated so materially to promote their interests.

We desire to see the Maori people advance step by step on each succeeding year, so that eventually they may become a great and prosperous community, united with the Pakeha and enjoying with him the full privileges of British subjects.

In our next issue we shall give the concluding part of our Report of the Speeches.

We have received a very full account of the Native meeting at Canterbury, alluded to above, and shall lay it before our readers as soon as we have disposed of the press of matter relating to the Conference.

In another column of the present "Messenger" will be found a series of resolutions. passed by the Conference on the last day that it sat. These resolutions, with one exception, were carried unanimously. We are, therefore, pleased to find that the foolish project of a "Maori King," to which we adverted in a former number, is so unhesitatingly condemned by a large body of most influential and intelligent Maories. And in connection with this we may mention that our latest information from Waikato is to the effect that some who were lately strong advocates of the King Movement have now declared themselves opposed to it. They perceive that it can lead to no good, and that the Maori people are wasting their time and their energies over a bubble which is destined soon to vanish.

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We do not believe that the promoters of this movement ever meant any harm or were actuated by a spirit of hostility to the Europeans. Like children they have been led away by their fancies; and, in like manner, when they are tired of their toy, we expect to see them cease playing and return to their parent, the Governor, to work with him in promoting the true interests of the Maori people.

Proceeding of the Kohimarama Conference

Resolutions adopted by the Conference on the 10th August, 1860.

The Chiefs having assembled in the Conference Hall, Paikea rose and proposed the following Resolution:—

"That this Conference takes cognizance of the fact that the several Chiefs, members thereof, are pledged to each other to do nothing inconsistent with their declared recognition of the Queen's sovereignty, and of the union of the two races; also to discountenance all proceedings tending to a breach of the covenant here solemnly entered into by them."

Seconded by Te Manihera Ruia.

Mr. McLean then said, "Let those Chiefs of the Conference who approve of this hold up their hands."

Resolution carried unanimously.

Wiremu Nero Te Awaitaia rose and proposed:—

"That this Conference is of opinion that the project of setting up a Maori King in New Zealand is a cause of strife and division, and is fraught with trouble to the country."

Seconded by Hamiora Matenga Tu.

Mr. McLean said again, "Let those Chiefs who approve hold up their hands." At this point there was some confusion. Tukihaumene, and some other of the older Chiefs, cried out to those who were holding up their hands, "What! do you consent to the King?" Some of the Chiefs then said, "Let us lift up our hands, and then lower them to the ground, as a token of our disapproval of the King "The Resolution was again put to the Meeting, and many of the Chiefs lifted up their hands, and page 7 then lowered them to the ground. But some of them who are related to the Waikato people remained still, and did neither approve nor disapprove of this Resolution.

Proposed by Winiata Pekamu Tohi-teururangi, and seconded by Perenara:—

"That this Conference having heard explained the circumstances which led to the war at Taranaki, is of opinion that the Governor was justified in the course taken by him; that Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake himself provoked the quarrel; and that the proceedings of the latter are wholly indefensible."

Mr. McLean said again, "Let those Chiefs who approve lift up their hands." There was a good deal of confusion. Te Makarini Te Uhiniko got up and said, "My reason for rising is that I do not see many hands lifted up." Herewini Te Amohau, rising up, addressed Te Makarini Te Uhiniko thus: "Your opposition to the Governor is of old; that seems to be your chief work." Te Makarini replied, "I am not opposing now, for I lifted up my hand."

Proposed by Wiremu Tamihana, and seconded by Te Manihera Matangi:—

"That this Conference deprecates in the strongest manner the murders of unarmed Europeans committed by the Natives now fighting at Taranaki."

Resolution carried.

Proposed by Tamihana Te Rauparaha, and seconded by Mete Kingi:—

"That this Conference desires to thank the Bishop of New Zealand for his kindness in allowing them the use of the buildings at Kohimarama." Resolution carried.

Proposed by Wiremu Patene Whitirangi, and seconded by Hamiora Matenga Tu:—

"That this Conference desires to thank His Excellency the Governor for his goodness to the Maori people; that is, for his constant kindness and love towards them; and also, for granting them this great boon, the Runanga whereby they are enabled to express their views, and to propose measures for the settlement of the difficulties which arise among the Native people."

Resolution carried.

Proposed by Makarini Te Uhiniko, and seconded by Tamihana Te Rauparaha:—

"That this Conference desires to thank their friend, Mr. McLean, for his great exertions on their behalf, and for his kindness to the Natives of this Island of New Zealand; page 8 and to assure him that if he should ever leave this country he will never be forgotten by this Runanga—never! never !" Resolution carried.

To prevent any misunderstanding, the Resolutions were afterwards written out, and it was requested that those Chiefs who approved of them should sign their names thereto. The following signatures were attached, viz.:—

  • Wiremu Nero Te Awaitaia,
  • Hemi Matini,
  • Hetaraka Nero,
  • Tamati Waka x Te Ruki,
  • Hapeta Waka, x his mark,
  • Reweti Waikato, x his mark,
  • Mohi Te Rongomau,
  • Matutaera Punga-a-waka, x
  • Winiata Pekamu Tohi Te Ururangi, x
  • Tomika Te Mutu, x
  • Wiremu Patene Whitirangi, x
  • Hamiora Matenga Tu, x
  • Hamuera Te Paki, x
  • Maihi Te Pohepohe, x
  • Menehira Kingi Te Rakau, x
  • Makarini Te Uhiniko,
  • Mohi Kupe, x
  • Topine Te Amohau, x
  • Te Herewini Te Amohau,
  • Tamati Wharehinaki, x
  • Aomarere Te Puna,
  • Takerei Te Nawe, x
  • Hope,
  • Wiremu Kingi Tutepakihirangi,
  • Taiapo Te Waiatua, x
  • Ngahuruhuru, x
  • Tauaru, x
  • Ngarama Te Tipitipi, x
  • Kingi Wiremu Hakitara, x
  • Hemi Parai, x
  • Te Rawharitua, x
  • Himiona Mohaka,
  • Manihera Te Hinaoterangi, x
  • Hori Te Kotuku,
  • Kihirini Te Tuaahu,
  • Taiaroa, x
  • Perenara Te Haukopa,
  • Parakaia Tararoa, x
  • Hohepa Tamaihengia, Ngatitoa, x
  • Hohaia Pokaitara,
  • Nopera Te Ngiha, x
  • Ropata Hurumutu, x
  • Horopapera Pnkeko, x
  • Rawiri Waitere Hikihiki, x
  • Te Rapihana Te Otaota,
  • Hapimana Ngapiko,
  • Kuruho Rangimaru,
  • Moroati Kiharoa,
  • Ihakara Tukumaru,page 9
  • Horomona Toremi, x
  • Tamihana Te Rauparaha,
  • Matene Te Whiwhi,
  • Te Ahukaramu, x his mark,
  • Parakaia Te Pouepa,
  • Wiremu Te Ahukaramu,
  • Paora Tuhaere,
  • Keene, x
  • Paraone Te Rangi
  • Hori Winiana,
  • Manukau Rewarewa,
  • Kepa Te Ahu,
  • Eruera Kahawai, x his mark,
  • Henare Kepa Te Ngae, x
  • Tereanuku x Te Hemara,
  • Henari Winiata, Paratene, x
  • Heremokene Rauparaha,
  • Wiremu Kingi Tuahangata, (Native Assessor,) x
  • Arama Karaka,
  • Kaitoke, x
  • Paikea Te Hekena, x
  • Arama Karaka Ngakete,
  • Pakirori, x
  • Pehimana Hanga, x
  • Taraipine Te Ama, x
  • Pera Taiki, x
  • James Parata Pomare,
  • Ruarangi, Timoti,
  • Hemi,
  • Tame, x Wiremu,
  • Hori Kingi, x
  • Tahana Turoa,
  • Kawana Paipai, x
  • Metekingi, x
  • Mawae, x
  • Hori Kerei Te Naeroa, x
  • Pehimana Hamarama,
  • Ihakara Rangiahua,
  • Hapurona Tohikura, x
  • Reihana Paruhi,
  • Ngapomate, x
  • Maihi P. Kawiti,
  • Manihera Te Iwitahi,
  • Wiremu Pohe, x
  • Whiremu Pomare,
  • Honetana Te Kero,
  • Hare Pomare,
  • Petaera Wharerahi, x
  • Kainamu Tarapo, x
  • Komene Te Ranginoa, x
  • Te Mutu Kuri, x
  • Hoani Wiremu Hipango,
  • Tamati Wiremu Puna x,
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Witness to signatures and marks—

Henry T. Clarke,

Resident Magistrate, Bay of Plenty.

The three other Chiefs who were present when the Resolutions were passed expressed some dissent, and were requested to record it in writing. They did so in manner following:—

We agree to these Resolutions with the. exception of one, which is not clear, and of which we therefore disapprove. It is Resolution III., viz.:—

"That this Conference having heard explained the circumstances which led to the war at Taranaki, is of opinion that the Governor. was justified in the course taken by him; that Wiremu KingiTe Rangitake himself provoked the quarrel; and that the proceedings of the latter are wholly indefensi-This is the Resolution of which we disapprove.

(Signed) Wiremu Tamihana Te Neke, (Signed) Te Manihera Matangi, (Signed) Epiha Karoro.

[i roto i te reo Māori]

Closing Speech of his Excellency The Governor, to The Maori Chiefs Assembled at Kohimarama, on The11Th Day of August, 1860.

My Friends, Chiefs of New Zealand,

"At this Conference, Chiefs from all parts of New Zealand have, for the first time, met together, You have received from me renewed assurances of Her Majesty's regard for your welfare, and you have heard the guarantees given in the Treaty of Waitangi repeated on Her Majesty's behalf.

Various matters upon which you were imperfectly or incorrectly informed, have been explained to you.

Your attention has been directed to the necessity of some better provision for the administration of justice in Native districts, and a code of Rules prepared by Dr. Martin (the late Chief Justice of New Zealand) has been submitted to you.

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You have been invited to consider the subject of Mixed Juries, in cases of murder, where persons of the Maori race are concerned.

Suggestions have been made to you for defining tribal boundaries to land, and securing individual titles, with the view of removing many of the difficulties at present surrounding Native Title.

The English law of succession to property, and the manner of making a Will, as a means of preventing future litigation, have been explained to you.

You have been requested to state your sentiments and wishes freely, and to make known your grievances, in order that (if possible) they might be redressed.

The circumstances which have led to the present disturbance at Taranaki have (at your request) been explained to you: and I think it right to repeat, that I was forced into this war by the aggression of Wiremu Kingi, much against my will; that I desire peace, but it must be peace based on the establishment of law and order, in the place of murder and outrage,—peace which will enable the Pakeha and the Maori to live together in quiet, and without fear or distrust of each other.

Nothing affecting the interests and welfare of your race has been concealed from you, and I doubt not you are quite sincere in the sentiments page 12 of loyalty to Her Majesty and friendship to the Europeans, which you have so generally expressed.

I trust, therefore, that this Conference will prove to have been the means of restoring and strengthening confidence between the two races. Convinced of Her Majesty's desire that her subjects should live in peace, you will return to your homes reassured, and enabled to correct any false impressions which may still linger in the thoughts of your people.

The education of your children, greater attention to the cultivation of the soil, the erection of better houses to live in, and the acquisition of European property, will, I sincerely trust, claim your chief attention, when you return to your people.

I shall have great pleasure in reporting to our most gracious Sovereign, that her Maori subjects, (in whose welfare she takes so deep an interest,) have conducted their first Conference in the most orderly and creditable manner, and that they have given ample proof that they are wanting neither in intelligence nor good feeling,—information which will be very gratifying to her, and scarcely less so to. her Pakeha subjects in England, as well as in New Zealand.

A faithful record of this Conference will be preserved by the Government, and I am sure that hereafter your children will peruse it with much satisfaction, as a history of the first step towards that self-government, which I trust they will comprehend and enjoy.

It now only remains for me to inform you that the Conference will be convened again next year, and the Assembly will assist me in page 13 devising measures for the establishment of order, and for the good of your race generally.

In the interval between the present time and the next Conference, I trust you will carefully consider the subjects to which your attention has been directed, in order that you may come prepared to express matured opinions, and to recommend measures for giving practical effect to your wishes.

Farewell, my Friends! and may God protect you and guide you in the ways of wisdom and in the paths of peace !"

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