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

Na Ngatitoa. No. 1

Na Ngatitoa. No. 1

Kohimarama, July 20, 1860.

My loving friend. Governor Gore Browne,—

I am but just recovered from a serious illness. I now wish to write a letter to you to express my appreciation of the clear address you read to us on the 10th July, 1860. I quite understand your words and the meaning of all I have read in that address. I shall be very sorry if this title of Maori King, invented by the tribes south of Auckland, continues to gain ground. But we must endeavour to suppress it in order that this name of disgrace may quickly disappear from this island. I am unable to put any other meaning upon the words which I have read with so much satisfaction than that which they so clearly convey respecting the continued affection and love of the Queen to her Maori people. I do not include those who are in arms against the Queen at Taranaki, but I mean those who are living quietly under the sovereignty of the Queen of England and of New Zealand. Your word also respecting our lands, recommending that they should be properly surveyed and brought under the operation of the wise laws of England, is clear. It has given us great satisfaction: now it will be clear. This runanga does not blame you with reference to the war which Wiremu Kingi is now carrying page 29 on against the Queen. All the particulars relating to the Taranaki land have been made clear to us by the explanation which Mr. McLean has given. This runanga is now satisfied that Wiremu Kingi was wrong in resisting the Queen's authority.

From Your Humble Servant,

Tamihana Te Rauparaha.

To Governor Gore Browne,

Auckland.