Title: Proceedings of of the Kohimarama Conference, Comprising Nos. 13 to 18 of the “Maori Messenger.”

Publication details: Auckland

Part of: He reo ture nō te taha Kāwana / Language of the Crown

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Reply from Parawhau. No. 1

Salutations to you! This is my word which I send that you may view it; and although it may not be correct, it will nevertheless have come before you. It is this.—You have commenced to explain matters to us, to the Maori Chiefs. Contine to do so every year. If this is to be the only time—this day in the year 1860—then the light that shines from the candle set up in this dark house, will cease at once. I ask, will it have any effect or not? I say, therefore, let this be done every year, lest these sheep which are now gathered under your wings and under the wings of the law should stray. Enough of that word. Here is another. I think that some of the Ngapuhi Maories should take part in the administration of justice, and in all the matters dealt with by the English runanga. I think that some of the Maories who are competent should take part in that work. Enough.

This is a word on another matter. In selling land, we receive but a small price per acre, namely, two shillings per acre for the good portions, and sixpence per acre for the inferior. This causes disatisfaction. The heart is not content with that price. Enough upon that.

This is another word. Father, the Governor, I sought in vain, to detect a fault in your words. I could not find one. This is what I saw.—this belt which you have belted round these Maori Chiefs. Consider carefully what the runanga understand about it. This belt or bond of union will not break. [gap — reason: damged] it been a pongi belt which you had bound these Chiefs with, it might break; but as it is a belt of gold, I say, it will not part.

That subject is done with. Another page 11 matter. The Treaty of Waitangi has been brought forward, and I say, therefore, that the Ngapuhi have come under your wings like chickens. Heke's doings covered over those words at Waitangi; but that was nothing—the thatch had scarcely blown from your house, when it was replaced, and all made right, and the goods in the house were saved. You have made known in the midst of this runanga the treasures conferred upon us by Governor Hobson in the Treaty of Waitangi. This letter is concluded.