.jpg)
Proceedings of of the Kohimarama Conference, Comprising Nos. 13 to 18 of the "Maori Messenger."
Reply from Ngatiawa. No. 1
Reply from Ngatiawa. No. 1.
Friend, the Governor,—
| 1. | Salutations to you. These are my words to you. England has fulfilled the law of kindness towards us as regards hospitals, schools, and the Magistrates. England's treatment of us in those respects has been just. |
| 2. | This is where England has failed as respects us. Those places where the Maori lands have not been sold to the Government do not participate in the privileges which are enjoyed elsewhere under English law. |
| 3. | I would now ask you—Why is not the law of England made to apply to the lands of the Maories, and Crown Grants given to the proprietors? |
| 4. | Then as regards cases of murder,—where one Maori murders another,—the law does not apply here. |
| 5. | The Maories lease their own lands to the Pakehas. The Law of England does not sanction this, fearing lest if the Maories turn their lands to account in this way, they will not be disposed to alienate them. |
| 6. | We would also call your attention to this fact. Though only three persons should speak to your Commissioners for purchasing land, they consent, and although the majority of the people go to protest against the words of those three, your Commissioners will not listen to them. |
| 7. | Again: the Law of England does not permit of the Church of New Zealand being, endowed with Native lands.page 52 |
| 8. | Those who are, unwilling to part with their lands are looked upon by the Government as bad men. Enough upon this subject. |
| 9. |
We will now refer to what is said in the 9th clause of your speech, referring to the assistance rendered by Waikato to William King in his war against the Queen. These are my sentiments in reference to that subject. Had you refrained from sending for reinforcements to Port Jackson and elsewhere to assist you in fighting Wiremu Kingi, then what you said [with reference to Waikato] would be Correct. Had you looked only to the Pakehas in New Zealand to carry on the war against Wiremu Kingi [then what I you say would be right,] but you have sent for Pakehas from abroad to fight Wiremu Kingi, whereas the Waikatos are inhabitants of New Zealand. |
| 10. |
Concerning the benefits conferred by the Governor on New Zealand. As to the first two Governors, we do not see what good they did for us. The laws of England were not explained to us by those Governors. Under Governor Grey's administration the laws of England were for the first time made clear in this Island. He caused roads to be made, hospitals and schools to be founded, and Maori Magistrates to be appointed. |
| 11. | It was the practice of Governor Grey to pay visits to the Maories. Though there might be only twenty or thirty residing at their settlement, Governor Grey would be found there, urging them to cultivate the soil and to do many other useful things. That was his constant practice. |
| 12. | From the time of your arrival up to the present we have not yet learned what are the thoughts of the fourth Governor. The first thing that we hear of your thoughts is, your being at war with Wiremu Kingi and your haste in sending soldiers to Waitara to fight. That is what we have heard concerning you, even your great haste to send soldiers to fight Wiremu Kingi; therefore we are alarmed at these indications of your thoughts. |
From Wiremu Tamihana Te Neke,
From Te Manihera Matanoiruhau,
From Hemi Parai,
From Te Rira Porutu.