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 Tapuika.

Hearken to my words! There is nothing left for me to say more than what I have already said in my letter. I have said that I desire peace and that evil will be forsaken by me. My desire is toward God who caused the sun to shine on New Zealand. If he find any fault in me I myself suffer. My desire is toward the Queen. Her goodness consists in this: the evil man is punished when his offence is proved—he himself suffers the penalty for it,—and the good man is protected.

Friend the Governor,—This is my word to you. Make peace with your enemy—Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake. If peace is made between you, then will the words of the Governor's address, at the commencement of this Conference, be fulfilled. I refer to these words, "that the two races of New Zealand may prosper." Take no notice of that [Maori] King. Know this, it is like one dog snarling at another who is in possession of food coveted by both. Another comparison is, Satan, for Satan calls himself a God.

Now therefore, O Governor, hear my words! Should any one interfere with me in the possession of my piece of land, I will refer the matter to the Magistrates. It is my wish to do the same with regard to every thing belonging to me, and, whether the parties concerned be Maori or Pakeha, to let all matters be submitted to a regular tribunal.

This is all I have to say to you.