Two codes of law have existed in New Zealand first the Native Ritenga, and at a subsequent period the Laws of England - By the former, all transactions must be judged, which occurred prior to the introduction of the latter; the expulsion of the Ngatiawa from the district of Taranaki occurred prior to the introduction of British Law - According to Native Custom a conquered territory belonged to the Conquerors, or if evacuated by them to such of the conquered tribe as remained on it - The rights of the conquered Natives, who were driven from the territory were extinguished equally with those of that portion of the tribe, who were carried into Captivity - The rights of the remaining Natives at Taranaki as well of those of the Conquering tribes were purchased from them by N.Z.Co. At this time the laws of England were introduced. Subsequently many of the natives who had been enslaved were allowed by their masters to return to their native Land, by threats and terror that they infused into the settlers and Government they obtained possession of the major part of the territory which had been sold by those who were under the old law of the country its rightful owners. April 11, 1846. This obtaining possession of the Country though unaccompanied by bloodshed amounts de facto to a Re conquest of the land in question. The whole matter therefore resolves into this question, can one body of British subjects obtain from another a valid right to land by conquest? [In the Rev. Richard Taylor's handwriting]