LETTERS FROM NATIVES AT AHURIRI TO THE QUEEN AND GOVERNOR.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 3, 18 July 1861, Page 6 (Supplement)

LETTERS FROM NATIVES AT AHURIRI TO THE QUEEN AND GOVERNOR.

Pawhakairo, April 3, 1861, To the Queen of England,—Salutations to you. This is our word to you respecting the errors (troubles) of our land, which are going on here where your people, the Europeans, are fighting with us, the Maori people. The good which used to be associated with the mention of your name in our land, and which caused the Maoris of this Island to regard you as onr only mother, has been lost. 'While the proceedings of the first Governors were good, your name was then sweet to the hearts of your Maori people. Then matters went well, and both races, the Europeans and the Maoris, were satisfied. All proceedings were then dealt with by a Runanga (Council) ; what was seen to be right was agreed to, and what was seen to be wrong was negatived by your people of both races. Things were thus done at that time. The first Governors returned (to you) approved (with a good name). But when this Governor of yours was sent, the manner of proceeding then for the first time became strange. Your name also became strange to (ignored by) this people. Now for the first time we have been hunted with evil. As also it is a new thing for you to hear that tliis island is evil. You heard before that the Maoris were improving, but now the news reaches you that the work of this island is fighting. O Mother, do not listen to fabrications which are probably being written to you, to the effect that the Maoris are fighting against your sovereignty (chieftainship). It is a fabrication. Understand it is really a quarrel about laud. The years are many in which we have been talking quietly, and nothing has come of it. We then perceived that this is a real evil (grievance). On this account we thought that you should send a person to investigate this war that it may be made to cease. This is all our word to you. Salutations, From Tareha, Te Moananui, Renata Kawepo, Karaitiana Takaraoaiia, Noa Huke, Paora Torotoro Te Matcnga to Hokimate, Te Harawira Tnterc’ Moreua, Paruone Hakihaki, Rota Porehua, Te Harawira Takaao, Wiremu Tc Rewarewn, To Wiriliana Ponomni, Henore Te Apatari, Noa Ku'.iupuku, Tc Waaka Hiao, Tcllira To Ota, Tohutohu, To Tcira Te Paea, Paora Rerepu, Te, Haka, Porukoru Mapu. From us all, 17u of the men, Maori Chiefs of this place, Napier. Pawhakairo, April 3, ISGI. Friend the Governor, —Your letter has been received by us, nud your words are very clear on this account, therefore wo have thought that probably it is not from you that your land buyers have their mode of proceeding towards us, and. that perhaps you are not aware of their doings, as your letter states one tiling, and the proceedings of your agents go upon another plan. For this reason we now write to you, that you comply to, our request, that the strife at Taranaki should be made to cease, that the cause of the anger (fight* ing) may be sought; that it may bo seen whether the error is on the side of the Maori, or whether the fault is with your officers (agents), so that the shedding of innocent blood may he speedily made to cease; rather let the matter be investigated up to the point of these evils (errors), winch now lie before us. This is all upon that. Do not look at the smallness of our word, though it be but one, it is from our hearts; it is a word which is cherished by us clay and night, and it is that which comforts our hearts. This is also another subject, with reference to' your caution, nor to listen to the foolish talk, of Europeans or Natives; wo would also caution you against the false reports to the effect that-the-Mao-ries fight against the sovereignty of the Queen. It is not the Maori’s fight for his lands, which are being taken by means of the faulty purchasing of your agents during the years past. Friend, the ear unaccustomed to hear your words which were written to. us we shall not look for words as a reply to your-words, for your own words point out the wrong, and it lies on the surface (is plain enough to be seen) for your words have no authority. The fault is. (we want) a steadfast word from you, that we may understand. This is the word which will make great (make peace). Then we shall know (acknowledge) that to he a great word. Let it be referred to the Queen, to send a person to investigate this error, and make this war to cease. From all the chiefs of Heretanga, and the “ Runanga” of'Tamatea. From Karaitiana, Noa Eoko, Tareha, Renata, Moananui.