TRANSLATION OF A MAORI ADDRESS

Lyttelton Times, Volume VII, Issue 438, 14 January 1857, Page 4

TRANSLATION OF A MAORI ADDRESS

TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR BROWNE, ON THE OCCASION OP HIS VISIT TO THE KOHANGA INSTITUTION, (From the 'New Zealander.') [The friend to whom we are indebted for the following interesting document, informs us that it was presented on the occasion of the late visit to the Institution by his Excellency. It wgs read in Maori by the head native teacher in the presence of the whole school, and of a number of native chiefs who had come from some distance to meet the Governor. One of the chiefs presented an address in the name of his tribe, Ngatipou. After|his Excellency had replied, the chiefs severally addressed him. The main purport of their speeches was to urge that no alteration should be made in the Administration of Native affairs :—that the Natives preferred being under 'he direct management of the Governor; that it was not fair that a Blackskin should be placed so entirely as is contemplitted, in the power of the White-skin; that Salt-water and Fresh-water do not exist well together ; and that if their affairs are to be put into the hands of any Komiti (committee), they should be placed in the hands of a Komiti formed of their own race.—Editor N Z.j We, the Teachers and Students of this Institution, beg- to present our welcome to you, the Groat Chief, en 'tills the first occasion of your visit to Kohanga. We are aware that to you, who have seen similar institutions in the great country, but

little can be presented here that would be worthy of your inspection. * If it be true, however, that the value of an object is enhanced by the difficulties, and the means by which it has been attained, we feel a certain measure of satisfaction in thus laying before you the fruit of our labors. ° This institution was founded on this site two years back, in a season of great depression, as well as local difficulties. A very large proportion of what your Excellency sees was wrought by our own hands in the intervals of School Studies ; and we have now the gratification to reflect that we have this season in the ground crops which promise to be sufficient to maintain our present number in food this year. We beg to avail ourselves of this opportunity to record our thankfulness to her Majesty's Government for the interest it has always taken in everything tending to the benefit of the Maori race, and particularly for the aid that it has given towards the founding of the present establishment. ■ We are aware that the greatness of England is to be, in a large measure, ascribed to the care with which her young people are educated; and we see in this country sufficient proofs to warn us that disorder and debasement are the sure attendants on ignorance. That such disinterested care should be manifested in the education of the Maori youth, is. therefore, to us a strong proof that the British Government have at heart the best interests of the Maori, and calls for our devoted and faithful gratitude.