Interview of the Chiefs Hori Te Waru, Te Taonui, and Te Haratua Kiripakoko Pingareka, with his Excellency Governor Wynyard.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 7, 1 September 1855, Page 18

Interview of the Chiefs Hori Te Waru, Te Taonui, and Te Haratua Kiripakoko Pingareka, with his Excellency Governor Wynyard.

An interview of a very interesting character took place on the 10th of January, 1855, between His Excellency the Governor, and three chiefs of celebrity from the inland districts. Hori Te Warn, of Rangiaohia, was the first speaker, and in reference to this amiable and respected man, it may not be out of place to mention that the first native mill erected in New Zealand was built at his settlement. From that mill a barrel of flour was forwarded to England, as a present to Her gracious Majesty the Qneen of Great Britain, who condescended to receive the homely gift, and in return two elegant paintings of Her Majesty, Prince Albert, and the Royal Family, were presented to Hori Te Waru and his friend Hone Papita who had a share in the mill. The most conspicuous person, however, on this occasion was Te Haratua Kiripakoko Pingareka. This was Te Haratua's first visit to the metropolis, and as the great chiefs are much averse to visit the European settlements, he availed himself of this—perhaps the only opportunity of unburdening his mind. >* " O Governor," said he with considerable emphasis, " hearken. I have come hither to talk to you on one subject, only one subject. Hearken. I have a gTeat aversion to sell land, and this is not a recent feeling, I have long cherished it. When the first Governor visited Aotea I stamped my foot upon the soil as you now see me do, and I said, « Governor you shall never have New Zealand. Auckland is your's, and you shall be kept in possession of it, but the natives shall retain New Zealand in their own hands. O Governor, these are my feelings still. When quietly sitting at my own place, I hear of one . and another offering the lands of Kawhia and Aotea for sale, but it shall not be. I will openly confront them, and destroy in their own presence the documents they have written. Do you see this arm ?"(the speaker here drew forth his arm from beneath the folds of his garment, and held it up, saying,)—" This arm has slain its hundreds, and it has not yet lost its power. I do not blame you, O Governor, nor the Europeans. I blame my own countrymen in making false statements. and deceiving you. Why will they rob me of my lands, and you of your money ? If they must needs have money let them erect mills as I am doing, then their gains will be sweet."

Here the speaker was interrupted by Te Taonui the chief of Mokau, but the old warrior gently pushed him aside, saying, " All I wish to utter must be made known to the Governor now!" " Hearken, O Governor," continued TeHaratua, " I am wishful that you should tell your friend, Mr. McLean, to be very careful in his transactions with the natives as regards buying land. Troubles will arise if you are not cautious, as many natives, who have little or no claim to lands, offer them for sale. Do not allow yourselves to be deceived. Men may take your money, but as to my land I will hold that firmly in my grasp. And now, O Governor, I V.ave given utterance to my sentiments on this matter. I have been making my hard speeches, and I moist now make a soft speech." Here the old chief adjusted his attire which had become a little disordered, owing to the violence of some of his gestures,, and coming several paces nearer His Excellency's person he said—- " Let me asssure you, O Governor, on behalf of the tribes I represent, that there is not the slightest disposition on our part to interfere with the law in reference to Hemi the Waikato chief who was killed in Auckland. My friends Taonui and Hori Te Waru will bear me out in this assertion. The Waikata people, one and all, say, that the evil took place at Auckland, and the authorities of Auckland must settle the matter. The people have confidence in you, O Governor, and they leave the issue with yourself and Wesley." After this speech a bordered mat was laid at the Governor's feet, as a pledge of his fidelity. His Excellency the Governor thanked the veteran and his companions for their kindly assurances, and said that an account of the interview should be forwarded to the Queen, and no doubt Her Majesty would be much gratified; in perusing it. His Excellency also said, that it was his! intention to visit the inland settlements as soon J as he could get through his present multiplied engagements ; that he had heard mnch of the civilization of the Waikato tribes, and had become most anxious to see the various Maori stations.

The Governor further said, that he should write to Mr. McLean in reference to the land question, assuring the chiefs, at the same time, that no land would be purchased by the Government without the consent of all parties concerned. The chiefs expressed their approval of the Governor's sentiments and hoped his promise of visiting the native settlements would be speedily carried out. After mentioning the great disappointment they felt at not meeting with Major Nugent, the Native Secretary, they

shook hands with the Governor, and the conference ended. (Signed) C. O Davis, Interpreter.