Taupiri, Waikato, March 15, 1858. Friend,—the Editor of the Maori Messenger, if you approve, send these words to be printed, if too disapprove, east them aside. Wibemu Mete Hikaiho. Taupiri, Waikato, March 15, 4858. This is an expression of sympathy for my people living at tbe eastern coast of New Zealand, at Wbakataane. Ah! Matatua. (The cause which according to tradition, brought the ancestors of tbe Wbakataane people to New Zealand), bufietled by the rude winds of this world. Ah ! Kaapu, | standing there alone in tbe South, there is I no man to dwell upon thee,—Land, I greet thee, my friends, I salute you. Tbe tidings of your deeds reached this place on tbe 43ib February, and 1 heard that thirteen souls bad been sent out of tbe world during your strife. I was startled and deeply grieved by this evil intelligence. I would now say to you, the Chiefs,—let this matter be managed with judgment, act as Chiefs, and guide your people with wisdom ; give up this strife. Think of the words of our fathers, who charged us to live in harmony, after their decease. Let peace be made; make not the iand a pretext for destroying men's lives, m Know also, ye Chiefs, that God did not give tbe land to
man to be a cause of contention, but to be a source of blessing. God does not approve ol' strife, that which pleases Him, is that we should cultivate the land and acquire substance ; by doing this we shall gain ourselves a worthy name. But as for war, alas! the griefit causes to the heart. There is another grievous thing in connection with this feud. Yon are brothers, why therefore do you strive with one another ? How much better would it be for you to love one another as brethren, in accordance with the law of Christ. I call upon you, the Chiefs, to have a care for the canoe, to make fast the planks of Matatau, and suffer her not to be broken, leave her not to be the sport of the winds, rather draw her on shore, and place her under the shade of a roof, lest she' be split by the sun. Let the Chiefs carefully consider these words. Here also are my words to you, to the tribes who desire to take part in'lhis fend,—do not join in this strife, rather endeavour to suppress it, and prevent its spreading. This is all From your affectionate younger brother, Wiremc Metis Hikairo. To ail the tribes of Whakataane.
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Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume V, Issue 10, 15 May 1858, Page 4
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423Untitled Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume V, Issue 10, 15 May 1858, Page 4
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