The Letter to Te Whiti.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 4, 5 January 1881, Page 2

The Letter to Te Whiti.

Eriend Te Whiti,—This is an announcement from me to you who are living apart in a far off portion of these islands and whom I desire to see brought near tome. lam come to aesume the|Government oa behalf of the Queen and in her name to administer justice to both races of her subjects. The troubles' which have existed among some of the Maori people have been known to me in the past, and now it is my duty to do my best to remove them. 1 know what has been done by my predecessor and the General Assembly to settle the difficulties, and I desire to finish the work of putting things right, lam told you are desirous of seeing me, and representing your view of what should be done to promote this good end. That is very good, and if you will let me know when you will come to Wellington to see me you shall be j received with fitting hospitality, and I will not only listen to whatever you wish to say ; to me, but also if you show that wrong has been done I will do justice in accordance with the law and the will of the Queen. Should you consider the distance between Wellington and Parihaka too great to travel, then there is another way in which it would be easier tor us to meet to discuss matters.. I shall soon be journeying roinrd the' colony; to make myself acquainted with the affairs ' of the Europeans and natives throughout these

islands > and in toy journey shall tisit Sew,, Plymouth. ' jNojwJifjypu wiil^come there you cfth indite readily return thence to yonr own: people, to teli ttienrthe result of otir confer^ ence,or, if you prefer.it, I Will meet yoii at any other pl„ce bn the way between New., Plymouth arid Hawera by the inland road; I ani -told you ba"ve -heard of what is proposed to be done for the settlement of the differences, and When Mq theet wo will make more clear to you the provision which will be made for the settlement of your people and the plans which I have for their future welfare. J I h_V . lately rtlled over a people very like the Maoris., 1, h_vc left them happy and contented, discussing their own affairs. They make their wishes known to the Queen and tb tiie fcrove.nd. ifi _ feghlar manner through duly constituted channels. Why do not you. and tours in like manner avail of those channels which, though not the same here, a__w6r a .ihillar purpose ? Why should, we not talk of these matters ? I have heard you are a man of pesOd, ahu have slh . eh to prevent wai. The light is still lingering oh the mountain top. When yoa receive this letter write to me at once, so that I tnay know what' your intentions are : whether yoii will Cotfi. he.c or whether you will meet me on my journey, and I will tbenJlet you know what day I; shall beat' New: Plymouth. If- you explain in your letter what." yqur. grievances a.re, I shall be better a.ie to a^pwer you when we meet. Frbm your iTriend i ARTHtn Gordon.