MAORI ADDRESS TO SIR GEORGE GREY.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 406, 13 September 1861, Page 3

MAORI ADDRESS TO SIR GEORGE GREY.

We native Chiefs heard, on the 28th of July, at Auckland, that you were returning hither to your own home [i.e., JNew Zealand]. Welcome hither. Bring with you the mental affection [you still feel] for your own people, the Maori. Bring back the spirits of your loving friends who have died—gone into night, [i.e., bring back to our minds the remembrance of our friends who have passed away into the world of spirits— those whom we all loved].

• The dogs of Governor Browne and of Potatau are here biting one another. Their keepers have acted foolishly. The chains of the pakeha dogs have been loosened, and they have bitten the Maori dogs, which have turned upon seeking satisfaction, after they felt the pain. You left those things "which are good in this Island [i.e., peace, prosperity, &c.]. You established schools for both Maori and pakeha. It is well, therefore, that you are coming back to administer affairs, so that the two peoples may live in peace. Friend, we shall be saved by your coming hither, both Maori and pakeha. Welcome to the shore, that you may see your people, all the chiefs of New Zealand. It is well that you are coming to undertake the Governorship of both natives and Europeans. Let our power or man-influence, or man-authority (mana tangata), be with us [i.e., grant us local self government]. Come hither to see us who are holding the good counsels of the first king, and second king [i.e., King George and King William of England], extending to the third sovereign, Victoria, the Queen of England. As you are coming the second time to the shores of New Zealand, let a careful inquiry be made respecting the grievances of the land, by you and by us Maoris.

Do you drive hence from your councils . , who have made Governor Browne rebellious or perverse. The Maoris have likened this Governor to a mill, the handle of which each man takes hold, and turns it round [i.e., the Governor is misled by each party in turn]. We know the bad Europeans and we know the good ones. So likewise the Maori; there are five foolish natives, and six who are retaining wise or just ideas, and who retain the laws which protect men.

Come hither to allay the burning fever, the effects of which are visible on the skin of both Maori and Pakeha. You will establish [i.e., legalise] the Maori Runanga or Councils; also the schools you will cause to be reorganized; whilst we attend to our own Maori affairs, 3 70u being our director or guide (te matou kai urungi). You will also think of a Maori Runanga at Auckland, but this matter rests with yourself [i.e., you know better about this affair than we who write to you, your decision, therefore, will be the wisest and best]..

Come hither and water the roots of the vine which Governor Browne, Mr. Richmond, and the Interpreters have torn up out of the soil. This explains the reason why all, the chiefs of this Island have run away [i.e., have lost confidence in the Government], Are we Maoris to blame, or the government itself, who caused the defection by its heedless wickedness in disturbing the peace of the country ?

Do you search out the meaning of this our song: Thou comest back in grief, O youngest and best beloved son. Once were the people sportive, Like the tide that ebbs from off the strand. Alas! the influence, like unto that Which women hold o'er men, Has vanished : and the people now Are wanderers in the world—wide world, Subject to its capriciousness and hate, Like withered pants scorched by tfiVj noontide sun. Thou wort-drifting [i.e., the Government], Borne along by tidel streams. Whose waves ran high And overset the prows, Now thou art broken—cast upon the shore. 1 held thy jasper stone on high. So, when the face is beautiful as that of Napo [i.e.,] Sir G. Grey]. We gaze upon it.

Twain were the tidings of my doings [i.e., tidings of good and evil, relative to the conduct of the »■ Maori people], i put torth my hand in playfulness, To stroke the face marked by the Maori's black [i.e., the black pigment used in tattooing], And anger showed itself, As it has ever won* to do. -. 0 ye thousands, know ye not That lips are ever quick to move ? ["i.e.,' The tongue is an unruly member, full of bitterness,' &c]. And e'er delights to publish AH its scandals to the listening crowd. Welcome to the shore! Make the grass spring up which has been parched by the heat of the sun [i.e., the Maori who have been neglected since you left New Zealand.