TE KOOTI’S LETTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1265, 15 November 1884, Page 3

TE KOOTI’S LETTER.

The following letter from Te Kooti to the Government in reference to his proposed visit to the East Coast of the North Island was read by the Native Minister in the House ; “To the Government. —Greeting. 1 have heard from Mr Wilkinson that you disapprove of the contents of ray letter, which he communicated to yon. It is well. You did it out of regard for me, and for my safety. Mind, it was they themselves (the people of Wairoa) who expressed a wish to see me, and appointed a time for our meeting each other, ihey invited me, relying on your proclamation, issued under the Amnesty Act, setting forth the clemency of the Government and the establishing of peace, and I accepted their invitation. It is the people of Gisborne and farther up the East Coast (northward) who still retain their animosity. lam communicating to them (the people at Wairoa) the nature of your message at the same time that I address this letter to you. If they reply, I wil let you know what they say. I myself accepted this token of their regard for me believing that the amnesty granted by’the Government, the clemency shown by them, the union of the two races, the establishment of peace and the Queen’s authority would prevent a recurrence of any evil practices. That is all. God save your gracious Queen. Friend, you might send me the Gazette, in oHer that I may be conversant with what is going OD —From your loving friend, Te Kooti te Turuki. Oct. 24, 1884.”