THE GOVERNORS LETTER TO TE WHITI.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 3, Issue 660, 6 January 1881, Page 2

THE GOVERNORS LETTER TO TE WHITI.

Friend Te Whiii,—TJijs 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 to me. 1 I am coino here to assume the Govern-, ment on behalf of tho Queen, and. in her name to administer justice to both races of her subjects. 1 The troubles which have existed among some of the Maori people have been known to me in the past: -and now I am here, it is iny duty to do my beat to remove them. I know, too, what has been dono by my .predecessor, and the General 'Assembly, to settle these difficulties, which have arisen ; and I desire to finish the work of putting things -right. ■' I am told that you are desirous of seeing me, and representing to me your view of what should' be done to promote.this, goud end. That is very good; and if you will come to Wellington to see me, you' shall be received with fitting hospitality,, and I will not only .listen to whatever.y.ou wish to say to me,''but also, if you show that wrong has been done, would do justice, in .accordance with the law and. the will- of'the.Queen. • . "Should you consider the distance between Wellington and Paraliaka' too great to travel, then there is another way in which it would be easier for us to meet to discuss these matters." - . I 'soon Bhall bo journeying roiind' the colony to make- myself acquainted with the affairs of Europeans and • natives throughout these islands; in my joumoy I shall visit New Plymouth. Nowi if you will come to seo me there, you can more readily return from thence to your own, people, .to tell them the result of our conference. Or, if ynu prefer it, I will meet you at any other place on my way between %w Plymouth and flawera, by the inland road.' I am told that you. have heard of wliat 'Ts'prfiposed to be done for the settlement; of differences; arid'wheil we" meet-Twill' make more clear'to you the provisions which "will be made for the-settlement of your people, .and the .plans which I'have for theit: future welfare.'" ' A ".' • . I have lately ruled over a people very like the Maories,' I have left them happy and contented, discussing their own aflfaris';. They make their wishes known to the Queen and to tiie'Governor in a regular, manner, through duly-constituted, channels." Why clo not you and yours, in'like maimer, avail yourselves of those channels which though not the 6ame here,' answera similar purpose ! Why should ,we no.t : •talk-of these matters 1. ...' '- '' ■■ .■•; I have heard iliat yoii' areVa nian of : peace, and that yo'u-'h'avo striven to. prevent war. The- light is still lingering onthe mountain-top.. .. "■ ■ When you receive' this -letter, tb' me at once, so tltal-I ntayknosv what your intentions ' are lyofC;,will: come here, dr whether you will mee.t'nje on my journey—and I. will -.then .let-you know what day I Bhall W at N&'w Ply mo nth. If .you explain .in your letter-what 'are your grievances are, Ishall.be the better able ,to : answor you. when we meot, Froiii your, friend, Arthur Gordon.'