TAWHIAO AND THE MOKAU LANDS.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1514, 18 March 1882, Page 3

TAWHIAO AND THE MOKAU LANDS.

The following letter has been addressed to the editor of the Herald : — Sir, Salutations to you. I have seen Tawhiao's letter, published by Mr C. 0. Davis in your newspaper. Friend, listen ! In that publication there is nothing true. I am wondering why that letter was published in the newspaper, and not sent to me, for the letter commences by saying, "To Wetere and the Mokau people." Your newspaper is not my place of abode. Mokau is my residence. This work is so different to the usual custom, that is why I am wondering how it is a letter to me should fall into your hands to publish. But lam glad you have published the letter, as it enables me to clearly explain my views respecting this land, Mokau. For I only know that Tawhiao is really making a claim that he has land at Mokau. Now, you listen. That man, Tawhiao, has no interest whatever in Mokau lands. The land belongs to us who live on it. From the time of our ancestors we have always occupied. We and our ancestors never saw Tawhiao living here. His place of abode was Waikato. I do not lay claim to any lands belonging to him. If we both went into the Native Land Court I would not be afraid of the 1 esult. lam always asking the Government for this (a Court), in order that Mokau titles should be investigated. But, eventually, it will result in this and the land put through the Court. It will then be seen to whom the land belongs. I have no fear of a Court. It is I who desired to have Land Court, in order that it may be soon ascertained to whom the land belongs. Friend, I find fault with this European, Mr C. 0. Davis. Who appointed him to comment upon and give advice respecting the rights and wrongs of our lands ? I thought he knew the workings of the law, and ho would have advised that all Maoris should go to the law to settle their disputes. But it appears to me as though Mr. Davis is a supporter of Maori customs. Friend, no European has a right to speak about our doings. The law is clear, ami you the Europeans should not try and block the road by which we, the Maoris, can get our disputes re our lands settled. Friend, if Tawhiao's talk about Mokau is on account of his kingship, still he will be wrong. You listen. When the Maori king, that is Potatau, was set up, the Mokau natives never took part in that work. They never liked the work of setting up a king. It was not until blood had flowed through the fighting of the pakeha and the Maori, that the Mokau natives joined themselves to the king party. Not that they agreed to a king, but through the love they had for the people in order that they should perish with the whole of the people. Now I wish you again to listen. When Tawhiao had his March meeting at Hikurangi last year, he (Tawhiao) wanted a document written and signed by all the tribes, giving him the control over all the lands. Ngatimaniapoto would not on any account agree to this ; I said I will never agree. I there and then left, and returned to Mokau, and did not stay to the end of that meeting. Friend, if Tawhiao owned the lands of Mokau, and he has authority over them, why did he ask us to give him the land ? Sufficient. Friend, you publish this letter in your newspaper, so that both Maoris and Europeans may see it in the same manner as all persons saw Tawhiao's letter. From (signed) Wetkre te Rerenga. Kihikihi, Mokau, March 14, 18S2.

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