G.—No. 6.

Did not I write to (Archdeacon) Brown, at Tauranga, to put him on his guard ? Perhaps it occurred to him that that was a fixed word for them, and that it was an evil thought which originated with me, affecting the Europeans of that place. Let it be for the arbitrator to say that this is not right. Were the Europeans of Hauraki plundered by the Maoris of Waiau (Coromandel) and Tauranga ? If we had desired to have done so, who could have hindered us ? Great was my influence in those matters where I had authority. At the breaking forth of the war, could it be possible to prevent the (commission of) evil by man, when evil had entered into his heart ? But hand me over to the arbitrator. Am I a man of murder ? I only fought for my body and my land ; I had not any wish to fight. After the fall of Eangiriri, I desired that peace be made. My letter to the General was not regarded, but fighting was still carried on. At the time the soldiers crossed Mangatawhiri, the desire to fight was not theirs —to fight with me and my tribe —but it was he who directed them who desired to fight with me and my people. When I retired to Ngaruawahia, the fighting was still carried on; when the soldiers ceased to fight, the Maoris also left off. Put it to the arbitrator, for him to ask who was it that made this war. When George Graham came to make peace, he said to me, " Give it over to be decided by the one law for both the Maori and Pakeha." I replied, " Yes, let there be one law to justify him who is right, and to condemn him who is wrong." When the first Governor came, what was the law that he gave to be a protection for the Maoris 'r Did that law protect Wiremu Kingi and Waitara ? Did a law protect us, our lands and property, at that time ? Were the Europeans which the Governor sent to this island—Europeans who drink spirits, curse, speak evilly, who make light of those in authority —were these a law ? Then did I say, let me set up my King, for we do not approve of the law. But now, 0 friends, the law of the Queen is the law to protect my King and the whole people also. Let it be for the arbitrator to see whether the plan I have set forth for taking care of us lest evil befall us is wrong. I am not grieved because of my friends who have become inimical towards me. My desire originated long since for peace, and that my land prosper and become wealthy through their friendly relations with the Europeans. That the law of the Queen confirm us in peace, because great is the bewilderment of myself and my tribe also at the present time ; I wish (I am willing) that some investigator be appointed to clear up this bewilderment from me. If it be properly looked into it will be seen perhaps whose was the desire for fighting, and whose the desire for quiet living. Forward my petition to the Queen, so that she also may see these words, and so that she or you may appoint either (Sir George) Ariiey or (Mr.) Beckham judges to investigate the whole affair lest fighting occur hereafter. That is all. ■ From your friend, William Thompson, Te AYaharoa.

3