1868 - Williams, T. C. New Zealand, the Manawatu Purchase Completed - THE MANAWATU PURCHASE COMPLETED.

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NEW ZEALAND.

THE MANAWATU PURCHASE COMPLETED.

"The Magna Charter of the New Zealander, as between himself and the British settler, is the Treaty of Waitangi; a treaty to which the faith and honour of the British Crown were pledged in 1840, and the obligations of which have since been again and again reaffirmed by the representatives of the Crown in the Colony, and by statesmen of all parties in the Imperial Parliament. It is sufficient to refer to the noble stand taken on this point by Lord Derby (then Lord Stanley), when Secretary of State for the Colonies:--

"I repudiate, with the utmost possible earnestness, the doctrine maintained by some that the treaties which we have entered into with these people are to be considered as a mere blind to amuse and deceive ignorant savages. In the name of the Queen I utterly deny that any treaty entered into and ratified by Her Majesty's command was or could have been made in a spirit thus disingenuous, or for a purpose thus unworthy. You will honourably and scrupulously fulfil the conditions of the Treaty of Waitangi."--(Despatch to Sir Geo. Grey, June 13, 1845. Parl. Papers, May, 1846, p. 70. See also Parl. Papers, July 27, 1860, p. 44. Despatches from and to the Colonial Office, &c, passim.)

The second Article of the Treaty is as follows:--

"Her Majesty the Queen of England confirms and guarantees to the chiefs and tribes of New Zealand, and to the respective families and individuals thereof, the full, exclusive, and undisturbed possession of their lands and estates, forests, fisheries, and other properties which they may collectively or individually possess, as long as it is their wish and desire to retain the same in their possession. But the chiefs of the united tribes, and the individual chiefs, yield to Her Majesty the exclusive right of pre-emption over such lands as the proprietors thereof may be disposed to alienate, at such prices as may be agreed upon between the respective proprietors and persons appointed by Her

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Majesty to treat with them on that behalf."--(Parl. Papers, July, 1840, p. 10.)

ART. 3.

"In consideration thereof Her Majesty the Queen of England extends to the Natives of New Zealand her Royal protection, and imparts to them all the rights and privileges of British Subjects."

The following papers will show who were the persons employed by the British Government to explain to the Natives the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi, to induce them to agree to its conditions, and to attach their signatures to the same:--

Extract from a Despatch from Lieutenant-Governor Hobson to Sir George Gipps. --(Parl. Papers, May 11, 1841, page 8.)

"Her Majesty's ship 'Herald,'
"Bay of Islands, February 5, 1840.

"The business of the meeting then commenced by my announcing to the chiefs the object of my mission, and the reasons that had induced Her Majesty to appoint me. I explained to them in the fullest manner the effect that might be hoped to result from the measure, and I assured them in the most fervent manner that they might rely implicitly on the good faith of Her Majesty's Government in the transaction. I then read the Treaty, a copy of which I have the honour to enclose. In doing so I dwelt on each Article, and offered a few remarks explanatory of such passages as they might be supposed not to understand. Mr. H. Williams, of the Church Missionary Society, did me the favour to interpret, and repeated, in the Native tongue, sentence by sentence, all I said."

Extract from a Despatch, from Lieutenant-Governor Hobson to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. --(Ib. pages 15 and 16.)

"Government House, Russell,
"Bay of Islands, 25th March, 1840.

"I commissioned Captain Symonds, of the British Army, and the following gentlemen of the Church Missionary Society, namely, the Rev. Mr. Henry Williams, Rev. Mr. Brown, Rev. Mr. Maunsell, and Rev. Mr. William Williams, to secure the adherence of the chiefs of their respective districts to the Treaty of Waitangi. For this purpose I furnished to each a signed copy of that treaty, with instructions, the copy of one of which I have the honour to transmit. The districts in which these gentlemen were requested to act comprise the whole of the Northern Island, with the exception of the northern extremity called Kaitaia, to which I despatched Mr. Shortland, the Acting Colonial Secretary, with a suite of two gentlemen of the Government, and the Rev. Mr. Taylor, of the Church Missionary Society, to secure the allegiance of the chiefs in that quarter, who are some of the

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most powerful in the Island; and I am happy to report to your Lordship that Mr. Shortland succeeded to the fullest extent. . . . . . At various periods subsequent to the sailing of the 'Herald,' I received from Captain Symonds, Mr. Maunsell, and lastly from the Rev. Messrs. Williams, reports of the entire success of their respective missions."

Instructions of Lieutenant-Governor Hobson to the Rev. Henry Williams, Rev. A. N. Brown, Rev. E. Maunsell, Rev. W. Williams, and the Rev. E. Taylor. --(Ib. page 17.)

"Waimate, March 23, 1840.

"REVEREND SIR, --

"Availing myself of your kind offer, and fully authorized thereto by Her Majesty's instructions conveyed to me by her Principal Secretary of State, I hereby authorise you to treat with the principal Native chiefs in the southern parts of these Islands for their adherence to the Treaty which was executed at Waitangi on the 6th February, 1840. I have the honour to enclose a copy of the Treaty, which I have signed, and to request you will obtain the signatures thereto of such high chiefs as may be willing to accede to its conditions, first explaining to them its principle and object, which they must clearly understand before you permit them to sign.

"(Signed) W. HOBSON,
"Lieutenant-Governor.
"Rev. Henry Williams,
"Paihia."

Lieutenant-Governor Hobson to Major Bunbury. --(Ib. page 17.)

"Paihia, 25th April, 1840.

"Mr. Henry Williams, of the Church Missionary Society (formerly a Lieutenant in the Navy), kindly undertook to treat with the chiefs on the West Coast, and on both sides of Cook's Strait, for which purpose I furnished him with a vessel which I chartered.

"(Signed) W. Hobson,
"Lieutenant-Governor.
"Major Bunbury,
"30th Regiment."

Rev. H. Williams to the Lieutenant-Governor. --(Ib. page 105.)

"Paihia, 11th June, 1840.

"SIR, --

"I have much pleasure in forwarding to your Excellency the Treaty committed to my care for the signature of the chiefs in Cook's Strait.

"On my arrival at Port Nicholson I experienced some opposition from the influence of Europeans at that place, and it was not until after the expiration of ten days that the chiefs were

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disposed to come forward, when they unanimously signed the Treaty.

"The chiefs of Queen Charlotte's Sound and Rangitoto, in the neighbourhood of Port Hardy, on the south side of the Strait, as also those chiefs on the north side of the Strait with whom I communicated as far as Whanganui, signed the Treaty with much satisfaction, and appeared much gratified that a check was put to the importunities of the Europeans to the purchase of their lands, and that protection was now afforded to them in common with Her Majesty's subjects.

"(Signed) Henry Williams.
"To. Capt. Hobson, R. N."

Major Bunbury to Lieutenant-Governor Hobson. --(Ib. page 109.)

"Her Majesty's ship 'Herald,'
"28th June, 1840.

"June 19. --We arrived off the island of Kapiti; several canoes were leaving the Island, and, on my preparing to go on shore, fortunately the first canoe we met had on board the chief Rauparaha I was so anxious to see. He returned on board with, me in the ship's boat, his own canoe, one of the most splendid I have yet seen, following. He told me that the Rev. Mr. Williams had been there, and had obtained his signature to the Treaty."

The "Manawatu-Rangitikei Block," the purchase of which we have been repeatedly told by Dr. Featherston is "un fait accompli" is an extensive country, containing some 250,000 acres of mostly fine land, lying between the Manawatu and Rangitikei rivers, in the Province of Wellington. The question to be decided is simply this-- Has the block been fairly purchased, or has it not? If fairly purchased, well and good; if not, then the Treaty of Waitangi has been broken.

The plaintiffs in the matter are the Ngatiraukawa non-sellers, who hold possession of, and most of whom are living on, the block. The defendants are His Excellency Sir G. Grey, K. C. B.; the General Assembly, the Ministers, and the Land Purchase Commissioner. The New Zealand and the British public will, I trust, act as the jury.

The case for the defendants was closed when Dr. Featherston on the 14th April, 1866, announced to the Natives his acceptance of the block; --when, in December, 1866, in spite of the many protests from the non-sellers, together with their repeated requests to the Governor, the Assembly, and the Ministers, that their title to the land might be investigated in a court of justice before completing the purchase, he paid down to the Natives (the money having been supplied to him by the General Government) £25,000 as a discharge in full of all demands on the Government on account of the block; £2,000 to be reserved by the Natives

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for the non-sellers, and the Government agreeing to set apart certain reserves, according to the usual custom in all large purchases; --and when he announced to his Council in his opening speech on the 26th April, 1867, --"It is satisfactory to me to be able to state that the deed of cession has been duly executed, nearly seventeen hundred claimants have signed it, and that the questions just adverted to have been finally and amicably settled."

Of Dr. Featherston, the Chief Land Commissioner, I may say that since the framing of the New Zealand Constitution Act he has acted in the capacity of Superintendent of the Province of Wellington; that in general politics he is a Provincialist, whilst in Provincial politics he is a Centralist; that he is a gentleman who wept over the Waitara, and who considered it his "chief duty to make the Maori's dying couch as easy and as comfortable as possible;" who stated at Taranaki, when speaking of the Natives, as I was informed by one of the officers of Her Majesty's 43rd Regiment, --"I have no sympathy whatever with the wretches, and I do not care how soon they are all exterminated;" and who, shortly afterwards, at Takapu, represented himself to the six tribes as "their friend--one who had ever advocated what he believed to be their true interests--one in whose justice and integrity they had implicit faith."

Of the Sub-Commissioner, Mr. Walter Buller, I may observe that he is simply a model official; one who is at all times ready and willing to say and do all and everything that he is bid; one who has repeatedly stated that, having undertaken the Manawatu purchase, he was "prepared to go any lengths to ensure its completion."

Of Sir G. Grey, K. C. B., the Assembly, and the Ministers, I may observe that, whilst they may have proved themselves capable of framing laws whereby to bring about and to accomplish the good government of the settlers' cattle and sheep, they have proved themselves wholly incompetent to the task of governing human beings, when those human beings are Maoris. Of each and every of them I fear it must be recorded--"Tekel." Mr. Cox, when moving the address in reply to His Excellency's speech on the 10th of June, said -- "He for one was very glad that Native affairs would very shortly disappear from the catalogue of questions of policy brought before the House." Strange, should Mr. Cox's words, though not so intended, prove to have been prophetic!

Of the Native sellers I may say that many of them frankly admit that they took the money offered them and signed the deed of cession, though they had no title to the land, because requested to do so by the Commissioner; that the principal sellers, whilst they shrank away from the law, "insisted" upon the sale, avowing their determination to fight if the purchase were not at once carried out; whereas the non-sellers are a quiet and peaceable people, whose "grand desire is to see the Maori people rendered

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amenable, in their dealings with the settlers, to British law;" and "that all the inhabitants of New Zealand should be subjected, in their mutual dealings, to the control of one common law."

The following appears in the memorandum by Ministers in reply to the Aborigines Protection Society, dated 5th May, 1864, and signed "William Fox:"--

"4. As regards the question of the confiscation of Maori lands, against which a protest is raised, Ministers beg to make the following observations:--

"In the first place, it is a custom which has been always recognized by the Maoris themselves. In their wars, a conquered tribe not only forfeited its lands, but the vanquished survivors were reduced to a tributary position, and large numbers to personal slavery. The Government of New Zealand have always recognized such a title as valid; and a very large proportion, if not an absolute majority, of the purchases of land from the Maoris have been made on the basis of a recognition of this right of conquest."

The following appears in the statement of the proceedings of the Compensation Court, at the sittings held at New Plymouth, "Present: Francis D. Fenton, Esq., Chief Judge; John Rogan, Esq., Judge; Home Monro, Esq., Judge:--

"Judgment in case of the non-resident claimants at Okura:-- "We do not think that it can reasonably be maintained that the British Government came to this Colony to improve Maori titles, or to reinstate persons in possession of land from which they had been expelled before 1840, or which they had voluntarily abandoned previously to that time. Having found it absolutely necessary to fix some point of time at which the titles, so far as this Court is concerned, must be regarded as settled, we have decided that that point of time must be the establishment of the British Government in 1840; and all persons who are proved to have been the actual owners or possessors of land at that time must be regarded as the owners or possessors of that land now."

We may imagine Dr. Featherston exclaiming "Is that the law?" "Thyself shall see the Act." In Dr. Featherston's admirable speech, delivered in the House of Representatives, on the 7th of August, 1860, when speaking upon the subject of the Waitara purchase and the Waitara war, is the following:--

"Sir, --I apprehend that there are certain Native titles which are based upon well-known customs, and have certain incidents attached to them which admit of no question--of no possible dispute. First, however, let me remind the House that, by the Treaty of Waitangi, 'the Queen confirms and guarantees to the chiefs and tribes of New Zealand, and to the respective families and individuals thereof, the full, exclusive, and undisturbed possession of their lands and estates, forests, fisheries, and other properties, which they may collectively or individually possess, so long as it is their desire to retain the same in their possession.'

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It follows that whatever rights, especially territorial, the Natives possessed at the time the Treaty was made, the Government is bound to respect and preserve inviolate. Now, there are two titles to land, which are so universally acknowledged that they admit of no dispute, viz., by inheritance and by conquest."

Six years after the delivery of the above excellent speech, Dr. Featherston purchases 250,000 acres of (according to the Wellington Independent) "the finest land in New Zealand," from the conquered. He then tells the conquerors that he is in a position "to make them an award in land to the extent of such claims as are admitted by the sellers." As Dr. Featherston was speaking impartially in August, 1860, but acting partially in 1866 and 1867, the public will agree with me that he must be held bound to the opinions he expressed in his excellent speech delivered in the House of Representatives on 7th August, 1860.

All, therefore, that is necessary to show that "the Government were bound to respect and preserve inviolate" the right of the Ngatiraukawa non-sellers to the "Manawatu and Rangitikei Block" is to prove that they held sole and undisputed possession of the block by right of conquest in 1840, at the time the Treaty of Waitangi was signed; and to show that the Treaty of Waitangi has been wholly disregarded and clearly broken by the Government in their dealings with the Natives for the purchase of the block, it is necessary to prove that the land has been purchased by the Government of, that the deed of cession has been signed by, and that the greater portion of the money has been paid to, men of other tribes, who had been conquered by the Ngatiraukawa and their allies so far back as 1830; who were living in subjection to their conquerors--many of them in actual slavery--in 1840, and who, at the time the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, dare not to have asserted their title to one foot of the block; also to men who laid no claim to the land; whereas the great majority of the real owners have not, up to the present time, signed the deed of cession, nor have they taken one sixpence of the purchase-money, though every effort has been tried to frighten them into submission. That Dr. Featherston, after the Government had expended three millions of Colonial treasure, with a vast amount of "British blood and treasure," inflicting at the same time a vast amount of misery on the Maori race: after the Natives had been expelled from the Waikato and other parts of the Northern Island, and their lands confiscated to the Crown, and all for the purpose of asserting in this land the supremacy of law, with several thousand British troops at the time in New Zealand, shortly after his return from the far-famed expedition through the bush during the West Coast campaign, where, shoulder to shoulder with the Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty's forces, he breathed forth unlimited threatenings and slaughter against all and everything that opposed itself--an expedition which struck so much terror into the bosom of the Maoris, causing them to be (as Parakaia hath it in his petition)

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"ngingio noa iho,"--"paralyzed with fear,"--at a meeting of the Natives at Takapu, on the 14th April, 1866, acting for and on behalf of Her Majesty, ridiculed alike the idea of settling the various claims to the block by arbitration, by a division of the land, or by trial in the Native Land's Court. That Dr. Featherston, on the 14th April, after ignoring the claims of men who asked that their titles might be investigated according to law, "knowing the responsibility which his decisive answer would entail upon him, had not the slightest hesitation in giving it," and "felt no difficulty in announcing his acceptance of the block," at the hands of men who one and all shrank away alike from "arbitration or investigation in the Land Court," the principal chief of whom, Mr. Governor Hunia, actually boasted that "they (the Ngatiapas) had now plenty of arms and ammunition, and could easily drive off their opponents, and that they would now prefer an appeal to arms to any other course, and almost intimated that they had, during the West Coast campaign, reserved their ammunition for that purpose." 1 That Dr. Featherston, acting in his capacity of Land Purchase Commissioner, paid £25,000 to the Natives in full of all demands for the block (less a small sum set apart for the dissentients); that he has repeatedly told the Natives, through his agent, that "their land is all gone to the Queen," and has publicly announced to his Council the final completion of the purchase. That during the interval between the month of April, 1866, when Dr. Featherston publicly announced to the Natives his acceptance of the block, and the month of December, 1866, when the purchase money was paid, the Ngatiraukawa chiefs, who opposed the sale, paid repeated visits to Wellington, and prayed His Excellency the Governor, the Assembly, and the Ministers, to grant them a fair hearing of their claims in a court of justice, and that, beyond a few of their letters appearing in the Blue Book, their prayers were totally disregarded. On the other hand, a Bill was passed, authorizing the raising of a loan of £30,000 for the purchase of their lands.

I may further add, that it will be seen that the Ngatiraukawa chiefs spared the Ngatiapas when Te Rauparaha desired them to destroy them all; that they, in 1849, restored to Ngatiapa the whole of the country to the north of the Rangitikei River, and that the whole of the purchase money was paid by the Commissioner to the Ngatiapa, it being understood that the Ngatiapas were to abandon any claim they might have felt disposed to set up to the land south of the river, on the score of their having been driven off it; and that a similar arrangement was made with the Rangitane tribe when the land on the other side of the block was restored to them by the Ngatiraukawas in 1858, all the purchase money being paid to Hirawanu, chief of the Rangitanes. It will be seen that Dr. Featherston got the Manawatu exception clause inserted in the "Native Lands Act" in 1862, because Ihakara presented him with a carved club in 1864.

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As it is both law and custom with the Anglo-Saxon to register all titles to land, I cannot do better than here produce the following documents, being the register of the Ngatiraukawa's title to the Rangitikei-Manawatu country. Parakaia thinks it quite as good a title as the Anglo-Saxons can show to many of their possessions; he instances "Poa Hakena" (Australia) and Van Diemen's Land:--

"This is a year of contention about land. 23rd October, 1866. I wish to explain what was the Maori custom of old.

"The Pakehas take the Maori's land by right of conquest, but trample down my right obtained through conquest, by which these tribes became possessed of this country. Attend, and I will relate the history of these tribes. Te Rauparaha was the first to conquer those people (the original owners). When Whanganui heard, they induced Rangihiwinui, chief of Muaupoko, to murder Raupahara (his people). They murdered at Ohau some of Ngatitoa, old and young. Ngatitoa then mustered to fight those tribes--Muaupoko and Rangitane--those tribes were vanquished.

"Whanganui then persisted; they all mustered and went to Kapiti to fight the Ngatitoa. Ngatitoa conquered those tribes-- Waitotara, Whanganui, Ngatiapa, Rangitane, Muaupoko, Ngatikahununu--great numbers were killed, several hundreds perished in the sea, several hundreds were killed by the hand of man; up to the number of 1,000 (mano) perished in the year 1824. Ngatitoa then turned upon Ngatiapa, conquered them, and cut up Rangitikei and Manawatu, dividing to each man his portion. Those who escaped hid themselves in out-of-the-way places in the year 1824.

"When we of Ngatiraukawa at Maungatautari heard, we came here, Whatanui, Hukiki, and Nepia Taratoa, to see what the land was like, and visit Ngatitoa. We saw that it was good, and returned in 1827. When Ngatiraukawa heard it was a good land, that there were Pakehas, another party came down to see the land, and returned in the year 1829. When the second party returned, Rauparaha instructed them to tell Ngatiraukawa to come down and occupy Rangitikei and Manawatu. We left Maungatautari, Patetere, and Taupo, and came to Kapiti, to the place where there were Pakehas: that is why we migrated to this place, that we might obtain guns and powder. We left in the month of May; in July we arrived at Turakina; there we attacked and defeated the Ngatiapas. We came on to Rangitikei and Oroua; there we also defeated the Ngatiapas. We came on to Manawatu and defeated the Rangitane. We took possession then and there of the land in the year 1830. When we arrived at Otaki we divided the eel ponds; when we reached Waikanae the Ngatiawa were there--the Ngatitoa were at Kapiti; Ngatitoa all mustered at Waikanae to receive our party. Ngatitoa divided our party amongst them, each chief agreeing to act as host to a certain number. Rangihaeata received Aperahama Te Ruru and

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our party as his guests. In the month of August, 1830, each chief set apart a portion of land to their several guests. The whole tribe of Ngatitoa agreed to this; they set apart each man a portion for his friend. After that, the chiefs of our party assembled at Rangatira, on the Island of Kapiti. The chiefs Rauparaha and Rangihaeata said Rangitane and Muaupoko must be destroyed, on account of those tribes having murdered Te Hira and Te Poa. Muaupoko murdered them. Paetahi, the father of Mete (chief of Whanganui), was the instigator, he having incited Rangihiwinui to murder Te Rauparaha (his people); this was the reason why we were told to destroy Rangitane and Muaupoko. Ngatitoa had given no cause for this; only one woman had been killed in a quarrel about a canoe.

"We went from Otaki to fight with those people. The pa Hotuiti was taken, in the Manawatu country. Rangitane fell. We divided their land amongst us, to each man a portion. Ngatiapa were not interfered with. We then returned to Otaki. The men of those tribes whom we had enslaved were allowed to call in those who had escaped on former occasions, and we permitted them to dwell in our midst with their several masters. Each pointed out to his master, of Ngatiraukawa, their lands, which were taken possession of accordingly, and our people on their part gave of their goods to the survivors, guns, powder, axes, and hatchets.

"We then attacked Whanganui, on account of a murder committed by Whanganui. Fifty chiefs and Ruamairo, of Ngatiraukawa, had been murdered. Whanganui were defeated in two battles--one pa was taken (Patikiwharanui). Ngatiapa were with us in that fight. Ngatiraukawa made peace with those tribes in 1831. Turoa put a stop to the fighting. Next came parties from Taranaki. Ngatiapa, Rangitane, and Muaupoko were living at that time in our midst, and joined with us in fighting against those tribes. Those tribes, Rangitane and Ngatiapa, though living in our midst, were living in subjection, without authority over the land. They cannot refute this. Ngatitoa then attacked and defeated Muaupoko, then dwelling in our midst. They took their pa (Papaitonga), and divided their land amongst themselves in the year 1831.

"Thus those tribes dwelt with us in the olden time. After that came the Gospel. Thus they were spared and became free. Fighting ceased in 1839. Mr. Hadfield was the minister at Otaki, Mr. Mason at Whanganui. In Governor Grey's time Ngatiapa commenced selling; they tried to sell this side, we held it; the Government were aware of that in 1848.

"In Governor Browne's time those tribes again tried to sell. Ngatirauka was still held this side of the Rangitikei. Governor Grey is aware of that land having been held back at that time in 1858. The Ahuoturanga and the Awahou were fairly sold to Governor Browne. Now we have Dr. Featherston: still the same piece of land. I now, therefore, say let this land be

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settled by the law, that we may go into the question of old Maori custom and law. In these years that England has taken possession of New Zealand by right of conquest, let me also assert my right, obtained by conquest. We have shown our love for the Queen by having allowed the sale of Rangitikei, of Awahou, and of Ahuoturanga. We now cease this generous alienation of our lands to our Pakeha friends at this end, as there will not be any left for ourselves if we continue to alienate it all to the Queen.

"The Government say, 'Give.' Another Governor comes: 'Give, give, give up the land to the Queen.' Is giving all that I have to do? Have I not a right to withhold? Should I give it all up to others? May I not retain some for myself?

"(Signed) PARAKAIA TE POUEPA.
"23rd October, 1866. "
Correct translation--J. N. WILLIAMS.

To Thomas Williams.

DEAR FRIEND, --

Will you publish what I have to say respecting Rangitikei, for the information of the Pakehas. We, the Ngatiraukawa tribe, held it by our own strength till such times as the law came. Ngatiraukawa are still in possession of Rangitikei. Do you listen? It was Rauparaha who first conquered the inhabitants of this country; after that, Ngatiraukawa conquered them. It was Rauparaha's wish to have killed them all--not to let any escape. Ngatiraukawa saved them from death--made slaves and servants of them. They, the original owners, were very humble and submissive to Ngatiraukawa, viz., Muaupoko, Rangitane, and Ngatiapa, dwelling in subjection. Listen! Only when the Gospel came did the original owners begin to hold up their heads and exalt themselves, and so on till Governor Grey's time, in the year 1848, when Ngatiapa attempted to hand over to Governor Grey and Mr. M'Lean all the land from Rangitikei to Manawatu. When Ngatiraukawa heard that Rangitikei was being sold they assembled to stop the sale of this side. They agreed to allow the other side to be sold, on condition that Ngatiapa should abandon all claim to this side, to which Ngatiapa agreed. Ngatiraukawa did not receive any of the money payment for the land, though it was through them having given their consent that the land was sold, and Ngatiapa got the money. Next came Governor Browne. When Hirawanu, of Rangitane, tried to sell Ahuoturanga, he tried in vain; for Ngatiraukawa would not permit it to be sold, they alone having authority over all the land--Rangitikei, Oroua, Manawatu, Ahuoturanga, as far as Otaki. Afterwards Ngatiraukawa, out of love for Hirawanu, chief of Rangitane, returned that land, formerly his, to him. It was done quietly; at the same time they told him that he must give up all claim to this other side. To this Hirawanu agreed. When the land was sold no money was paid to Ngatiraukawa.

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Thus those two blocks of land--Rangitikei and Ahuoturanga-- were quietly and peaceably restored to the original owners by Ngatiraukawa. We did not fight about it, as other tribes have done: all that Ngatiraukawa cared for was to retain a portion of the land. It was so in the olden time before the law came, and we are doing the same now that we are living under the law: for you see that the greater portion of the land we have restored to Ngatiapa and Rangitane we made them a present of it. This is the smaller portion which we are retaining. These people have no gratitude (koha) to Ngatiraukawa in return for their kindness to them. As to this last sale by Ngatiapa and Rangitane, it will never be assented to; never! because the only people living upon the land are of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, and they alone have any authority over and title to the land.

(Signed) RAWIRI TE WANUI.
Otaki, 26th June, 1867.
Correct translation--J. N. WILLIAMS.

To Thomas Williams.

DEAR FRIEND, --

The Ngatiapas and Rangitanes had lost all authority over these lands as far as Wairarapa long before the Treaty of Waitangi came in 1840. At the tune the Treaty was signed they had no authority over the land.

The Ngatiraukawa quietly handed over the other side of Rangitikei to Ngatiapa for them to sell to Mr. M'Lean, which made that sale complete.

Ahuoturanga also was quietly handed over by Ngatiraukawa to Hirawanu, chief of Rangitane, which made that correct.

This side of Rangitikei was retained by Ngatiraukawa then, and they are still retaining it.

(Signed) MATENE TE WHIWHI. 2
Correct translation--J. N. WILLIAMS.

Here follows the Treaty of Waitangi, the Maori's Crown Grant.

In 1849 the Ngatiapa tribe sold a large extent of country to the north of the Rangitikei river to the Government. It appears from the published statement of the Natives that the Ngatiraukawa waved their claim to the block, stipulating at the same time that the Ngatiapa should abandon any claim they might be disposed to set up to the land south of the river on the ground of their having formerly been driven from it. Some of the Natives say that the Ngatiapa agreed to this; others, that the arrangement was made with Mr. M'Lean, the Land Purchase Commissioner. Mr. Buller, in a letter to the Minister for Native Affairs,

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dated August 31, 1863, speaking of the question, says --"It appears that when the Ngatiapa, in 1849, surrendered to the Crown the land lying between the Whanganui and Rangitikei rivers, they compromised the conflicting Ngatiraukawa claims (of conquest) by conceding to the latter the right of disposal over the territory lying south of the Rangitikei, with the mutual understanding that as the Ngatiraukawa had received a share of the payments, the Ngatiapa should in like manner participate in the purchase money of this block, whenever the Ngatiraukawa should sell. With the lapse of years the Ngatiapa have come to regard their claim as one of absolute right, in every respect equal to that of the present holders; while the latter, always regarding the latter claim as one of sufferance, are now disposed to ignore it altogether." The following extracts from published documents will show that the whole of the purchase money was paid to the Ngatiapa, confirming the statements of the Ngatiraukawa Natives:--

"Wellington, August 26, 1851.

"SIR, --

"At a general meeting of the Natives, on the 29th May last, I handed over the third instalment of £500 to the Ngatiapa tribe for the Rangitikei purchase.

"I have, &c,
"(Signed) DONALD M'LEAN,
"The Hon. the Colonial Secretary."

"Wellington, 25th June, 1852.

"SIR, --

"In continuation of my letter of the 22nd ultimo, respecting the fourth and last instalment of £500 to the Ngatiapa tribe for payment of the Rangitikei district, &c

"I have, &c,
"(Signed) DONALD M'LEAN,
"Land Commissioner.
"The Civil Secretary, "

(In support of the above see letters Rev. S. Williams and others.)

In 1858 a large block of land on the other side of the Manawatu-Rangitikei block, called the Ahuoturanga, was sold by the Rangitane tribe to the Government. The whole of the purchase-money was paid to the Hirawanu, chief of Rangitane, who made presents of a portion of the money to certain of the Ngatiraukawa. The following extracts from public documents will confirm a portion of the Natives' statements:--

Mr. Commissioner Serancke to the Chief Commissioner.

Report of proceedings in connection with the purchase of the Upper Manawatu:--

"Manawatu, Sept. 27, 1858.

"A numerous meeting of Natives from the Ngatiraukawa,

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Ngatiteihiihi, Ngatiwhakatere, Te Upokoiri, Ngatiapa, Ngatimotuahi, and Rangitane, took place, when the whole of the upper part of the Manawatu was formally returned to Te Hirawanu by the three first-named tribes, 3 they fully consenting to his selling the whole of it to the Government.

"(Signed) William N. SERANCKE."

Mr. Commissioner Serancke to the Chief Commissioner, in a letter dated Manawatu, Nov. 12, 1855, speaking of Hirawanu and his people, says-- "Who, through accidental circumstances, have been again put in full possession of the lands of their forefathers.

"(Signed) W. N. SERANCKE."

Mr. Commissioner Serancke to the Chief Commissioner.

"Wellington, August 6, 1861.

"In September (27), 1858, I had the honour of reporting to you on the negotiations for the purchase of this block. I then succeeded in obtaining the consent of all the leading chiefs of the Ngatiraukawa tribe to the sale, and the waiving by them of their claims on it. Immediately their consent was gained, difficulties were thrown in the way of the completion of the purchase by a price per acre being insisted on, and the acreage ascertained. Whether these difficulties were made at the suggestion of the Ngatiraukawas, or by Te Hirawanu himself, in the pride of his heart in becoming the acknowledged and undisputed owner of so much land, I am not prepared to say.

"(Signed) W. N. SERANCKE."

In 1862 the General Assembly passed the "Native Lands Act." The Manawatu block was excepted from the Act. Dr. Featherston then stated that he was in treaty for the block, which was simply untrue. Dr. Featherston, in a report dated June 30, 1866, states, that when speaking to the Native chief Ihakara of what passed in 1864, he himself said--"Nor was he (Ihakara) perhaps aware that the 'Native Lands Act' expressly excepts from its operation all lands on which purchase deposits have been made by the Government. Now, although no deposit had yet been paid on the Rangitikei-Manawatu block, Ihakara could not deny that virtually it was already in the hands of the Commissioner. Ihakara would remember the meeting at Manawatu, when a formal offer of sale was made by himself and other representative chiefs, and accepted by the Commissioner on behalf of the Crown. He would remember on that occasion giving up to the Commissioner a carved club, in token of the absolute surrender of the land, subject to terms. It was only fair, therefore, to deal with the Rangitikei-Manawatu block as land under sale to the Government, although the final terms had not yet been arranged." The

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real reason for excepting the block may be found in the following extract from a letter dated--

"Wellington, August 26, 1851.

"There is a fine rich district of land situated between the Rangitikei and the Manawatu, the acquisition of which, in the course of a few years, will be found very desirable."

"I have, &c,
"(Signed) DONALD M'LEAN,
"Land Commissioner."
"The Hon. the Colonial Secretary," &c, &c, &c,"

In the exception clause we find "Be it enacted that all right of selection by the said Act conferred ("The Land Orders and Scrip Act, 1858") shall be exercisable within the block of land called "The Manawatu Block," whenever the Native title to the said block shall have been ceded to Her Majesty, and not otherwise or elsewhere, &c." "Her Majesty the Queen of England confirms and guarantees to the chiefs and tribes of New Zealand, and to the respective families and individuals thereof, the full, exclusive, and undisturbed possession of their lands and estates, forests, fisheries, and other properties, which they may collectively or individually possess, so long as it is their wish and desire to retain the same in their possession." It would appear that the General Assembly of New Zealand not only count but actually dispose of "their chickens before they are hatched," Her Majesty's "guarantee" to the contrary notwithstanding. All the documents published of late by the Government bearing upon the Manawatu question, and emanating from the Land Purchase Commissioner, are evidently intended to show that the "only-possible solution of the dispute was an absolute sale of the whole of the land in dispute to the Crown." One may, perhaps, be pardoned for suggesting that any other solution of the dispute might have militated against the requirements of "The Land Orders and Scrip Act, 1858;" if so, then all Dr. Featherston's statements which appear so repeatedly in his reports about the prevention of bloodshed must be taken for so much execrable cant, manufactured in the Native Office, and published by the Minister of the doctrines of that most beauteous establishment.

The following is the exception clause:--

X. EXTRAORDINARY PROVISIONS.

"LXXXII. And whereas by an Act of the General Assembly of New Zealand intituled 'The Land Orders and Scrip Act, 1858,' it was provided that in certain cases within the Province of Wellington holders of Land Orders issued by the New Zealand Company and purporting to grant certain rights of selection should be entitled to select land in respect of such Land. Orders within any blocks of land laid out by the New Zealand Company for selection at Manawatu or elsewhere within the said Province whenever the Native title to such blocks should be extinguished

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and by the same Act it was further provided that if the Superintendent of the said Province should set apart or reserve out of any of the said blocks lands for a township or otherwise as in the said Act mentioned then and in that case the holders of such Land Orders should be entitled to select land in respect thereof out of any land laid out as rural land within any district the Native title whereto should at the time or within two years afterwards be extinguished. And whereas by reason of the indefinite extent over which the rights of selection so conferred as aforesaid may be held to run disputes may hereafter arise as to how far such rights would interfere with the operation of this Act and for the purpose of preventing such disputes it is expedient to define and limit the exercise of such rights in manner hereinafter mentioned.

"Be it enacted that all rights of selection by the said Act conferred upon the holders of Land Orders of the New Zealand Company within the Province of Wellington shall be exercisable within the block of land called 'Manawatu Block'

"Whenever the Native title to the said block shall have been ceded to Her Majesty and not otherwise or elsewhere and the said block shall accordingly be and be deemed to have been excepted from the operation of this Act."

In 1863, a dispute arose between the Ngatiapa and the Ngatiraukawa. It would appear that the Ngatiapa, --not satisfied with having been spared by the Ngatiraukawa when urged by Te Rauparaha to slay them all, 4 and with having had all their land to the north of the Rangitikei River restored to them by their conquerors, any reserves when the land was sold having been made for the exclusive benefit of, and all the purchase money paid to and spent by, the Ngatiapas, the Ngatiraukawas allowing this to be done on the understanding that such was a discharge in full of all Ngatiapa claims,-- attempted in 1863 to assert their claim to the block south of the river. Had the Government not interfered at that time, the Ngatiraukawa could at least have held their own; but they agreed to refer the matter to arbitration, stipulating that the evidence should be taken of His Honor, Donald M'Lean, and the Rev. Samuel Williams. The Government instead of simply ascertaining who were in

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possession of the block at the time the Treaty was signed, and compelling the Natives to submit to the conditions of the Treaty of Waitangi, sent as mediator the gentleman who had induced the Assembly to introduce the Manawatu exception clause into "The Native Lands Act;" the gentleman of whom Parakaia says in his petition: "All Dr. Featherston did in his capacity of judge was to try and buy the land for himself, and to give his support to Ngatiapa, followed by his false statement that he saved these tribes from death;" and of whom I may say, in his own words, that he "endeavoured to foment tribal strife and frustrate (facilitate) the purchase;" then represents himself as trotting about among the "six tribes" like a kind and good old Aaron, staying the war-plague through the happy medium of his censer of five-and-twenty thousand golden horse power.

The fact of the names of certain men of the Ngatiapa tribe appearing in some of the leases of portions of the block is made a great handle of by the Government. Mr. Fox in his memorandum dated Rangitikei, August 19, 1863, states:-- "It is believed that most, if not all, of the leases were originally arranged with Nepia Taratoa, the principal chief of the Ngatiraukawas, though members of other tribes are also parties to them, or some of them." The non-sellers state that the leases were drawn out at a time when the country was in a very disturbed state; that Nepia Taratoa, who was living on the side of the block nearest the Ngatiapa settlements, being anxious to conciliate them, wished them to have a portion of the rents; the majority of the chiefs, whilst disapproving of the arrangement, knowing the leases to be irregular and illegal, allowed the matter to pass, with the understanding that it did not interfere with the title to the land. Mr. Buller states, in his report dated December 31, 1862, which he repeats in his report dated 31st August, 1863:-- "With the lapse of years the Ngatiapa have come to regard their claim as one of absolute right, in every respect equal to that of the present holders; while the latter, always regarding the Ngatiapa claim as one of sufferance, are disposed to ignore it altogether." The Ngatiraukawa chiefs give as the reason for their having been so kind to the Ngatiapas of late, that their Missionaries were always telling them that under the Christian law they were "all one flesh," victors and vanquished alike, and "urged them to act a generous part towards those who had been so harshly treated in past years." 5 Ngatiapa now say that Ngatiraukawa should go back to Maungatautari for their land. The Judges of the Native Lands Court ridicule Ngatiraukawa's claim to Maungatautari. Ngatiraukawa had better abide by the law of the Land Court, or between the two laws they are likely to go to the wall! They may now in their turn tell their Missionaries, to go and preach their "one flesh" doctrines to Dr. Featherston and the General Assembly. The following appears in the journal of James Grindell,

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interpreter, dated July 31, 1858, published among the reports of the Native Land Purchase Department:-- "When the Ngatiraukawa first established themselves in the country, each division of the tribe claimed and took formal possession of certain tracts, as their share of the conquest, of which they forthwith became the sole proprietors, and of which they ever afterwards retained possession." This applies to the whole of the Manawatu-Rangitikei block, and taken with the third clause of the Treaty as interpreted by Dr. Featherston in 1860, and the Judges of the Native Lands Court at a later period, would appear to give the Ngatiraukawa a clear title from the Crown to the whole of the block. It is almost a wonder that Dr. Featherston. could not see it in that light, leaving the Ngatiapa to sue for any moneys they might consider due to them on account of the irregular and illegal leases in which Nepia Taratoa had allowed some of them to join.

Extract from a Despatch from Sir G. Grey, K. C. B., to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle.

"Government House, 17th December, 1863,

"MY LORD DUKE--

"4th. I ought to mention to your Grace that I believe I was the first to recommend the forfeiture of lands by those Natives who took up arms against us, and. I did so for the following reasons:--Because such a proceeding is in conformity with their own customs. It will affect lands of those who have forced us into war, and leaves secure to the Native owners who have remained at peace, their large landed possessions in other parts of the Island. They will thus, from contrast, see the advantages secured by being protected by British rule, and the punishment which follows wanton attacks upon the European race and their properties. At the same time, from enactments recently made, the well-disposed Natives who retain their lands can deal as they please with them.

"I have, &c, «
"(Signed) G. GREY."

Extract from a copy of a reply from Governor Sir G. Grey, K. C. B., to the letter of the Aborigines Protection Society.

"Government House, Auckland, April 7, 1864.

"SIR--

"... The object of the local Government, therefore, has been to secure to that numerous part of the Native population who have taken no active share in the present war, the whole of their landed possessions; and, also by laws framed expressly for this object, to give to the lands held by such Natives a value greater than they have previously had for their owners, by, in all respects, giving

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them equal rights in their landed possessions with those enjoyed by their European fellow-subjects: the intention in this respect being to show that the rights of peaceable citizens, of whatever race, are carefully respected, and to give the Natives so valuable a stake in the country that they are not likely hereafter to hazard it lightly.

"I have, &c,
"(Signed) G. GREY."

It is a pity Sir G. Grey, K. C. B., did not, at the same time, inform "My Lord Duke," and the Aborigines Protection Society, that, at the time he wrote, from 400,000 to 500,000 acres of fine land, chiefly the property of the loyal and peaceable Ngatiraukawa, were excepted from the operation of "The Native Lands Act:"--almost as good as confiscated--the owners fairly bailed up, their rents impounded, in order and to the very good end that those lands might fall an easy prey to the Superintendent and Provincial Government of Wellington. Verily, hath it not been written, "Man in his best estate is altogether vanity."

In 1865 the Natives sent a petition to the Assembly, praying that the exception clause might be abolished from "The Native Lands Act." The fact of their petition having been rejected is generally attributed to log-rolling. One honorable member, who has figured largely in the Ministries of the Colony, if not to his own credit at least to the infinite damage of the colonists' pockets, having promised to support the petition, afterwards gave as his reason for not doing so, that "He saw how the matter was going, that he could do no good, therefore walked out of the House." Another honorable member frankly admitted, "The fact is, we were obliged to log-roll!" Long may these two gentlemen live alike an ornament and a comfort to their adopted country. Long may they live, occasionally to represent the Provincial Government of Auckland in the General Assembly of New Zealand. The following is the petition:--

"To the Great Council of New Zealand, at Wellington assembled.

"Tawhirihoe, Rangitikei, April 24, 1865.

"To -- MANTELL, --

"Friend--Salutations to you, and to the members of the Council of the Government. This is an inquiry by us, the residents of the district lying between Ohau and Rangitikei, what is the reason that Rangitikei and Manawatu are excluded from the permissive law of the Government of New Zealand ("Native Lands Act, 1862")? Rangitikei, Manawatu, and on to Ohau, are in your prison-house. Great is the grief that has come upon us on account of your having enacted two courses of law for New Zealand--one a law for opening (permissive); the other a law for closing (prohibitory). Rather let them all (both) be open. If you persist in closing up our small piece between Ohau and Rangitikei, great will be our grief at our imprisonment by you.

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It would be better to make the permission general, that there may be but one law for our Island; lest some live in gladness of heart, and others in darkness of heart: that is to say, they who enjoy the permissive law, have gladness; while to us, who are bound in your prison-house, there is darkness of heart. Therefore, we, the chiefs of the district, thus restricted by you, request of you, the members of the Government, that you will remove this ill-working restriction from our territory, and permit us to go on our way in lightness, joy, and gladness of heart."

(159 Signatures.)

"May 5th, 1865.
"These men are of Horowhenua, and to be included in the matter of removing the restriction from everything, that they may all live in joy and gladness of heart."

(21 Signatures.)

These all advocate the removal of the restriction--that is, the removal of the prohibition on land leasing; even down to the smaller matters. Some have not been subscribed because they are absent about their business.

"Ohau, May 9th, 1865.

"To IHAKARA, --

"Friend, we have heard your proposal through Te Peina. It is well that you should attend to the alteration of evil regulations. That also is what we are for thrusting aside, that the mana of the Governor may not rest upon our lands, even as also your desire is. Rather let his mana light upon Manawatu, and the lands of (sold by) Hirawanu, the lands which have properly become his; that would be right: but this work of the Governor is wrong. Be strong in your condemnation of your evil-working regulations. The end."

(17 Signatures.)

In April, 1866, the Superintendent purchased the Manawatu Block, said to contain 250,000 acres, from five tribes to whom the land did not belong, the sixth tribe, the Ngatiraukawa, with very few exceptions, refusing to sell (see Appendix, Dr. Featherston's report). Dr. Featherston states, "It was tacitly admitted by Aperahama te Ruru and Nepia (both Ngatiraukawas) that although they were now opposing the sale, they could not suggest any other way of settling their quarrel with the Ngatiapa." How could they? Their rents were impounded. Dr. Featherston tells them that to attempt to settle the matter by arbitration, by a division of the land, or by investigation in a court of justice, would be a mere farce. Parakaia in his petition exclaims, "Alas! for the treaty of Waitangi;" might not these men have exclaimed, "Alas! for the grand desire of the British colonists, whatever can have become of it." Those two men have since signed the deed of cession.

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The following appears in a memorandum drawn by the Ministers in 1860:--"The grand desire of the British colonists in respect of the Natives, is to see the Maori people rendered amenable, in their dealings with the settlers to British law.... that all the inhabitants of New Zealand should be subjected to the control of one equal law."

The following is in Mr. Weld's memorandum, drawn in 1860, in reply to Sir William Martin:-- "The practical issue now, is whether the natives are peaceably to appeal to the justice of the British Government for the recognition of their rights, or whether, if they think those rights are infringed, they are to resort to force of arms." In Mr. Richmond's memorandum:-- "One practical issue now being tried, is, whether the Natives are in future to trust to the justice of the British Government for the recognition of their rights, or to force of arms."

In a despatch from Mr. Cardwell to Sir George Grey is the following:--

"Downing Street, 26th April, 1864.

"I conclude by expressing an earnest hope that the operations in which General Cameron has been engaged may have already terminated the war, and shall rejoice when I am able to congratulate you on having succeeded, by the wisdom of your measures and those of your Government, by the skill of that distinguished commander, and by the valour of the Queen's troops and seamen, in restoring the blessings of order and good government to the country intrusted to your care.

"I have, &c,
"EDWARD CARDWELL."

On the 14th April, 1866, the Land Purchase Commissioner, Her Majesty's agent, after ridiculing alike the idea of attempting to settle the dispute between the tribes by arbitration, by a division of the land, or by having the claims of the various tribes investigated in the Native Lands Court, says, "He now gathered that the six tribes assembled before him were all but unanimous in scouting every one of these proposals, and were more than ever convinced that the only possible solution of the dispute was, to use their own words, an absolute sale of the whole of the land in dispute to the Crown, and after having for many days patiently heard all they had to say, he had no hesitation in expressing his entire concurrence in that conviction." He concludes by telling the Natives "he had no difficulty in publicly announcing his public acceptance of the block." (See Appendix.)

It must be very satisfactory to the British tax-payers to be told by Dr. Featherston, the New Zealand Land Purchase Commissioner, that, after ten regiments of British soldiers have been sent to New Zealand at their expense, after the expenditure of a vast amount of "British blood and treasure," after His Excellency Sir George Grey's government had succeeded in desolating the

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homes of the Maori, decimating their tribes, confiscating their lands to the Crown, inflicting a vast amount of misery upon the Maori race, compelling them (as the Whanganui Chronicle hath it) "naked and famine-stricken to submit to the force of circumstances," inflicting upon a large section of Her Majesty's subjects of the high spirited Maori race, that dull depression, that gloom, that taedium vitae which slays with the hand of death, --after having trampled under foot the work of British Societies in this country, driving the Natives to Hau-hauism, to debauchery and to crime --all for the avowed purpose of asserting in this land the supremacy of law, "the grand desire of the British colonists in respect of the Natives," is now as far as ever from being realized. It must be very satisfactory to that modern colonial representative of British heroism, by name called Charles Heaphy, to learn that he has fought and that he has bled (query did he bleed) in vain, that the V. C. that has been bestowed upon him by his Sovereign, and which he wears with so much pride, so far from being an honour, is, all things considered, a disgrace alike to the Colony, to his fellow colonists, and to himself. Yea and verily is not the Native chief Ihakara now, as ever, justified in saying, "you Pakehas are a set of humbugs."

The following will show a marked contrast between the sellers and non-sellers. Dr. Featherston reports thus (see Appendix) of what passed at a meeting held on 28th March:-- "Governor Hunia mode a still more violent speech against the other tribes, openly boasted that they (the Ngatiapas) had now plenty of arms and ammunition, and could easily drive off their opponents, and that they would now prefer an appeal to arms to any other course. He almost hinted that they had, during the West Coast campaign, reserved their ammunition for that purpose." On the 14th April, "Ihakara and the leading selling chiefs were more earnest than before in pressing the sale of the block, while Hunia to Hakeke openly declared that if the meeting should break up without the sale having been effected, he would return at once to pa building, and would decide the question of title by a trial of strength with the Ngatiraukawa."

"Parakaia (a non-seller) again brought forward his scheme for a settlement of the question (by a reference to the Land Court) which was scouted by the Ngatiapa."

The following letter, written by a Ngatiraukawa chief, was published in the Wellington Advertiser:--

"To the Colonists of New Zealand.
"Manawatu, 7th February, 1867.

"OUR ELDER BROTHERS, --We wish to ask you why you thus treat us, who are dwelling in peace and quietness? For now seven-and-twenty years we have lived peaceably under the protection of the Queen and under the law. We have been guilty of no wrong, and have always upheld the right. For what reason is justice now withheld? Your constant cry has been--

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'Let the law investigate.' That investigation you have now denied to us. You cast the law--the protector--on one side, and you 'jump upon the land.'

"Is it right that an innocent man should be condemned unheard? Docs not the same law apply to the land? Or is it just to treat as naught what is generally admitted to be right according to the common custom of mankind?--to send a man guiltless to prison, there to dwell in darkness? Is it just that a man who has been guilty of no fault, should be driven to dwell in sadness --denied the right of inquiry?

"We know that you claim Waikato and all the land that you have conquered; you claim it by right of conquest; that conquest is but of recent date. It was thus that we got possession, many years since, of Rangitikei and of the country down this coast. Now you say that it is not right that Maori usages should become law.

"Our elder brothers, there is no injustice with the law; the law is impartial; man is insolent and unjust. Witness your springing, regardless alike of law and justice, upon Rangitikei. The saying is your's--'Let the law decide.'

"Te Waharoa came to you, he asked you to give him back Waikato. You replied, 'That cannot be, it would not be just.' Now why do you take Rangitikei out of our hands, and give it back to Ngatiapa? Here is a Maori proverb, 'Well done, thou parent with the double tongue!'

"Here is another of your precepts which we are carefully laying to heart. You have always assured us that the land of those who dwell in peace shall be protected to them by the law. Permit us to ask you where are those laws; are they asleep; whatever can have become of them?

"Our elder brothers, we wish you to explain to us what you mean by living quietly--by dwelling in peace. You have told us to live peaceably: we have done so, we are now found fault with. What sort of living in peace is it that you require of us? It is but just that they who disturb the peace should perish by the sword, and that their land should be forfeited. In our case, to those who have been guilty of no fault--who are dwelling peaceably under the law, you have denied the protection of law. Why are love and mercy withheld from those who are peaceably inclined, and who are always ready to submit to the law?

"Look you in our opinion. On the first occasion, at Wairau, the enlightened guide was the first to fall, after him the blind. Likewise at the Waitara, the enlightened guide first fell, the blind followed. On the third occasion, at the Waikato, for the first time, they both fell together into the deep. Our elder brothers, is this burden to be constantly borne? It is well sometimes to reflect: reflect then on your own conduct; be not too hard upon that of your younger brother; he is but a poor ignorant fellow.

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"As the matter now stands, you have hidden away the law lest by it your treatment of innocent men, who are constant in their respect for that which is right, should be brought to light; and you have lowered the name of the Queen by using it as a menace to a loyal and unoffending people, who are striving to obey the law, and keep the peace.

"Our elder brothers, it rests with you to set this matter right. Permit the eye of the law to look into these wrongs of innocent and peaceable men. Cease from withholding the law.

"From your younger brothers,
"From NGATIRAUKAWA."

After Dr. Featherston's formal acceptance of the block, in 1866, the Ngatiraukawas paid repeated visits to Wellington, for the purpose of protesting against the proceedings of the Land Purchase Commissioner; they also petitioned the Governor, the Assembly, and the Ministers, to have the title to the land investigated in a court of justice. Their prayers were wholly disregarded. These Natives have now petitioned the Queen of England for justice and protection--besides Parakaia's petition, there are some five others from men of different hapus. The petitioners represent some two hundred and fifty men, who with their wives and children will number at least seven hundred Natives. It has been repeatedly stated by the Wellington Independent, the organ of the Provincial Government, that Parakaia and a few Natives at Otaki are the only opponents to the sale of the block. Parakaia and some thirty men with him own 11,800 acres which they have surveyed. A largo portion of their land consists of sand-hills, the other hapus own much larger blocks, consisting mostly of excellent land. The greater number of these men are living upon the block. There are many of the Natives who have a far larger interest at stake than Parakaia, and though every effort has been made to bribe and intimidate him, he has fought manfully and well for his people's rights. Parakaia, unlike the New Zealand Land Purchase Commissioners, is a noble-minded man.

So far from these petitions being attended to, the General Assembly passed a bill authorizing the raising of a loan of £30,000 for the purchase of the Manawatu Block. The debentures not having been disposed of in time, His Excellency's Ministers supplied the money which was paid down by Dr. Featherston in December, 1866. These unfortunate Natives were then told that "their land was all gone to the Queen; that it was all 'fighting ground;' that the six tribes had all met together and sold the whole block to Dr. Featherston; that there would be no further investigation as to title; that they had better sign the deed of cession and take what money was offered them; that whether they did so or not the land was gone." The above is well-known and can be proved in any court of justice--I have heard the story from many of the Natives. The following is an

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extract from a letter to myself from Akapita Te Tewe, a Ngatiraukawa native:-- "Mr. Buller offered me money and asked me to sign the deed of cession of Rangitikei. I replied 'I will not take any of your money, none whatever.' Mr. Buller replied, 'You will not like being passed over in the distribution of the money, for the land is in Dr. Featherston's hands; you had better take some money at once lest it be all gone, and you be missed.' I replied, 'What do I care about your money being all spent, my land will be left.' Mr. Buller replied with a laugh. That Pakeha said, 'have you not heard that Rangitikei has been publicly handed over to Dr. Featherston and the Government; that there will be no further investigation?'" The following is an extract from a letter sent to me by Henere Te Herekau:-- "These are the threatening words used to me by Mr. Buller on the 4th April, 1866. Mr. Buller said to me, 'I saw Ngatiapa armed with guns and cartouche boxes; they were coming to set fire to your houses on this side of Rangitikei. Ngatiapa said to me, "Buller, keep Ngatiraukawa away from Rangitikei or we shall fire upon them." Buller said to me, 'You must give your consent and sell this land to me, lest you be killed by Ngatiapa.' On April 14th we asked to have the title investigated. Mr. Buller replied, 'The title to this land cannot be investigated in the Supreme Court. Your opponents will not agree to investigation, nor will Dr. Featherston and I allow it; better sell the block, and when we have got it we will mark off reserves for you.' On 6th March, at Puketotara, Mr. Buller said, 'It is all nonsense your opposing my work; this land is in our hands; the land belongs to the Queen; you had better take the money; whether you take it or no the land is gone to the Queen.'"

These Natives, who are among the most loyal and peaceable men in New Zealand, petitioned the Assembly and the Ministers. (See Appendix.) They might as well have petitioned the east wind. What care the General Assembly for the character or the "grand desire" of the New Zealand colonists? What care they for the Christianity or for the welfare of Her Majesty's subjects of the Maori race? What care they for Great Britain's Treaty? What care they for the honour of Great Britain's Crown? Perish the character of the New Zealand colonists, perish their "grand desire," perish the Christianity of the Maori, perish the Maori race, perish Great Britain's Treaty, perish the honour of Great Britain's Crown.

These Natives went to Wellington to see the Governor; they also wrote several letters to His Excellency protesting against the proceedings of the Land Purchase Commissioners. (See Appendix.) A few days before the purchase money was paid down by Dr. Featherston, Sir G. Grey sent a special messenger to Otaki to fetch Parakaia and Rawiri, two of the principal non-sellers. The notes of what passed at their interview, as written by the two Natives a day or two after the interview took place, are here subjoined. I am told that Mr. Puckey, who was pre-

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sent, questions the correctness of some of their statements. Parakaia and Rawiri are well known -- they both bear high character. Sir G. Grey sent for them, knowing them to be thoroughly trustworthy. So satisfied was he with the assurance they gave him that there would not be any fighting, that he next day left on a tour of visits to the settlements in the Middle Island. Parakaia published their account of the meeting in the Wellington Advertiser. I believe if the Europeans and Natives who were present could all be examined upon oath, there would not be very much difference in their statements. Two young men who are Maori scholars say what Parakaia published is word for word what the Natives repeated to them a few hours after the interview closed. Doubtless Sir G. Grey was right in allowing these people's land to be excepted from the Native Lands Act, and their rents to be impounded. Doubtless he was right in denying to these men the protection of law, in telling Parakaia to "Consent to the sale of Rangitikei--give it up to Dr. Featherston; if you persist in retaining it you will quarrel amongst yourselves about it," seeing that Dr. Featherston is prepared "to make them an award in land to the extent of such claims as are admitted by the sellers." Doubtless he was right, having satisfied himself that these men would not fight, in leaving them, with the Treaty of Waitangi, to their fate. Sir G. Grey is no ordinary man; he is Governor Sir G. Grey, K. C. B., England's model Governor and famous dispatch writer--who came all the way from the Cape Colony to New Zealand to restore peace to this distracted land. Doubtless he was right. Doubtless it is right that there should be certain islands, by name called the Chathams, to which are sent New Zealand's political offenders and defaulters.

"Otaki, May 11, 1867.
"To Thomas Williams, --

"DEAR FRIEND, --Will you publish the enclosed, being a report of what was said by Governor Grey and myself. I wish it to be read by both the Pakehas and Maoris. I was foolish enough to suppose that when he sent for me it was to tell me something good--that he would instruct Dr. Featherston to keep back his money; but when I saw him he only told me to give up the land; that if I persisted, in holding the land the Maoris and the Government would fight. I assured him there would not be any fighting. No sooner did he satisfy himself upon this point than he forgot all about our being brought to grief by this dishonest land purchasing of the Government of Wellington. This is all from your friend,

"PARAKAIA TE POUEPA."

"Wellington, Government House,
"November 26th, 1866.

"This is what was said about Rangitikei.

"Governor Grey -- Parakaia, the reason why I have sent

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for you is that I am alarmed. Trouble is near; this is what I fear, and why I wished to learn what you think about Rangitikei. I am much alarmed. Hostilities are now likely to take place at our end of this island. What I now desire is that you should consent to the sale of Rangitikei--give it up to Dr. Featherston. If you persist in retaining it you will quarrel among yourselves about it.

"Parakaia--You do well to be alarmed at the probability of hostilities, but go and talk to Featherston. What has been said about fighting does not proceed from me; that threat of fighting came from Featherston's friends.

"Governor -- Those tribes, Whanganui, Ngatiapa, and Ngatikahununu, are angry because you refused to sell Rangitikei. I am grieved, very much grieved, about this, Parakaia.

"Parakaia--I was not aware that those tribes intended to fight. It must be Dr. Featherston having offered them money caused them to be elated, and to act in that way. What right would men have to go from this to Taranaki to fight? Should we think of going to fight about the land belonging to the men of Ahuriri, as you say Ngatikahununu are coming over here to the country of these tribes without any cause, for the purpose of stirring up strife; besides, it is not my business to lecture those tribes, it is your duty to admonish them.

"Governor -- Don't be headstrong, Parakaia; if you are obstinate you will only be drawing other people into trouble. You resemble a man hauling on to the rope of a canoe, until suddenly it is smashed on a rock. You are also drawing the Government into a war there.

"Parakaia--I am not responsible for that war (which you imagine will come); that talk about fighting comes from Featherston's friends.

"Governor--If you will yield to what I advise, just sign your name to the deed of cession, and say to the people-- 'I have assented to sell this land to the Government. Featherston will take care that my piece of land shall be excluded from the block which is alienated, as well as the lands of those who are opposing the sale.' And say to Featherston, 'Have their lands excluded from the alienated portions.' This is a prudent course to adopt. Sign your names to the deed, that your own pieces of land maybe secure; these will not then be touched. 6

"Parakaia--Why have you not hitherto advised me during these months that have elapsed? Had you spoken then I could have communicated what you said to the tribe for their careful consideration, which possibly by this time might have been

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agreed to; but the day of trouble about Rangitikei is near at hand--it is too late now to deliberate with my tribe. Besides, had I been dealing with McLean (who understands these questions) instead of Featherston, I might be induced to think there was some feasible plan in what you two propose. For Featherston made me a similar offer; I declined it. He pressed me to consent to the sale of Rangitikei, and promised me money. I declined it, and said, I am not a servant working for hire; no master said to me retain your land, I retain it of my own accord.

"Governor--Parakaia, you possess land in many parts of this Island--you have lands at Maungatautari and elsewhere. Give up this particular piece of land to the Government, in order that the Government may treat you with consideration, in reference to your claims to those other lands.

"Parakaia--Stay! one thing at a time. You are now confusing the matter in hand with irrelevant allusions to other land claims.

"Governor--What I meant was that the course for the Government might be clear; in my opinion that is right.

"Parakaia--I said to you some months ago, speak out your mind; do not remain silent, lest your silence be taken advantage of by Dr. Featherston as a consenting to his evil doings. Had you spoken then, what you now aim at might have been accomplished; but now I am taken aback, I am not clear what to do. I said earnestly on a previous occasion, Governor, speak out your mind.

"Governor--My son, I did speak before; nevertheless I now speak again distinctly. I am right in what I now propose; you are to blame in refusing to attend to it.

"Parakaia--What can I do? Can I break a tough tree? The tribe has come to a determination not to sell. I have no power to alter their resolution. I might now, perhaps, influenced by fear of you, give a hasty and useless assent to sell; but what then?

"Governor--If you fear me, give your assent. I am a wrathful Governor; assent.

"Parakaia--If it were Maori anger I should be afraid; but it is a Governor who is angry. I trust he will soon see he is angry without a just cause.

"Governor--My words are good: you are a madman; you ought to be sent to the lunatic asylum at Karore.

"Parakaia -- You ought to send Featherston to the madhouse at Karore. I am no madman. The land on one side of this block has long since been ceded to you; you heard then that there was a determination to retain this portion. Subsequently Governor Browne and McLean endeavoured to purchase it, but we refused to sell. Those other tribes did not take it from us at that time. You have obtained both the Lower and Upper Manawatu blocks; this is comparatively a small portion which

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we are retaining. Let Nepia, Takana, Hoeta, Wiriharai, and all the other owners of the various portions first give their assent to the sale; my assent will then follow and be of use; but for me to venture and take the lead, and give a futile assent to the sale, is beyond my power. There is a fixed determination not to sell Rangitikei. I can now do nothing in the matter. With reference to what you say about fighting, we have nothing to do with that; it is for the Governor to put that down. Two men with conflicting interest will continue to quarrel. Now you are connected with England, Featherston with New Zealand. Owing to the troubles arising from land purchases conducted in this same faulty way, you came here to restore peace. It is Dr. Featherston's duty to maintain the peace. It is for Parakaia's chief--for you are my chief--to mediate and judge. Attend now to what I say. My own piece of land is distinct; it has been surveyed; it is, comparatively with the block, a small piece (meaning his and his immediate friends). Nepia's is small, Rawiri's is small, Takana's is small, so is Whiriharai's, Hoeta's, so is each man's on to the end. They will none of them consent to part with their lands.

"The Governor turned to Puckey (the interpreter) to inquire about Nepia's name. Some conversation took place. The Governor then told Puckey to ask Rawiri to speak, that he might hear whether he thought the Governor or Parakaia had taken the more satisfactory view of the question.

"Rawiri te Wanui said--Their discussion has made nothing clear to my mind. But this is what I have to say. The old men of the tribe are dead; their resolution to retain this land for the use of the tribe still holds good, and the Governor was plainly informed of their determination at the time. This talk about holding Rangitikei is nothing new--questions about other places in this Island are of later date. Rangitikei still goes on. We who are alive shall not depart from the determination of those who are dead. But with regard to this talk about fighting, it never came from those who are dead, nor shall that evil word originate from us, their children, who survive.

"Governor--You two did well to come to me. I am satisfied. It is well. Parakaia, our talk is ended.

"Present--Hon. J. C. Richmond, Mr. Puckey, Mr. Halse, Parakaia Tokoroa, and Rawiri Te Wanui."

"[TRANSLATION.]

"(To the Editor of the Advertiser.)
"Otaki, August 1, 1867.

"SIR, --Please to publish my letter in your paper. I hear that Mr. Puckey questions the accuracy of the account given in your paper of Parakaia's interview with the Governor. Attend. I was Parakaia's companion, and heard all that was said by the Governor and him. I confirm all Parakaia's statement contained

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in the account in your paper. This is an accurate account of what passed between them at the Governor's house. When we returned to our house in the Maori village, Parakaia immediately began to write down what had been paid. It was not finished there, but on our return to Otaki it was carefully finished.,

"RAWIRI TE WANUI."

In the New Zealand Herald, Auckland, Monday, July 1867, received last evening, is the following:--

RUSSELL.
"NATIVE FIGHT NEAR WAIMATE--7 NATIVES KILLED--MANY WOUNDED--FURTHER HOSTILITIES PENDING.
"(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

"July 12.

"The 'Sea Breeze' is just off, and I have only just time to write a few lines. News has just come in that the Natives I told you of in my last as likely to come to blows, near the Waimate, and through the exertions of the R. M. for the district, had separated and gone to their kaingas, had re-assembled and had a skirmish, killing seven--three on Wi Katene's side, and four on Piripi Korongohi's--besides several wounded. Amongst the killed are Renata Kawana, from Oramahoe; Piripi, Maioha, Te Maura; and the wounded, Pene Wharo Oneone, and Rautara, a son-in-law of old Kawiti.

"As they have made such a beginning there is no knowing where it will end, as all the relations of the dead men will, I suppose, go in for 'utu' for their friends.

"The piece of land in dispute is only about 411 acres, though, I believe, valuable."

It may be a matter of wonder to some that the Natives at the Bay of Islands, who have remained loyal throughout the whole of the late disturbances, should fight amongst themselves about the ownership of a small piece of land. The answer is a simple one. During the war with Heke and Kawiti, a small tribe of Natives living at a place called the Kawakawa, with others, Tamati Walker's people, &c, assisted the military against their countrymen; they placed their pas, their canoes, their arms, their lives, their all, unreservedly at the disposal of the Government. Some few years afterwards, when the country was quiet, some of Kawiti's people (old Kawiti was then dead) accused a chief living at the Kawakawa with having bewitched (Makutu) one of their people, causing his (or her) death. An armed party without any further ceremony proceeded to their chief's house and shot him dead in his bed at the dawn of day. These Natives, thinking that one good turn deserves another, with Tamati Walker at their head, applied to the Government for assistance in having these

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men taken up. The great majority of the Natives would have assisted the Government. They were told in reply that "it was a native affair, and that they must settle it amongst themselves." Well and nobly done through your Representative and agents, Great Britain! Britain, thou art great, thou art mighty, thou art wealthy, thou art honoured amongst the nations of the earth. Go on and prosper--perish my poor brown-skinned countrymen of the Maori race, committed by the Almighty to thy care. What carest thou?

I have often heard a church missionary (a brave and good old man, whose grey hairs, after having expended the whole energies of his life in the service of others, are now being brought with sorrow to the grave, seeing the fruits of his own labour and of his brave colleagues' scattered to the winds, mainly through the instrumentality of the New Zealand Land Purchase Commissioners), tell the following story:-- "Shortly after our arrival, I made a bargain with a party of Natives and their chief for a supply of rushes, &c, for building a cottage for my family; they were to be paid in tobacco, so many sticks for so many bundles of rushes. They brought the rushes a day or two afterwards and piled them in heaps, when the chief demanded some four or five times as much tobacco as had been agreed upon, which I refused to give. The fellow commenced to dance about, flourished his tomahawk over my head, and vowed, if the tobacco were not forthcoming, he would kill and eat us all. My interpreters, who knew but little Maori, became frightened, and pressed me to comply with the chiefs demand. Not a word was spoken by the crowd. I could not speak a word of Maori. I could only reply by look. At last the chief became exhausted and sat down. After a short time spent in silence, he said, 'give us what was agreed upon.' I placed the requisite number of sticks upon each pile of bundles, and when I came to the old chief I broke off a piece of tobacco an inch long and throw it to him. The result was a burst of uproarious laughter from the crowd, in which the old chief himself joined." This occurred in 1823.

The following story is told by a Judge of the Native Lands Court, of what occurred in his Court at Waimate, Bay of Islands, some two years since:-- "The court was full of natives, a young chief came up to give his evidence, when I held out the Bible for him to kiss. He said, 'What shall I do with it, shall I bite it,' and forthwith opened his mouth and bit the book. I did not do it myself, it was my instincts--my arm stretched forth, Bible in hand, and I struck the fellow with all my might on the side of the head, which sent him spinning head over heels to the other end of the court. Not a word was spoken. I, of course, expected to be killed, when, to my astonishment, the man picked himself up, walked up to me, kissed the book reverently, and gave his evidence like a Christian." Why did the Natives in the two cases I have instanced submit? Because they knew that they were in

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the wrong and the Pakeha in the right. Why did they fight at Waitara? Because they knew that Pakeha was in the wrong.

When will the rulers in this country learn to treat the Natives, not as so many cattle, but as human beings? It will, I have no doubt, be found that all that the Government have done in the Bay of Islands case is to send a magistrate to the Natives with instructions to preach to them the time-worn "one flesh" doctrines of the old Manawatu Church Missionaries. Why, may I ask, does not the Native Minister go to the Bay of Islands and tell the Natives concerned that inasmuch as they have dared to take up arms and to shed human blood--this being the first offence since the establishment of the supremacy of law in this land-- that their only punishment so far will be, that their block of land in dispute, consisting of 411 acres, will be confiscated to the Crown; but that if they dare to fight any more, Charles Heaphy, Esq., V. C., with the Parnell Volunteers, will be sent to the North with instructions to blaze into both sides; that their lands will, to a great extent, be confiscated, and that they will be denied the benefits arising from the Native Lands Act with respect to the remainder. If this were done, there is not a Maori in the land (poor brave fellows that they are--the British soldier says they are brave, and nothing has raised the British soldier more in the writer's estimation than the unwillingness they have displayed throughout to slay the Maori. When did the British soldier--the Irish, the English, and the Scotch soldier--ever yet meet a foeman worthy of their steel, but they made him trot) but would come forward and bare his head, and, if bare, would render it still barer in order that he might do infinite reverence and obedience to Her Majesty. They would point to their desolated homes, their decimated tribes, their confiscated lands, to their rebellion, their down-trodden Christianity, their Hauhauism, their crime, their disease, with the chances of their speedy extinction, to their tomahawks--some of them still reeking with the blood of England's best and bravest--and they would say, this is your doing: why did you not send that Majesty here before? Why did you not govern us upon those principles from the first? If that is the way and those are the principles upon which you mean to govern us for the future, we will lay down our arms, we will take the oath of allegiance, we will let the dead past bury its dead, and we will pledge ourselves henceforth and for evermore hereafter to become loyal subjects of Her Majesty, henceforth and for evermore hereafter to honour, to respect, and to obey the Governor and the Government of New Zealand.

In December, 1866, Dr. Featherston paid down the purchase money, £25,000, to the natives. I quote from the Wellington Independent of 20th December, 1866:-- "Thursday, December 13th. The proceedings were short and business-like; Governor Hunia, on behalf of his people, stated that Dr. Featherston's proposal as to the tribal division of the purchase money, had now

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been acceded to by all the tribes concerned. He called on his Honor to send at once for the money, and to hand the shares over to the chiefs appointed by their respective tribes to receive them. He had been elected, in conjunction with Aperahama Tipae, to receive the Ngatiapa Rangitane share of £15,000, and he pledged himself to see a fair and equitable division of the money among the several associated tribes. He called on Ihakara and Aperahama Te Huruhuru, who had been appointed in like manner by their tribes, to be equally careful of the interests of all claimants. The Ngatiraukawa replied in friendly and conciliatory terms, and assured Dr. Featherston that they would make ample provision for the few dissentients of their tribe who had refused to sign the deed, and would, if necessary, hand their allotted shares over to his Honor for safe custody." "Governor Hunia apologized publicly for having torn down the Queen's flag, assuring his Honor that it was not done out of any spirit of disloyalty to the Queen, but because of the 'gloom of his tribe,' and in the hope that it would precipitate the breaking up of the meeting. Dr. Featherston (through Mr. Buller) replied in an appropriate speech." "After which, Governor Hunia, as the representative of the Ngatiapa tribe and their allies, and Ihakara as the representative of the Ngatiraukawa, headed a procession to the flagstaff, holding between them the tin case containing the Manawatu deed of cession, which they placed on a table at the foot of the staff. Mr. Buller then opened the large roll of parchment, and read aloud to the assembled tribes the deed of final surrender. Dr. Featherston, as Land Purchase Commissioner, then came forward and signed the deed in due form, the signature being attested by the following witnesses:--Howard Kennard, gentleman, London; C. Wentworth Dilke, B. A., Barrister at Law, London; C. Hillingsworth, B. A., London; and Walter Buller, Resident Magistrate, Whanganui. The tribes then chanted a song of farewell to the land, with its forests and lakes, its cultivations and its fisheries, and parted for ever with it (according to their own expression) 'under the shining sun of the day.' "Saturday, December 15th. --Dr. Featherston addressed the people, through Mr. Buller, R. M., to the following effect:--He said--"That before handing over the at £25,000 in final completion of the Manawatu purchase, he had a pleasing duty to perform towards a chief who had taken an active part in the long, difficult, and tedious negotiations now successfully concluded. He was anxious to give Governor Hunia, in the presence of the assembled tribes, some token of his approbation. He had decided in his own mind that the signet ring which he was about to present to him was the most appropriate token, because of its symbolic associations. It was hardly necessary for him to explain that in the holy institution of matrimony the ring is the pledge or token of the solemn vows that are made at the altar; and that in like manner, he desired to symbolize the

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establishment of a firm and lasting friendship between the Ngatiapa and Ngatiraukawa tribes.

"His Honor then placed the ring on Governor Hunia's finger, with the words--'Let this ring be a token that there is no longer enmity between the tribes, and that henceforward they will live together on terms of mutual good will, in friendship with the Pakeha, and in loyalty to our Gracious Queen! And, Governor Hunia, long may you live to wear it!'

"The formal handing over of the money then took place, after which the tribes assembled under the Queen's flag, to hear Governor Hunia's speech in reply."

"The £15,000 for the Ngatiapa and Rangitane, and their allies, was paid over to Governor Hunia and Aperahama Tipae: and the £10,000 for Ngatiraukawa and Ngatitoa was paid over to Ihakara Tukumaru and Aperahama Te Huruhuru, these chiefs thereupon signing receipts on the back of the deed, 'on behalf of and in the presence of the assembled tribes,' for the respective amounts."

"The following gentlemen then affixed their names as witnesses to the signatures and payments, viz.:--H. J. Kennard, gentleman, London; C. Wentworth Dilke, Barrister, London; J. E. Illingsworth, B. A.; A. Follet Halcombe, sheep-farmer, Rangitikei; Maillard Noake, J. P., Rangitikei; M. W. Anderson, contractor, Wellington; and Walter Buller, Resident Magistrate, Whanganui."

Thus the Manawatu purchase was completed. Thus £15,000 was paid to the conquered tribes not in possession of the land, and to strangers having no claim, whilst £10,000 was paid to the conquerors in full possession, only a few of whom were present and partook of the money; also to men who laid no claim to the land. I was informed by a Ngatikahununu chief that Governor Hunia assigned to him as his reason for enforcing the sale "that they might be revenged upon the Ngatiraukawa, their old conquerors." However that might be, a day or two after his having been invested with the signet ring, Governor Hunia trotted away with £4,400 of the £5,000 entrusted to his care for the Rangitane. Whether his attempted revenge may prove a success remains to be seen.

Shortly before the money was paid, 24 Ngatiraukawa chiefs went to Wellington and had an interview with the Hon. J. C. Richmond, the Native Minister. The following is their account of what passed: they are not quite clear as to the month:-- "We went to Wellington in the month of (September?), 1866; our reason for going was to protest against the sale of our land, and to request that the title to Rangitikei might be investigated. Mr. Richmond heard what we had to say about holding our land, and our protest against our lands being sold by other tribes. He then rose to reply. He said, 'What you say about holding your land is right, but the difficulty is, there is but one bone and there are three dogs biting at that one bone; that is why your holding back

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the land is not clear. The great majority of the tribes have agreed to sell Rangitikei; only a small minority are holding it back-- this is what bothers the Assembly and the Government.'

"I rose to reply to Mr. Richmond, the Minister. I said, 'Listen, what you say is not quite clear, I am the chief of those dogs. The first bone was the other side of Rangitikei. I handed that over to Ngatiapa. That dog was made quiet, and Ngatiapa agreed to abandon all claim to this other side of Rangitikei. After that the Ngatiraukawa dog began to growl. I allowed him to sell the Awahou. That dog's anger ceased. Afterwards another of the dogs began to be quarrelsome. I allowed him to sell the Ahuoturanga. That dog was satisfied. As for these tribes who are now selling Rangitikei, they have no right, nor will I allow other tribes to sell my land. Would you like your sheep, cattle, horses, or land to be sold by me? You would not like it. You would prefer selling them yourself. That is the way with Rangitikei. I do not agree to allow other tribes to sell my land. If you have not the courage (kaha) to investigate the title to Rangitikei, we will swim across the seas in search of the residence of that Great Lady the Queen.

"This is what was said on the occasion of our third visit; 24 men were present and heard what was said.

"(Signed)
"AKAPITA TE TEWE.
"PARANIHI TE TAU."

The following extract from Dr. Featherston's speech will show that His Excellency's Ministers were consenting parties to the transaction:-- "The thanks of the Province are due to his Excellency's Ministers for the readiness with which, in compliance with my request, they advanced (in anticipation of the sale of the land purchase loan) the funds required to enable me to meet my engagements with the Natives."

The following will show how Dr. Featherston proposes to deal with any perverse non-sellers:-- "There is, however, still a small number of Ngatiraukawa dissentients to whom, in the event of their persisting in their refusal to accept the sum set apart for them, it may be necessary to make an award in land to the extent of such claims as are admitted by the sellers." Dr. Featherston further says:-- "I feel that I am entitled to say that in no previous land purchase has so liberal a price been paid, or such ample justice done to all the Natives concerned in the transaction; and I venture again to express a hope that the Council will, knowing how much the successful issue of these long-pending negotiations is due to Mr. Walter Buller, bestow upon him a substantial recognition of his valuable services." 7

Dr. Featherston paid a visit to Rangitikei and Manawatu a few weeks since, when he told the natives that he should send 500 armed Natives to survey the boundaries of the block. I was.

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informed of this by several of the Natives, and have their written statements. The chief Ihakara was one of my informants. Herekau concludes his letter upon the subject thus:-- "If you can give us any good advice respecting this evil work, do so, because Ngatiraukawa will not flinch from the snare which is being laid for them by Dr. Featherston." After giving them this piece of information he sent the following memorandum to some of the non-sellers:--

"I agree to refer the claims of non-sellers in the Rangitikei-Manawatu block to arbitration, subject to the following conditions:--

"1. Two arbitrators, either Pakeha or Maori, to be appointed --one by the non-sellers, the other by the Land Purchase Commissioner; such arbitrators being persons entirely disconnected with the land or with the disputants, and wholly disinterested in the question at issue. The arbitrators to appoint an umpire, or the arbitrators and umpire to be appointed by His Excellency the Governor.

"2. The arbitrators to be appointed within one month from the present date, and the arbitration to take place at Rangitikei.

"3. All non-sellers, of whatever rank, to prove their individual claims to the satisfaction of the arbitrators, having previously signed a paper assenting to the proposed arbitration, and pledging themselves to accept, as final, the decision of the arbitrators as to the nature and extent of their claims.

"(Signed) I. E. FEATHERSTON."

The following letter, published in the Wellington Advertiser, contains the natives reply:--

"THE MANAWATU QUESTION.

"Taita, Wellington, July 13, 1867.

"Sir, --In your paper of yesterday's issue you published Dr. Featherston's 'conciliatory memorandum,' in which he 'agrees to refer the claims of non-sellers in the Rangitikei-Manawatu block to arbitration, subject to the following conditions.' You state 'it is impossible to say now in what temper the Natives who have throughout adhered implicitly to the non-selling principle will receive this proffer of conciliation.' The following appears at the foot of a long statement sent to me by the Ngatikauwhata of what passed before Dr. Featherston paid his late visit to Rangitikei:-- Dr. Featherston replied, 'I agree to the investigation.' Some of us went to Whanganui to fix a day for the investigation to take place, when Mr. Buller said, 'My friends, you must all agree that this land is in Dr. Featherston's hands. After that we will have an inquiry, and let the judges decide whether there is any land belonging to you in his hands.' We did not agree to that absurd proposal of Mr. Buller's, because we are not aware that our land is in his hands, but what we consent to is that the judges should

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try and discover where Dr. Featherston's land is. Dr. Featherston would not agree to our proposal.'

"The following is a statement handed to me by Parakaia:-- 'On the 21st and 22nd June Dr. Featherston sent for me to his office. He wanted me to agree to settle Rangitikei by arbitration. He proposed that we should choose two Maoris--one each--and one Pakeha, and that the investigation should take place at Rangitikei. I replied, 'I do not agree that you and I should have a little insignificant investigation, but let the investigation take place at Wellington, that there may be a great number of Pakeha gentlemen to judge between us. You have published in a great many newspapers; I have also done the same; the whole island has been made aware of our dispute. I do not agree to what you propose. I said to him plainly, let there be a great many Pakeha gentlemen present to condemn me, that one and another may say to me-- 'Parakaia you are in the wrong; that I may hear them say that you are in the right; perhaps you are afraid of public investigation.' To this he made no reply. I agreed to what he proposed with respect to Paretao; he was to have arranged the matter on the 2nd July, but as he never came he must let that pass.

"PARAKAIA TE POUEPA."

"The following was sent to me by the Natives, being the reply from Ngatikauwhata, the hapu of Ngatiraukawa, to whom Dr. Featherston made the offer of arbitration:-- 'I agree that the title to the whole block lying between Rangitikei and Manawatu should be investigated, that it may be found out how far the sellers are in the right, and how far the non-sellers are in the right; that the basis of this investigation be that each hapu have their separate claims investigated to their portions of the block; that the judges shall inquire what land in the block belongs to the sellers--what land belongs to the non-sellers. What we wish is that each hapu should prove their claim as a whole--not that each individual should be called upon to prove his separate claim; that we will not sign our names to Dr. Featherston's paper.'

"From what the natives said to me themselves, I gather that they want to have the whole matter settled according to law. They are standing out for those 'rights' which Dr. Featherston told the House, on August 7th, 1860, 'the Government were bound to respect and preserve inviolate.' They want to see a practical illustration, in 1867, of what has hitherto only appeared in a memorandum drawn in 1860. 'The grand desire of the British colonists in respect of the Natives is to see the Maori people rendered amenable in their dealings with the settlers to British law;' or, as it is expressed further on in the memorandum, 'that all the inhabitants of New Zealand should be subjected in their mutual dealings to the control of one equal law.'--I am, &c,

"THOMAS C. WILLIAMS,
"A Native of New Zealand."

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Dr. Featherston buys these men's land from five tribes who have no title whatever to the land, tells them their land is "all gone to the Queen," that there will be "no further investigation as to title, &c," and now, at this late period, offers them arbitration, and calls upon them "to prove their individual claims to the satisfaction of the arbitrators." Dr. Featherston's doing so is simply impertinent, seeing that "Her Majesty the Queen of England confirms and guarantees to the chiefs and tribes of New Zealand, and to the respective families and individuals thereof, the full, exclusive, and undisturbed possession of their lands and estates, forests, fisheries, and other properties which they may collectively or individually possess, so long as it is their wish and desire to retain the same in their possession." And, as Dr. Featherston told the House, on August 7, 1800, --"It follows that whatever rights, especially territorial, the Natives possessed at the time the treaty was made, the Government is bound to respect and preserve inviolate." With respect to arbitration, Parakaia and his people would have as good a right to purchase any land, for which Dr. Featherston holds a Crown grant, from the original Native owners, and then offer to refer the matter to arbitration, one of the arbitrators to be chosen by the Maoris. Dr. Featherston should now be content to consider the case as closed, so far as he is himself concerned--high time it should be so--and allow others to interfere. The Natives have petitioned Her Majesty to "send persons to investigate carefully this wrong." God grant she may so do.

[TRANSLATION.]

(To our Mother the Queen of England.)

This is my petition, the petition of Parakaia te Pouepa, a Maori, of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, living at Otaki, New Zealand.

In the year 1860 we wrote to your Majesty, making known to you our grief caused by the proceedings of Governor Browne at Waitara, and praying you to send a Governor to investigate that act of injustice of the Government.

Our cry at that time went forth from our love to another people, the Ngatiawa, at Taranaki, and their lands.

I now cry unto your Majesty on behalf of my people and our own land, which land is being taken from us by Dr. Featherston.

We have always borne in mind that your great name alighted justly and peacefully upon New Zealand in the year 1840, through the treaty of Waitangi, that the chiefs of New Zealand then ceded to your Majesty the sovereignty of this island, and we feel assured that your Majesty the Great Queen of England will now on your part protect us, your children, and our lands.

I now write to you respecting the land of my people, lying between the Manawatu and Rangitikei Rivers, in the Province of Wellington.

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My tribe, the Ngatiraukawa, gained possession of that country by conquest, in the year 1830, before your Majesty's Sovereignty alighted upon this island, and we have always held possession up to the present time.

I wish to make known to you the regard we showed to former Governors of yours, who came from your presence. In the year 1847, Rangitikei was sold to Governor Grey; in the year 1858, Manawatu was sold to Governor Browne; in the year 1858, also, the Ahuoturanga was sold to Governor Browne. These are large blocks of land that were ceded to your Governors. The desire to sell of those people, Ngatiapa, Rangitane, and a portion of my own tribe, was thus gratified; this portion which I and my people are retaining is comparatively small.

I wish to make known to you our kindness and liberality to those tribes whom we had conquered, and who were spared by us when To Rauparaha urged us to destroy them all. Rangitikei, a large extent of country, we restored to Ngatiapa; Ahuoturanga, also a large extent of country, we restored to Rangitane. Now those tribes and the Government have joined to take forcibly from us this our reserve. These are our houses and our plantations that are being taken--the means of support of my people.

In the year 1862, the Governor and the Assembly established a court for investigating Maori lands.

I wish to make known to you that it was only the land of my people, of Ngatiraukawa, that was excluded from that court.

In the year 1863, Ngatiapa came to disturb my people. They came with guns in their hands--my people also rose up with guns in their hands. I wrote to Governor Grey and Mr. Fox, the Minister, requesting them to send Mr. McLean to investigate (whakawa) Rangitikei. I received a letter from Mr. McLean, wherein he expresses his willingness to do so. But Dr. Featherston came instead, in the year 1864. We he came we had ceased from contention, and were patiently awaiting the arrival of Mr. McLean, the man whom we preferred as judge between us. All Dr. Featherston did in his capacity of judge was to try and buy the land for himself, and to give his support to Ngatiapa, followed by his false statement that he saved these tribes from death.

In the year 1865, my people petitioned the General Assembly to abolish the law excluding our lands, that our titles might be investigated in a court of justice, but the Assembly would not listen to them.

In the year 1866, Dr. Featherston came again, and made a determined effort to purchase our land. We did not give our consent. He then used the following threatening words to me and my people:-- "This land is in my hands; 800 of Whanganui, 200 of Ngatiapa, 100 of Rangitane and Muaupoko have consented. All these tribes went with me to fight against the tribes who are contending with the soldiers of the Queen. They have all agreed that this land shall be sold to me; they are the great majority,

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you are but a few. You shall not hold back this land." When my people heard his threatening and taunting words they were overwhelmed (paralyzed) with shame and fear. I replied, "Friend, what title have the hundreds of those tribes that you have enumerated to this land; only after investigation in a court can this land be justly sold to you." He replied, "Parakaia, the jurisdiction of that court will never be extended to this land."

After hearing these words of Dr. Featherston, a number of us went to Wellington to the Governor, to the Assembly, to the Ministers also, and entreated them to allow our titles to be investigated according to law. On the first occasion thirty-five of us went, on the second occasion fourteen, on the third occasion twenty-four. When the others became weary, I still persevered by myself alone. But they would not grant our prayer. Then I said to myself, "Alas! for the treaty of Waitangi, whatever can have become of it?"

In the month of December, 1866, Dr. Featherston paid money to some of my own tribe, the great majority of whom had no title to our land; he also paid money to tribes from a distance who had no title whatever to our land; he then told my people, "All your land has now become the property of the Queen."

Therefore, I, your humble servant, pray your Majesty to send persons to investigate carefully this wrong, to protect me and my people, and to raise up the treaty of Waitangi which has been trampled under foot by the Government of New Zealand.

PARAKAIA TE POUEPA.
Otaki, New Zealand, July 4, 1867.