(True Copy, Thomas Forsaith.) Government House, Auckland, Dec. 26, 1843.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 37, 30 December 1843, Page 3

(True Copy, Thomas Forsaith.) Government House, Auckland, Dec. 26, 1843.

Elder Chiefs and Men of Wailtato, I have received your letter of affectionate welcome. It is very gratifying to my heart. Accept my cordial thanks. The things that you love, peace and good will, I love also. The things that you hate, disturbances and war, I hate also. I rejoice that you are resolved to cast off these and other bad practices ; in doing so, and in raising your countrymen in the estimation, not only of mankind, but of Almighty God ; it is my duty, as well as my earnest desire, to give you every assistance in my power. Rely on me as your friend, and as your father. Improvement in a nation, must be slow and gradual. Let us all be patient and charitable. The Queen has heard of your wish to sell land to Europeans direct, without in the first place selling them to Her Representative, and Her Majesty has

authorised me to enquire among you, and make arrangements more pleasing to yourselves. That we may all live in harmony and peace, it will be necessary for you, O Great Chiefs, and Elder men of Waikai^to keep order among the thoughtless, who do not fear God as we do ; and, when they transgress, you and I will agree how far they shall be punished, I shall expect you to, aid me with your powerful assistance in preserving peace and good order. I am truly your Friend, and I will act as "'"'. your Father. (Signed), ROBERT FITZROY, Governor of New Zealand.