(True Copy, George Clarke.) To the Chiefs of Ngatiwatua. Government House, Auckland, December 26, 1843.

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

(True Copy, George Clarke.) To the Chiefs of Ngatiwatua. Government House, Auckland, December 26, 1843.

Friends, Chiefs of Ngatiwhatua, — I have received j your letter of congratulation, and thank you cordially for your kind words. I am pained to hear that things have occurred which grieved you, principally in reference to the taking of your lands by Europeans, and that at times you are apprehensive whether the promises made at Waitangi, by the late Governor, will be fulfilled. You ask me " whether I will be a Parent to you ?" and in ,reply I say that 1 will endeavour to be your Friend, and to act as your Father. Do not think that I 6hall be hasty in my conclvsions respecting you. Great and permanpnt changes in a nation cannot be made hastily, — Time must be granted, 1 am most anxious to see you enjoying all the rights and privileges of British subjects, and shall use every proper means of effecting gradually the object of my dearest wishes. The Queen has authorised me to make enquiries among yourselves with the view of altering the present method of selling your lands. You will receive from Her Majesty's just Government the vaoit equitable treatment founded upon the purest Christianity. I am, my friends, devoted to your welfare and anxious to act as your Parent, (Signed) ROBERT FITZROY, Governor of JS 7 ew Zealand.