SIR WILLIAM MARTIN'S LETTER TO TAMATI NGAPORA MANUHIRI.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1060, 25 June 1869, Page 3

SIR WILLIAM MARTIN'S LETTER TO TAMATI NGAPORA MANUHIRI.

The Southern Cross of the 15th iust., gives the letter of Sir William Martin, referred to in connection with Mr. Firth's visit to Waikato, which wo reprint beneath. That journal, in publishing the letter in. :question, thus remarks upon it : —

It is only fair to Sir William Martin that we should state some of the circumstances under which, as we learn from another source, the letter was written by him.

Shortly after tlio last panic in the Waikato, the Government became anxious to open up negotiations with the King party, and particularly with Tamati Wgapora, who has . for some time past been regarded as the leader ancl mouthpiece of the King party. Many years ago, when Tamati Ngapora was pastor of Mangere, Sir William Martin was on terms of friendship with him, and their acquaintance dates as far back as the time of the first colonial Governor. Very naturally, therefore, the Government applied to Sir William Martin to endeavour to open up negotiations between them and the King party, and a conference took place on the subject between him and the Resident - Minister, tho Hon. Dr. Pollen. The letter was written with the knowledge and concurrence of the Government, and out of a desiro to bring about a friendly feeling between the two races. Auckland, March 6, 1869, Oh friend Taraati, greeting. —Here am I mindful continually of you (plural), who are dwelling in the distracted land. lam seeking a way whereby the two races may dwell in peace, and whereby we two may see one another again, though I am fearing lest the fire which is now burning spread and cause trouble. The only thing which causes a gleam of light to arise in my heart is the report wh,ich is now current that Tawhiao's. people have

exerted themselves to repress the senseless men, the shedders of blood. For this my heart rejoiced. Friend Tamati, you listen to me. These words of mine are for you to consider, you, you and our friends. I have been employed for a number of years in observing the persons who are conspicuous amongst the Maoris and the pakehas. Formerly their thoughts, lay apart, there was no point of contact. Now they have coirie nigh, and they are. seeking alike for some piah whereby this island may be at peace. Therefore, I thought ifc would be well for. Die. to put forth my proposal to the chiefs, for them to approve or disapprove. My proposals are three — '■■ • : 1. The land on which you are living let it be made a separate district. The laws of the pakeha to have no. force there, but you to-make laws for yourselves. 2. Let some of the lands of Waikato be given back again as a dwelling-place for such. persons as aro willing to live under, the law j they themselves ta administer that law between Maori and Maori.

' 3. Let all join in one plan for the putting down of murders and barbarous deeds whereby this land is disgraced. Oh, friend, make it clear to me what you approve and what' Tawhiao's people approve, make it quite clear, for these, are? important 'matters. But it -will be .for.i yourself, yourself my friend," to' strengthenmy hands for this work.— From your> friend, From Maetin. ,

To Tamati Ngapora Manuhiri.