FOR THE "MAORI MESSENGER."

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 3, 1 March 1855, Page 18

FOR THE "MAORI MESSENGER."

[Translation.] Friend,—l am strange in apeaking about your kind of work, but if you are agreeable, I will furnish you with some matter, during the months of the year, even a large supply. Friend, my heart has been endeavouring to search out the reason why the old ' Maori Messenger' was done away with. Since then the eye has been wishing in vain to look upon the intelligence relative to other countries in the world. Behold in this year the startling effect that this ' Messenger' has caused; it came like a flash of lightning, and from its contents we learn that the day of Christ is at hand. The signs are these, —the return of the Jews to Zion, and their] turning to God, for the covering has been taken from their eyes. Paul prophesied of this in the 2nd Cor. iii, 13,14,15,16, and Romans xi, 23 These discoveries, which have come into my hands, have caused me to wonder greatly;—to wonder at my own ignorance and the ignorance of my people in not taking hold of these pleasant speeches, which have been made known in times just gone by. How greatly have I wondered, in reference to the meas ire of the Spirit given to Paul, altho' many generations have passed away since this prediction was uttered, it is only now being fulfilled. There are other matters causing surprise, namely, the occurrences that are taking, place in the islands of the sea. One thing is, the great war with Russia ; and now, for the first time we learn, that the Queen is friendly to the Emperor of the French ; we supposed that they were still at variance on account of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte. Moreover, this newspaper informs us that the Prophecies are about to be translated into the Maori tongue • and we learn that want of money lias caused the delay. We laughed heartily in reading this, because the new testament has undergone many translations, and money sunk there. The Maori of the old version was good, but the new version has caused great 'confusion. We are now seeing clearly the benefits arising

from those things which the newspaper points? out. Enough. From jour loving friend, (Signed) William Marsh, Te Rangikaiieke Okahu, February, 1855.

Friend, the Editor of the Maori Messenger, j Do you hearken. Information has been received by me, to the effect, that during two days and one night, the warning of the Almighty has stood over Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu. Okataina, Tarawera,, Motutawa, and Taupo. It is also said that Tongariro has been thrown down, and a lake now covers the site of that mountain. The people of Mokoia fled to the summit of the hill, and the people of Ohinemutu went in land to the heights of Pukeroa ; while the children were crying "0 father take care of me, O mother take care of me." Those who were foolish, fled in indecent haste, while the Maori priests prayed to their gods, but the elders of the true faith prayed to the living God. The tribes at Maketu heard the noise, and supposed that the people were fighting, for it seemed like the a fortress. The waves of the sea were dashing one against the other, and lifting themselves high in the air. The people of Rotorua, were in great consternation, never having before witnessed any thing like this, so great. The shrimps died, the inanga died, the toitoi died, and all the shellfish was thrown on the land by this earthquake. By me Wahakore.

To the Editor of the Maori Newspaper.. It is well that you should ask for communications to insert in the newspapers. Here are some sentences [contained in this letter] hut perhaps you will not regard them; perhaps you will he displeased with these words, for we wish to manifest our friendship towards you, on account of your loving thoughts towards the native people. Will you publish in your newspaper the price of flour per ton, also the prices of potatoes, wheat, and various other things. Do not omit these matters \ but let them be published during all the years. By this means your Native friends will know [the state of the markets], and your great love to your New Zealand friends will be seen. 0 Son, do you hearken ; —This shonld be the nature of your friendship, and all tho world will hear of it. The words of the song are : I Thou art jesting with, me Patu ; let it be ! Taken to the stream, and then rehearse the incantations And sever us from these. [i.e. enlighten us, so that we may possess the knowledge of the European, and be able to cope with him.]

When you have printed these I will speak as regards the requirements of friendship, but publish this first. * (Signed) Wm. Jowett. February 16, 1855.

February 28, 1855. Friend, —My loving Friend Mr. , salutations to you. I have heard from the Europeans, and Natives, that the white people have bought Orakei, therefore I look to you all, —to all the Europeans, because it is in your possession. In the harvest time, I shall come up to town, or during the winter. O my elder brother, why does Major Nugent continne to be displeased with me ? If you hear of the cause, write and let me know. (Signed) T. Te K. To Mr. , Auckland. [We have to inform our correspondent that Maj or Nugent is not displeased with him ) sensitiveness on this point, however, is praiseworthy, and due to the great Chief he represents. In reference to the other subject in his letter, he must communicate with the Land Commissioners.]