ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1738, 8 July 1862, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor ofthe Wellington Independent. Sheep Station, Otaki, June 28, 1863. Friend, the Editor of the Independent, nmd paper. I have seen Mr. Eagar's letter in the Advertiser, newspaper, of 1 1st June, 18(52, contradicting what I said in reply to his former remarks. I mean his remarks about the Government, and his evil words about us Maories, I have seen this long letter of his, full of mis-statements, dated 18th June. I first thought that 1 would not notice the sayings of this man, because you all know what his character was when he lived in Wellington, and the trouble he got into there. But then I thought again, I had better reply lest Mr. Eagar should crow over me and say that he had quite vanquished me. Mr. Eagar says (in his letter) «• I have never for one moment attempted to disparage the policy of his Excellency's Government in introducing a new form of self-government for the native race, but at the same time I am fully convinced that the introduction of new laws on this Coast must be gradual." What else is that but finding fault with Governor Grey's plan? Perhaps if Mr. Eagar is consulted in these matters, all ! will go right in his opinion ! Mr. Eagar says further that the work must be entrusted to persona competent and fully able to carry them out, and in whom the Native population have entire confidence." You, Mr. Eagar seem competent for one thing— to mislead the Pakehaa aiid the Maories. Mr. Eagar says " it may appear presumptions on my part to make these observations." Mr. Eagar knows that he has too much presumption. Mr. Eagar speaks of his " long residence in this district." We know well the number of years you have been here and the mischief you have done. We know how many people you have got into trouble.' And your own people too, the Pakehas, who understand your affairs, know whether you have acted rightly or not. Mr. Eagar recommends that the Government should " not be led away by information derived from loyal (?) natives— whoso only loyalty is a breeches " pocket loyalty." We, the Maories, are not like that. We (the loyal party) have been a long time faithful to the Government and quiet in bur conduct. You Mr. Eagar, know this — your eyes have seen it. On the other hand you are very anxious to get your employment from the Government. Perhaps this is " breeches pocket loyalty " ? Mr. Eager says — " it is impertinent of Te Rauparaha to attempt to fix the authorship on any particular individual." I knew that letter was yours. I knew it because of the number of fake statements. Wo are not mistaken. We all know that you are the only Pakeha at Otaki, who would make theso false statements. Editer, Mr. Eagar says that these communications of his are true. They are all falso. If you were living near Mr. Eagar, you would soon find him out. But ha is well known to all of you. Again who is the pakelia that has eaudod trouble by going before the King's Runanga to take out a summons. Vvho went to the supporters of that King pretender to have his case heard ! Thus your name became a byword among the Kingites, because lie abandoned the laws of the Queen, and followed after the King. * * * Mr. Eagar says that " some extra influence has been brought to bear upon Rauparaha., because it was a month before I replied to his lelter." The reason was, that I did not see his letter before. On the same day that I saw it I perceived its false nature. Now thereareother Pakeha storekeepers, who do not give credit (long time) to natives, and. all the natives go there to purchase. With them there are no debts and no deceit. In my opinion Mr.

Ea^er has encouraged the " long time " system, because it is not so with the others, and I know his plan.

Mr. Eagar says that the natives have " obtained money on loan from the Government without any intentions of repayment " " have also frequently obtained subscriptions from the Europeans for various native purposes which have " never been carried out." Mr. Eagar, do not attempt to deceive the Government with these words, because your character is already known. $-;' c then adds — " I now particularly refer to the collection of money for the making of roads and bridges, for the erection of a Queen's flag-staff, &c, in this district. Large sums of money have been subscribed, but it is a mystery svhat has become of them."

Friend, I will now tell you all about these moneys — at least about those I collected. The money I collected to pay for the carving of the Coiniiiunion Rail of the Church at Otaki was spent in that Way. That pakeha' has seen this work, that it is finished. There is a small balance left which is in the hands of the keeper, and is safe. I collected money also for the Bridge and for the road on this side of Otaki River. That Pakeha has also seen this Bridge and Road that they are finished, and his horse and cart have travelled alony them. All have seen it. The balance of this money too is safely kept. The account of these moneys has been sent to Dr. Featherston. The money also that was collected by Ngatiraukawa for the bridges on the Waitohu road have been so spent. You, Mr. Eagar, have Been those bridges that they are properly finished. And the road to your own house has been made. Perhaps your eyes have been blind to this also ! You must be getting old and dim. The money that wag collected for the Queen's flag-staff is properly taken care of. and will be applied that way. The matter of the flag-staff reata with Sir George Grey. Perhaps Mr. Eagar, you were thinking about the moneys that were collected by the King's people for the prosecution of their own works — the moneys that their Treasurer — your friend Heremiaha Te Tihi — ran away with. Perhaps those are the moneys you speak about in your letter to the Advertiser.

Tell me Mr. Eagar how many pence you gave towards these bridges, or roads, or flag-stan". I did not see your name in the lists.

in this respect you were not like your pakeha •neighbours. These pakehas know your conduct, whether it be good or bad. Friends be it known to you, all my words aie true. There are many to confirm them. Mr. Eagar will not be able to contradict them. I have written lest you should be misled by Mr. Eagar's false statements. From the friend of the Pakehas, Tamihana te Ratjparaha, Native Assessor, i Mr. Eagar has said that "Tamihana to Rauparaha is always anxious to blow his own trumpet aud to ignore the influence of the other native chiefs. He is anxious to put himself forward as the head of the native tribes but it is patent to all the European residents that his influence has long since ceased." Let ps contradict this statement. We do not know the meauing of this saying that he exalts himself -and ignores the other chiefs, although we have lived with him for years. Riwai Te Ahau, (Clergyman Church, of England,) HoROMONA TOBKMI. X