REPLY OF THE NATIVES.

Wellington Independent, Volume XX, Issue 2227, 4 July 1865, Page 3

REPLY OF THE NATIVES.

Otaki, June 24th, 1865. Friend Edwards. — We greet you. I and my friends have seen the message from the Government conveyed to us by your letter of the 22nd June. 1865, in which is acknowledged by you the receipt of our application bearing date the 3rd Juno, for arms. v Ve were prompted to do so by fear of the Hau-haus who were •threatening to advance upon us. we also dwelt upon the assurance that we have heard .during many yearsthat the Queen would protect those persons of the Maori race who dwelt peaceably and were faithful in their adherence to tho Government, when they might bo beset by foes. By theso were we encouraged to importune, for that sort of thing. Now we are pondering over the meaning of that expreaion "they don't see sufficient cause for placing arms in your hands ; if this evil should spread then will arms be given to you." This ig a question we desire to ask you. Upon what authority do you infer that the danger hasjpassed away? Why lit is being planted in our immediate vicinity at this very day, therefore we urge you again to apply for those ajms, for we are under your own eye, and who can say he can fetch arms from a distance of fifty miles at two or three hours notice, when the attacking party is upon us. {If we had railway communication, thero might bo some chance of so doing. No more from yourfrionds in the Sovereigntyof our Queen.

Tamihana Rauparaha, Matkne Te Whiwhi, And 13 others. The number of persons whoso names have not been mentioned ; — 98.

The number of persons who agree to this proposal, but whoso names^were not given; — 112. Names given abovo, 14; total, 120. Other names will be addud.