Page:Overland Journey of the Governor of New Zealand.djvu/22

Rh through the native districts if the inhabitants of those districts object. The laws protect the land and other rights of the Maori and of the pakehas alike. No man need lease or sell his land unless he wishes it himself; the ownership (mana) of the land remains, as it has always remained, with the Maoris themselves. And now, my friends, I thank you for the hearty welcome which you have given me, and for your loyal speeches. Hare Tauteka has said that Governor Grey told him "to keep Taupo together." This is correct. I say to you the same. Keep Taupo and the Ngatituwharetoa in peace and harmony with the Government and with the other Maori tribes. What Te Herekiekie said on this point was very good. Before selling any land, let the titles be well ascertained, so that no disputes may arise afterwards. Do as the pakehas do. When disputes arise among you about land or any other matter, resort to the Courts, and not to fighting. There was a time, while your ancestors were living at Hawaiki, when the ancestors of the English lived much as the Maoris now live; but wise and able men arose, and taught their countrymen the arts of peace, to make roads and railways, to build ships and to found schools. You can learn all these arts from the English among you. I recommend you, therefore, to co-operate with the Government in founding schools for your children so that they may be taught the language and the learning of English. In this, as in all other matters, you can always apply with confidence for the aid of the Government. And now, my friends, farewell, and may all happiness attend