Page:Overland Journey of the Governor of New Zealand.djvu/41

Rh kawa at Orakei-Korako, the Arawa at Ohinemutu, the Ngaiterangi at Tauranga; and I have now come here among you, the Ngatimaru and Ngatitamatera. Everywhere I have found the death of Taraia regretted. However, if the old chiefs, the aged trees of the forest, are falling, I am glad to see such a fine growth of young men to take their place. I have not much to say to you on this occasion, except to thank you for the welcome you have given me, to tell you I shall be glad to come again to see you, and to wish you all happiness and prosperity.


 * Welcome, Governor. All I can do is to greet you. I cannot make myself one with you so thoroughly as your friends around you have because our thoughts are not yet the same; but when I find that I can dwell quietly and without being disturbed on my own place, then, perhaps, I shall see my way clear to do as the others have done. Although your friend Taraia is dead, he is but one man. It were better that the position of the land were made clear. My hands are quite clean. As soon as I hear your word that my land shall be mine, then I shall be clear. Welcome, O people. I do not know your thoughts. There is no course of action decided upon here. Come when you like. Unite yourselves to us now to-day, because it has been through you that this place is what it is.

It will be remembered that Ohinemuri has long been one of the principal strongholds of Hauhauism and rebellion. Yet it will be seen that the Governor was