Page:Overland Journey of the Governor of New Zealand.djvu/50

Rh

, June 8th, 1872.

Friend, salutations! Your letters of the 28th of March, have arrived. I mean your letters to the native people of this Island. Friend, I send greeting to you, to your family, and to all your nation. Our love for you personally is very great. We have not forgotten all the good maxims you taught us, and the measures you proposed for our benefit. You are in a far-off land now, but the hearts of men can follow you, and day and night we remember your goodness. This is only a letter of remembrance from me.

Your loving friend, IHAIA PORUTU. (Native Magistrate.)

, May 30th, 1872.

Friend, salutations! I have received your letter. Great was my delight to find that your affection was strong enough to make its way across the wide sea and reach us here. We are separated—you far off in one direction and we far off in the other—but our regard for each other is as lasting and enduring as ever!

Enough on that subject; here is another matter. On the 17th of this month there was a meeting at Putiki (a great and important meeting), and Metekingi was the host. The object of the meeting was to give a welcome to Pehi Turoa and Topine,