The Taranaki Question (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ... at Auckland. It is to be observed, that the Proclamation extended over the whole v of the Province of Taranaki, not only over the territory of the Ngati awa tribe, but also over the whole territory of the tribes to the South of New Plymouth, that is to say, the Taranaki tribe, and the Ngati rua nui. The Proclamation was published both in the English and the Maori languages. The Governor then proceeded to Taranaki with additional troops, where he arrived on the 1st of March. He immediately, despatched to William King a message requesting, that "to prevent misunderstanding, he would come into the town and learn the Governor's intentions' and offering a safe conduct. (Pap. E. No. 3. p. 21.) After a long conference with the Governor's messengers, William King said he would either come, or send his final decision to the Governor, the next day. Accordingly the next day he sent a letter, declining to come. (Pap. E. No. 3. p. 15.) The letter has not been printed amongst the papers laid before the Houses of Assembly. 3. Very much has been said lately about this refusal of William King to accept the Governor's safe conduct. It becomes necessary therefore to consider it more particularly. It is to be remarked in the first place that the proposed conference with the Governor could not be a substitute for that which William King and all the other claimants were entitled to, namely, an inquiry before a competent and independent tribunal. If even at that time the Governor had offered to leave the question to some fair arbitration, there might have been some shew of reason; but no such thing was offered then or at any time. The Governor offered nothing. No re-opening of the subject was contemplated. He required submission, and he gave a final...