of England, because you have been appointed by our Queen to bear the burdens of this island into her presence. For this reason am I telling you of the burdens laid before me by the tribes who have been punished.
Friend, these are the most important questions with the tribes of this island—these relating to their lands, I have therefore thought that it will be for you in England to set the minds of the New Zealand people at rest on these questions. Ended.
Letter from Wi Tamihana.
(Translation.)
To Dr. Featherston.
Salutations to you and to your children! Salutations also to the great men of the nation among whom you are now living.
Friend, your letter of the 28th March, 1872, has reached me. I read it aloud in the hearing of the elders of the Ngatitoa and Ngatiawa tribes. All present at the meeting, men and women, old and young, joined their voices in a "mihi" (lament) for you as they thought of your face, and then of the broad sea intervening.
Father, here am I still bearing you in remembrance, and your name is of frequent mention among us. Friend, great is my sorrow on account of the ravages of the present fever. Here are three men lying dead! All the chiefs of Ngatiawa, Ngatitoa, and Ngatiraukawa are dying off, and my grief on this account is great.
Friend, I have nothing to write about from this place—simply to express our great love for you.
