✨ Proclamation on West Coast
Humb. 83.
1299
THE
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
EXTRAORDINARY.
Published by Authority.
WELLINGTON, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1881.
(L.S.) JAMES PRENDERGAST, Administrator of the Government.
A PROCLAMATION.
FOR nearly two years past, the Government has been endeavouring to bring
about a satisfactory conclusion of difficulties on the West Coast of the
North Island, and to effect such a settlement of the lands as would enable
Europeans and Maoris to live together in peace. In January, 1880, a Royal
Commission was appointed, in accordance with the will of Parliament, to inquire
into any claims and grievances which might exist on the part of the Natives in
reference to such lands, so that just grounds of complaint might be removed
and peace be firmly established.
Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, in his Proclamation announcing the appoint-
ment of this Commission, said that the confusion then existing could not be
allowed to continue, and he called, in the name of the Queen, on all her sub-
jects to assist him in bringing about friendly relations between the two races.
The Commissioners proceeded to make their inquiries. They recommended
setting aside for the Natives a fair and suitable portion of the land, to be given
to them on condition of their loyally accepting the proposals of the Government,
and living according to law upon the lands so allotted to them.
Parliament approved of the proposals of the Commissioners, and the
Government has taken steps to give effect to them in the case of those Natives
who frankly accept them. Some have already received Crown grants for the
land allotted to them.
Te Whiti, and those who chose to obey his word, have held aloof from this
work. They have persistently neglected and caused others to neglect the
opportunity offered to them, and have repeatedly rejected proposals made with
the hope of a settlement.
Mr. Parris was sent to explain to them the desire of the Government for
an amicable settlement. Te Whiti would not hear him, or allow his people to
listen to Mr. Parris's words.
Governor Sir Arthur Gordon himself sent to invite Te Whiti to meet him;
Te Whiti rejected the invitation.
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NZ Gazette 1881, No 83
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🪶 Proclamation concerning Native land difficulties and Te Whiti's resistance on the West Coast.
🪶 Māori Affairs19 October 1881
Proclamation, West Coast, Land settlement, Royal Commission, Natives, Te Whiti, Sir Arthur Gordon
- Te Whiti, Rejected Government settlement proposals
- Parris (Mr.), Sent to explain settlement desire
- Arthur Gordon (Sir), Invited Te Whiti to meet him
- James Prendergast, Administrator of the Government