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Show - 212 - They were to act as internreters for their Peonies a high honor indeed for a young Maori chief and a young British missionary. For both young men it was a humbling, insniring moment of honor. Roa's neople, who once ridiculed him as a coward xvho thought like a woman, now gave him honor and respect. Their snirits united and went out to him. "Kia ora tatou i. hui hui mai nei tenei ra. Greetings to all who are gathered here this dav," Roa began, sneaking in as loud and powerful a voice as he could muster. "The chiefs of both, our peoples are about to sign a document which shall be known as the Treaty of Waitangi. It is to mark the beginning of the tatou pounamu or jade door, which shall be a firm and lasting peace betx^reen our peoples. This is a treaty between Her Majesty Pueen Victoria, who dwells across the seas, and the chiefs of the Maori tribes, by which the Maoris acknowledge their submission to the British Oueen. Her Majesty guarantees to the Maori peonle in return, their possessions and her protection, and extends to them the rights and privileges of British subiects." Roa caused and gazed over the sea of faces |