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Show 2n before him to sense if they were comprehending his words. When he was satisfied that their spirits moved with his spirit, he continued. "Her Majesty has commanded her neonie to treaty with us, the aborigines of this land, for recognition of Her Maiesty's sovereign authority over the whole or any narts of these islands which we may be willing to nlace under Her Maiesty's dominion. It is to be made clear that the Oueen disclaims for herself and. for her subjects, every nretension to seize on the Islands known as New Zealand, or to govern them as a part of the dominion of R-reat Britain, unless the free and intelligent consent of the natives exnressed according to their established usages, shall be first obtained. "E hoa ma, my friends," he added, "This Treaty of Waitangi is an equitable and honorable agreement, and means that from this day on our land shall be knoxm as New Zealand and shall become a British Colony... The chiefs of both neonles, so annointed, will now sten forxxrard to begin the signing." Chief Heke, Roa's old enemy, was the first to sign the treaty. As he nlaced his mark he said, "From here on we will forsake Tu-matauenga, god of |
