Sir George had scarce mastered the
mystery of his epistle when he was drawing out a reply to it. His only
doubt was whether the erudite Arab might not have changed his address!
'We are about the same age,' Rewi imparted to Sir George Grey in New
Zealand, 'and when I go, your time will be approaching.' Sir George
recalled this, on hearing that Rewi had been gathered to his Maori
fathers. He was buried in a grave which 'The Governor' had selected, near
the spot where the last fight took place between the Maoris and the
English. 'We should lie together,' Rewi also held, 'as being the two
people who brought peace to New Zealand. Sir George's voice shook when
telling this proof of Maori affection, as his eyes turned dim at reading
an address sent him, to fabled London, by the men of that race in the
Cook Islands.
'Our word to you, O Grey,' they saluted him, 'is this. We wish you
happiness and health, and to know that our love goes forth with this
letter. We wish to tell you that your name will never be forgotten by the
Maori people in these islands Many of us knew you in New Zealand, but all
have heard of the great things done by you, for European and for Maori,
in that country. May God's blessing rest upon you, and give peace and
happiness to you, who have done so much for the peace and happiness of
others, in your long and honoured life.
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