The business was resumed by Captain Hobson proposing that Mr. Henry Williams should read the treaty from the parchment on which it had been engrossed, as that which had been submitted to them on the preceding day had been merely the original draft. This office was performed by Mr. Williams, whereupon Bishop Pompallier leaned over to the Governor and asked that the natives might be informed that all who should join the Catholic Church should have the protection of the British Government. Captain Hobson, with much blandness of gesture and expression,[86] replied, "Most certainly," and proceeded to express his regret that the Bishop had not made known his wishes earlier, as in that event the provision "would have been embodied in the treaty." Turning then to Mr. Williams, he said: "The Bishop wishes it to be publicly stated to the natives that his religion will not be interfered with, and that free toleration will be allowed in matters of faith. I should therefore thank you to say to them that the Bishop will be protected and supported in his religion--that I shall protect all creeds alike." "I presume the same protection will be offered to all?" remarked Mr. Williams; to which the Governor replied, "Certainly." "What need, then," asked Mr. Williams, "is there to burden the proceedings with such an announcement if all are to have protection alike?" To this the Governor replied that as the Bishop was anxious that the announcement should be made, he would feel obliged if Mr. Williams would deliver it to the meeting. Mr. Williams then proceeded to address the natives: "_Na, e mea ana te Kawana_"--"Attend, the Governor says." Here, however, he felt the matter was one of such magnitude that he could not afford to treat it in a casual way, and he expressed this opinion to his fellow Missionary, Mr. Clarke, who was standing near him. "Pray, sir, write it down first, as it is an important sentence," suggested Mr. Colenso. Mr. Williams, taking pencil and paper, then wrote as follows: "The Governor wishes you to understand that all the Maoris who shall join the Church of England, who shall join the Wesleyans, who shall join the Pikopo, or Church of Rome, and those who retain their Maori practices shall have the protection of the British Government." This he handed to the Governor, who passed it on to the Bishop, who, having read it, said in English, "Oh yes, that will do very well." The statement was read to the meeting, and if Mr. Williams is to be accepted as an authority, it was received in silence, the natives not knowing what it meant.[87] Bishop Pompallier then rose and, bowing to the Governor, left the meeting.