Robin Bell describes me in your columns (14/6/13) as a 'so-called academic”, presumably intending this as a term of abuse! Well, no, Robin Bell, I write only as a citizen concerned that the truth be told about our country's history.

Amongst those who promulgate blatant falsehoods, I nominate the Waitangi Tribunal, the Government's Constitutional Advisory Panel, Keri Opai, billed as a 'Maori academic” from Taranaki, the Taranaki museum (Puke Ariki), Tariana Turia and the Ngapuhi tribe.

Land was confiscated from rebel tribes, as Governor Grey had warned them it would be and much was returned later. In most cases Maoris were willing sellers, the Waikato watershed and Bastion Point being examples but now false claims are made otherwise and taxpayers' money paid out for falsely based 'treaty settlements”. The more recent case of the Raglan golf course was, I agree, an injustice to the original Maori owners which I hope has been fairly resolved now.

It was, in the main, Maori elders who insisted that their children be educated in English which they recognized as providing the best means for making progress in the modern world.

In Lord Normanby's brief to Captain Hobson, the existence of Maori sovereignty was recognized and in signing the Treaty of Waitangi the chiefs ceded it to the Queen. All those at Waitangi knew this and it was confirmed at the Kohimarama meeting of more that 200 chiefs in 1860. Contrary modern claims by Ngapuhi and others, presumably with an eye to material gains, are falsehoods.

Justice Robin Cooke (whom I knew personally) was a foolish man who exceeded his legal brief in saying that by the Treaty the Crown and Tribes became something akin to partners. This gave

rise to the colossal modern falsehood of a partnership. Nothing is further from the truth.

So, Robin Bell, get real, forget what you call 'my truth”, find out the real truth and maybe find yourself happier in doing so.

Bruce Moon, Nelson.