Church Missionary House London, July 20th 1819 Dear Friends The Committee find it necessary, in consequence of information from various quarters, to call your attention to the subject of Private Trade. It never was intended by them that any such trade should be carried on. Inconveniences and difficulties have manifestly arisen from the want of regulations relative to trade generally, and to the distribution of supplies in the Colony. The Committee have given this subject their serious consideration. They felt it was become indispensably necessary to lay down some fixed principles, by which the conduct of all the Settlers should in future be regulated. Their decision is contained in the following Resolutions. (See Committee Minutes, pp. 82, 83. Resolutions 1 to 9.) The Committee cannot doubt but that all their Settlers in the Bay of Islands will perceive that the principles embodied in these Resolutions are equally calculated, if adhered to, to promote the individual comfort and the objects of the Society in placing them in their present situation. Under any circumstances, but especially under such as yours, in the midst of an uncivilized people and destitute of all human force for your protection, self-denial, concord, and firm union tend fell as much to your mutual comfort as to your common welfare, and the success of the Mission. To you the exhortation of the Apostle applies with peculiar propriety. “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” And, doubtless, your success in bringing those among whom you dwell to a saving knowledge of Christ crucified, may be anticipated with more sanguine hopes are subjected to the influence [f] of those self-denying doctrines, which are so strongly opposed to the pride and selfishness of our fallen nature. Mr Marsden and the Societys other friends who act with him, will be requested to frame proper Regulations, on these principles, for the distribution of the Common Stock, to the Settlers and their families, to the Children in the Schools, and the Natives employed in the Settlement; and to place the said Common Stock under the charge of such person or persons as they shall judge fit. The Committee hope that these Regulations will prevent the recurrence of painful circumstances: but it only from an increase of brotherly love among yourselves, and a more pure zeal for the glory of God, which can effectually secure you from a line of conduct unbecoming the Gospel of Christ. The idea of aiming at independence or superior advantages on the part of any of you, while living on the Society’s land and supported in whole or in part by its funds, is inconsistent with the obligations which you contracted to the Society when you entered into its service. Every thing requisite for your support, in as comfortable a manner as is compatible with the circumstances in which you are placed, the Committee will gladly supply; but they do so on the supposition, that your hearts are in your work, and that success in extending the blessings of the Gospel and of Civilization to the Natives of New Zealand is your highest aim. Whilst your minds are in this frame, you will cheerfully renounce the pursuit of personal gain and of independence in circumstances, and will strictly conform to those regulations by which the best interests of your Heathen brethren will be most effectually promoted. I am, Dear friends, Ever faithfully yours, (Signed) Josiah Pratt