Text and signatories of May 13th 1840 petition to Governor Hobson re improved mail service for Hokianga

Hokianga. May 13th 1840
His Excellency
Lieut. Gov. Captn. Hobson R.N.

Sir,

May it please your Excellency - 
We the undersigned Residents on the  River Hokianga
having taken into consideration the  proposal of your
letter regarding the establishment of a Post between
this place and the Bay of Islands, are unanimously
of opinion that such a step will prove highly advantageous
to the interests of parties resident here, and we are also
of opinion that a rate, not to exceed one shilling for
each letter, would meet the expense of conveyance
once per week or twice a week, if practicable.

And we further beg leave to Memorialize
your Excellency on the subject of having the Hokianga
mails,arriving direct to this Port, from the Colonies
or elsewhere, opened at this place to prevent the
delay which would be otherwise occasioned by their
having to pass from this to the Bay of Islands
and back again.

46 signatures incl John Edgerley, with help from Laurel Maddren.(who also came up with "Memorialize")
many noted as Wesleyan Missionaries from Mangungu
Wesleyans in order signed
John H. Bumby,
John Waterhouse,
Josh Ashton
Sam Ironside,
Charles Creed,
John Hobbs,
Thomas Buddle,
William Woon,
John Aldred,
Francis Wilson,
Thos Williams,
Gideon Smales,
George Buttle,
Henry Hanson ????
George Kevern,
Samuel Malzin,
James Buller,
Other Hokianga residents
John Roberts,
Matthew Marriner,
G. ? Riddell,
Thompson Rapson,
John Edgerley,
S G  Smail,
R H Bullen,
William White, (poss Wesleyan)
William Gould,
????? A Ward,
T Angus White,
William  White Junior,
James ???????,
William Young,
Edward Wish????,
Charles O B David,
William Cooper,
George Nimmo,
B ???????????,
R H Smyth,
W R Gundry,
A E Dudley,
Richard Spinks,
Edward Parker,
Patrick Walshe,
John Smith,
John Woods,
A Chapman,
Dennis  B Cochrane,

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