The Surveyor General will no doubt be able to suggest a fairly liberal interpretation of the promise with respect to Hapuakohe.5
The Minister then asked the Surveyor General
Can you suggest, knowing the District and the circumstances in connection with the alleged promise, what area it would be necessary to give to the natives to include their settlements and plantations.'
The Surveyor General replied that
I would recommend that the portion marked with blue edge on map attached hereto be set aside for natives. There are I think a number of them who are (or were) living on the land and cultivating it. The northern part of this block is steep and wooded and not much of it could be used either by Maoris or Europeans for cultivation. The land south of the Mangawara is all swamp and would be no good to the Maoris. The area within the blue lines would be about 2500 acres, but its western boundary may vary somewhat to exclude granted sections, or to include some of the Maoris' cultivations.'
The Minister approved of this land being granted to Ngati Paoa.
In July 1890 Graham, as agent for Ngati Paoa, telegraphed that
The whenua rahui at Hoe o Tainui for Tarapipipi is in reality the basis of arrangement with Crown to Piako claims, and if not settled will surely lead to great complications as natives are permanently occupying. Mr Mackay is here and is prepared to certify that the land was so arranged to be given to Tarapipipi as a reserve when the confiscation line was altered to Moerangi. He has wired Hon Pollen today.'
Mackay's telegram to Pollen read
Some complication has arisen about the confiscated land which you gave back to Tarapipipi. I was with you when you made the arrangement to shift the eastern boundary to Moerangi. After Percy Smith ran the line from Mangawara to Pohemo, you asked me to ascertain the approximate area of the piece extending from Mangawhara via Moerangi northwards to Rataroa. You said it was rather larger than what you intended to give, but as we had fixed it, it must remain as it was.'
The reply to Graham was that
Hon Dr Pollen, the Surveyor General and Mr Lewis have had a meeting on the subject of the reserve, and believe it is now put in form for settlement. Mr Smith, who is acquainted with the original arrangements will write a memo on subject and ... tracing which can be minuted by Hon Dr Pollen. The necessary legislation can then be prepared."
Percy Smith's memorandum stated that
You asked me as to what my recollection was in reference to lands at Moerangi and Hoe a Tainui on the Mangawhara Stream, Hapuakohe Survey District.
5 Accountant Native Department to Native Minister, 4 November 1889, on cover sheet to file NLP 1889/338. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1892/8. Supporting Papers #B74.329-331.
6 Native Minister to Surveyor General, 4 November 1889, on cover sheet to file NLP 1889/338. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1892/8. Supporting Papes #B74.329-331.
7 Surveyor General to Native Minister, 6 November 1889, on cover sheet to file NLP 1889/338. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1892/8. Supporting Papers #B74.329-331.
8 Telegram WA Graham, Thames, to Native Minister, 5 July 1890. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1892/8. Supporting Papers #B74.294-295.
9 Telegram J Mackay, Thames, to Hon Dr Pollen MLC, Wellington, 5July 189o. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1892/8. Supporting Papers *B74.290-292.
1°Telegram Native Minister to WA Graham, Thames, 7 July 1890. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1892/8. Supporting Papers #B74.289.
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