THE HAURAKI TRIBAL LANDS—PART 2

The Chief Surveyor apparently qualified his earlier telegram by reporting that

2/6d applied to blocks 4 and 5 only. Block 3 is the best of the seven subdivisions and well worth 5/- per acre. Have recommended my co-trustees to sell at 5/- and am awaiting their answer through Captain Mair. Warden's answer as to value of block owing to proximity to Kapowai goldfields not yet to hand.16

The Chief Surveyor supplied the Warden's reply three days later.

Warden thinks that Government should not pay more than 5/- for Kauanga Whenuakite No 3 block at present as the success of the Kapowai goldfields close by is not yet assured. I shall prepare plans and descriptions for Captain Mair if you will authorise the purchase at not exceeding 5/- per acre.17

But the Chief Surveyor had already, on his own initiative, telegraphed to Mair to

arrange with Rahera and Erana for sale to Government ... for a sum not exceeding 5/- per acre as speedily as possible.18

Mair was in Gisborne at the time and reported that

Immediately on receipt of this telegram I wrote asking Rahera and Erana if they were willing to sell and have just received replies that they are quite ready and anxious to sell, as if they do not do so they will probably lose the No 4 and 5 blocks which they reserved for themselves and their children and asked the Court to make inalienable. They explain that owing to very heavy expenses incurred in carrying on the investigation to the title of these blocks, also rehearing etc, they borrowed money from certain Europeans who have since obtained judgements and have taken the necessary steps to have Kauanga Whenuakite Nos 4 and 5 sold by order of the Sheriff of the Supreme Court in Auckland on December 7th at Cochrane's Mart. I am not aware if the necessary three months notice has been served upon the Commissioner of Crown Lands. In the event of No 3 being purchased, I do not know if the Court fixed the beneficiaries who are to share in any residue, but there are only about a dozen and they are mostly the children and grandchildren of Rahera and Erana.19

The Chief Land Purchase Officer told him that

You had better arrange for natives to meet you on your way back and sign deed at same time as Mr Mueller [Chief Surveyor]. I have forwarded deed to Registrar at Auckland to await your arrival.20

He was also told that

The purchase money should be handed over [to] the Chief Surveyor and the two natives on their signing the deed and voucher. The Chief Surveyor will then be responsible for its distribution in strict accordance with the Order of the Court.21

16 Telegram Chief Surveyor Auckland to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 25 October 1901. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1902/67. Supporting Papers #B149.17.

17 Telegram Chief Surveyor Auckland to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 28 October 1901. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1902/67. Supporting Papers #B149.18.

18 Telegram Chief Surveyor Auckland to Land Purchase Officer, Gisborne, 25 October 1901. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1902/67. Supporting Papers #B149.19–20.

19 Land Purchase Officer, Gisborne, to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 20 November 1901. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1902/67. Supporting Papers #B149.21.

20 Telegram Chief Land Purchase Officer to Land Purchase Officer, Gisborne, 22 November 1901. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1902/67. Supporting Papers #B149.22.

21 Chief Land Purchase Officer to Land Purchase Officer, Gisborne, 22 November 1901. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1902/67. Supporting Papers #B149.23.

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