Mercury Bay District: Oteao 3

Because of this stout denial, Preece applied for and obtained a 14 day adjournment to obtain further evidence from Wellington.7

However Oteao 3 was awarded the next day to Mita Whakatau, Rehara Whakatau, Matahera Whakatau, Rahera Tanui, Erana Te Oneone and Rawiri Taiporutu.8

Costs of £3–19–6d were awarded against Mita Whakatau in favour of Preece.9

A survey lien of £50 against Oteao 3 was notified.10 This was cancelled when the block had been purchased by the Crown.11

Purchase of Oteao 3 by the Crown

Oteao 3 was purchased by the Crown for 234–10–0d (i.e. 3/6d an acre) in a deed dated August 1878.12 The deed was certified by the Trust Commissioner in February 1879.

Oteao 3 was declared Crown Land in February 1879.13

7 Hauraki Minute Book 10 page 321. Supporting Papers #J16.49.

8 Order of the Court, 1 August 1878. Maori Land Court Hamilton Block Orders file C164. Supporting Papers #K8.5.

9 Order of the Court, 3 August 1878. Maori Land Court Hamilton Block Orders file C164. Supporting Papers #K8.7.

10 Deputy Inspector of Surveys Auckland to Chief Judge Native Land Court, 18 June 1878. Maori Land Court Hamilton Block Orders file C164. Supporting Papers #K8.8.

11 Chief Surveyor Auckland to Chief Judge Native Land Court, 24 January 1879. Maori Land Court Hamilton Block Orders file C164. Supporting Papers #K8.9.

12 Auckland Deed 1047. Supporting Papers #A97.

13 New Zealand Gazette 1879 pages 292–293. Supporting Papers #W12.3–4.

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