In February 1878 the owners sold the block to the Crown for ism. The sale provided for a Crown Grant to be issued in favour of the sellers for a small reserve of 25 acres.16 This reserve was at the mouth of Owhero Creek and Ounuora River on the Whitianga Harbour.
The Crown in May 1878 notified that monies had been paid for interests in the Ounuora 2 Block, and that purchase of the block was being negotiated by the Government.17In July 1878 JW Preece, the Crown's land purchase officer, telegraphed that
Ounuora and Waiwawa, two blocks purchased, commenced by Mr Mackay, and I find held under lease of timber rights by private parties. Government have only one hundred and twenty pounds paid, besides one hundred and thirty for which he has not obtained vouchers. Natives admit payment of same. The purchase money will amount to over nine hundred pounds at two shillings an acre. Were it only a matter of the £120 paid by Government, I should consider it better to abandon this purchase rather than pay, but it is a matter of good faith. They are a respectable lot of natives and wish to meet their engagements. Besides the amount due to Mackay, they incurred considerable debts to storekeepers on the faith that the land was to be purchased by Government, and are anxious to meet these liabilities. I myself consider the purchase a valueless one, the land being encumbered by the timber leases, but under the circumstances I think the agreement made by Mr Mackay should be carried out. Please let me have your reply today, as all the natives but three are here and want to get away.18
Sheehan, the Native Minister, decided that "we must abide by our bargain."19
Further payments were made to the owners in August and September 1878. Repiu Tokata and
Paraku Haimona were paid £63–15–0d, while Hapimana Hikihiki, Rahera Te Aoreiata, Erana Te Onerere, Ereatara Tinirau, Wiremu to Huia, Reupena Tahura, Raima Te Mapihi, Henare
Whakarongohau, and Waata Tiaia were paid half that amount, £31–17–6d. Noa Weri, Enoka Puia and Rewi Ngamuka received £31–17–6d each in February 1879.20
The purchase of the block by the Crown was notified in April 1879.21
After the deed had been completed, it was forwarded to the Trust Commissioner for certification. The Trust Commissioner identified that Court fees of £3 were unpaid, and that the title to the block was subject to restrictions preventing sale or lease for a period of 21 years or less.22 In reply, it was explained that
I find on looking up the Certificate of Title for this land that it passed the Court under the 17th Section of the N.L. Act 1867. This prevented any partial sale of the land until a subdivision took place, but it in no way interferes with a sale by all the grantees. The restriction on the order reads "that the whole Block be made inalienable by sale, gift or mortgage, or by lease for a longer period than 21 years until subdivided."
16 Auckland Deed 1079. Supporting Papers #A105.
17 New Zealand Gazette1878 pages 600–608, at page 607. Supporting Papers #W1.1–9.
18 Telegram Land Purchase Officer Thames to Under Secretary Native Department, 2 July 1878. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1882/114. Supporting Papers #B34.2–4
19 Native Minister to Under Secretary Native Department, 27 July 1878, on Telegram Land Purchase Officer Thames to Under Secretary Native Department, 2 July 1878. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1881/14. Supporting Papers #B34.2–4.
20 Payment Vouchers, various dates. Maori Affairs Head Office file MP 1881/114.
Supporting Papers #B34.9–23.
21 New Zealand Gazette1879 pages 463–464. Supporting Papers #W12.8–9.
22 Trust Commissioner Auckland to Civil Commissioner Auckland, 18 April 1879. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1881/114. Supporting Papers #B34.26.
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