Apparently an offer of 2/- an acre had been made, probably in 1894,
because it was known at this office that the timber had already been cut by the Company, but it was supposed that native owners had sold such rights, as they have done in so many cases. 2/- an acre is ample for this land denuded of its kauri.29
Mair was asked if the timber had been sold or disposed of, and he replied that
I have inquired of Meha Te Moananui who cut the timber, and he does not know, but supposes it has been taken by the old Timber Company by mistake, as it had the surrounding lands.30
29 Chief Surveyor Auckland to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 8 May 1896, on Commissioner of Crown Lands Auckland to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 29 April 1896. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 18941386. Supporting Papers #B90.1–2.
30 Land Purchase Officer Thames to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 10 June 1896, on Commissioner of Crown Lands Auckland to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 29 April 1896. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1894/386. Supporting Papers #B90.1–2.
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