The Chief Land Purchase Officer's response was that
In referring to the alleged Native reserve and the lands leased to Smart and Hogg, they are drawing a red herring across the scent. The unlawful removal of the timber is taking place outside the areas and on lands included in the cession to the Crown, that is on the Harataunga West blocks Nos I to 7.53
The Under Secretary for Mines then advised the Surveyor General that
Perhaps the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Auckland would obtain a report from the Ranger on the question, and if it is found that timber is being generally cut all over the blocks, he will institute proceedings to prevent the cutting and removal of the timber. The expression 'Crown Land' in the Mining Act 1891 includes land over which the Governor has obtained power to authorise mining, i.e. 'ceded land'.54
In September 1898 the Chief Surveyor advised that the timber cutting was taking place on Harataunga West 5, 6 and 7.55 It is not known if any further action was taken by the Crown. Partition of Harataunga East
Harataunga East was partitioned in two in 1888 into
Harataunga East1 632 acres
Harataunga East 2 3632 acres56.
Harataunga East I was in turn partitioned in October 1889 into
Harataunga East 1A 316 acres Renata Mauhana and Hiria Rakahunumai equally
Harataunga East is 316 acres Reupena Rongo (1 share) and four child successors to Anaru Horua (¼ share each).57
Offer to Sell Interests in Harataunga East 1B
In April 1891 an Auckland solicitor offered on behalf of Reupena Rongo, one of the two
original owners of Harataunga East 1B to sell Reupena's interest together with those of his nieces and nephews58. Cadman, the Native Minister and local Member of the House of
Representatives was asked for instructions.
You are no doubt acquainted with this land and know whether it is worth buying. The subdivision will require survey before title can issue, and half of it is owned by minors.59
He decided that the solicitor should be told that
the Government will be prepared to purchase provided he can give a complete title to the land. When he assures us of this title being in a position to be immediately dealt with, the Government will be prepared to make an offer.60
53 Chief Land Purchase Officer to Under Secretary for Mines, 31 May 1898, on cover sheet to file Mines 98/811. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1899/48. Supporting Papers n128.70–71.
54 Under Secretary for Mines to Surveyor General, 1 June 1898, on cover sheet to file Mines 98/811. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1899/48. Supporting Papers #B128.70–71.
55 Chief Surveyor Auckland to Surveyor General, 26 September 1898. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1899/48. Supporting Papers #B128.73.
56 Coromandel Minute Book 4 page 233–254.
57 Coromandel Minute Book 4 pages 274–275.
58 W Swanson, Auckland, to Under Secretary Native Department, 16 April 1891. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1899/48. Supporting Papers #B128.36.
59 Under Secretary Native Department to Native Minister, 7 May 1891, on cover sheet to file NLP 1891/80. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1899/48. Supporting Papers #B128.37–38.
60 Native Minister to Under Secretary Native Department, 11 May 1891, on cover sheet to file NLP 1891/80. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP/1–99 Supporting Papers #B128.37–38.
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