chance of successfully carrying out any scheme of attack on the out settlements, and in a short time the excitement which obtained in the King territory and Ohinemuri was allayed. The natives at Ohinemuri having at the time of Taraia Ngakuti's death acquired a taste for European food and clothing, became clamorous for further payments, and when these were refused went to storekeepers and procured goods and gave orders on me for payment, which they directed to be charged against one or other of the three blocks (Ohinemuri, Moehau and Waikawau). I left Waikato at the end of June 1874 and at once endeavoured to complete these questions, which had all to be gone over again. Before I could satisfactorily arrange matters on the original basis, I was compelled to devote my whole attention to the Ohinemuri question. ...8 The questions arising out of the purchase of the Waikawau and Moehau blocks remained in abeyance, and I was instructed to complete the transfer to the Crown as soon as possible. I have diligently endeavoured to do so, both personally and through my agents. The final deeds of cession of both blocks are now in course of signature by the tribe Ngatitamatera. Te Hira and Ngakuru (the leaders) and many others of the Hauhau party have executed them. ...
The area of the Moehau block is 54,827 acres and of the Waikawau block 63,975 acres, or a total of 118,802 acres, on which has been paid to the present time £15,560.9.9, or about 2/7½ per acre, being exactly £433.5.3less than what Captain Daldy and myself were prepared to pay for the Waikawau block alone (we would have given 5/- per acre for it, or £15,993.15.0). ... In the final arrangements it is contemplated to transfer one or two amounts to the Ohinemuri block. I do not think the total cost can exceed 3/- per acre. Under all the circumstances this may be considered to be a very desirable purchase, as the whole is known to be of auriferous character. It is a district which the present Superintendent Sir George Grey lately characterised as being of great value, and one that from what he saw he "believed that for centuries mining would be carried on within", and it cannot be deemed to be dearly acquired at rates not exceeding 3/- per acre, especially when the increased price of land and the great demand for it is taken into consideration.9
In November 1875, when the Government was anxious to terminate the system of employing land purchase agents on commission, yet Mackay was arguing for a lump sum payment in lieu of commission on uncompleted purchases, Mackay was written to by the Native Minister, Donald McLean.
In the interests of the Public Service it is highly desirable that the purchase of certain large blocks in the Thames and Hauraki Districts on which heavy advances have been made should be bought to a conclusion with as little delay as possible.
Among these, the most important are the Waikawau and Moehau 118,802 acres, on which payments have been already made to the extent of £15,410.9.9d, and Waitoa and Piako. These two transactions it is very necessary that Mr Mackay should bring to a close as soon as possible.10
Mackay replied that, with respect to the Waikawau and Moehau blocks,
I believe the deeds of conveyance are on the point of completion.11
This however remained the reported state of affairs for the next two years.
8 From I March to 31 May 1875 Mackay was employed on salary as Government Agent to deal solely with Ohinemuri matters. (File note by RJ Gill, 31 August 1875. Maori Affairs Head Office file 1885/18— Supporting Papers #B54.27.)
9 Memorandum by James Mackay, 26 August 1875. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1885/18. Supporting Papers #B54.28–33.
10 Native Minister to J Mackay, 12 November 1875. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1885/18. Supporting
Papers #B54.34–37.
James Mackay, Wellington, to Native Minister, 13 November 1875. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP
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