The deed for Moehau is dated December 1876, and refers to the purchase of the block by the Crown for £953 from various individuals of Ngati Naunau, Ngati Maru, Ngati Karaua and
Ngati Rongo.12
In July 1877 Mackay reported that
The Moehau or Cape Colville Block has for generations been a fertile source of dispute between the Ngatitamatera, Ngatinaunau, Ngatiwhanaunga, and Ngatimaru tribes. I have held numerous meetings to settle the disputes and arrange the subdivisions of the block. This has at last been accomplished to the satisfaction of all concerned. Ample reserves have been made for the requirements of the Ngatitamatera tribe, which have been marked off on the plan and deed of conveyance, but requiting survey to indicate the exact position on the ground.13
At this time there were 51 signatures on the deed of conveyance, and Mackay's records showed £8,556–18–9d advanced against the Moehau block.
Investigation of Title
In May 1878, prior to the next Court hearing concerning Moehau, the Crown announced that it was negotiating for purchase of the Moehau Block.14 This notice prevented private purchasers from purchasing any of the land in the block.
In September 1878 an application for investigation of the title to Moehau was heard by the Native Land Court.15 This time a plan was available. Tamati Waka Te Puhi of Uringahu claimed the block from his ancestor Te Rakau.
We have lived constantly on this land from the time of our ancestors to last year. We left the land at the time of the Waikato War. As our ancestors died they were buried on the land. Our settlement was at Waiaro. We had no other settlement but we claimed the whole land. Our living there was opposed by N' Tamatera. We each claimed Waiaro and also the remaining portion of the land. There was a disturbance about it. Afterwards peace was made and nothing settled as to the ownership of the land.16
Tamati's claim was challenged by Haora Tareranui for Ngati Tamatera, Hamiora Mangakahia for Ngati Rongo, Tinipoaka for another branch of Uringahu, and Reupene Tahuru and Peneamine Tanui for another branch of Ngati Rongo. In addition,
Ngatiwhanaunga's claim to a portion of Moehau No 1 called Waikawau admitted by all.17
Meha Te Moananui of Ngati Tamatera claimed from his ancestor Raparapa. Ngati Rongo were the descendants of one of Raparapa's sons, Hoi. Meha admitted Tamati Waka's claim in part, to a portion of the block called Poihakena and on Waiaro.
Haora Tareranui supported Meha Te Moananui's evidence, and added that
When money and goods was first advanced on the Ohinemuri lands, N' Koi received advances on the Ohinemuri goldfields. Meha then stated that these advances should not be charged
12 This Deed has not been located during the research for this evidence. A copy is attached to the Report of the Native Land Court following an Inquiry pursuant to Section 22Native Purposes Act 1935. AJHR, 1940, G-6a, at page 17.
13 J Mackay, Thames, to Minister for Public Works, 31 July 1877. AJHR, 1877, G-7, pages 7–10. Supporting Papers #U11.1–4.
15 New Zealand Gazette 1878 pages 600–608, at pages 602–603. Supporting Papers #W11.1–9.
15 Hauraki Minute Book 11 pages 310–323. Supporting Papers #J17.75–88.
16 Hauraki Minute Book 11page 310. Supporting Papers #J17.75.
17 Hauraki Minute Book 11 page 311. Supporting Papers #J17.76.
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