This block, together with Moehau was also known as the Tohetea or Tohetea I Block. It was awarded to Hohepa Kapene and 5 others of Ngati Rongou hapu of Ngati Tamatera.
It was surveyed in June 1879.1 The block was described on the survey plan as "hills covered with bush".
Sale to the Crown
Wilkinson had been authorised to purchase the Moehau reserves in January 1879.2 In August 1879 he telegraphed that
I have commenced to buy one of the Moehau reserves, viz. Moehau No One I of 292 acres. The price I am giving is a little over seven shillings and sixpence per acre, which I think you will admit is very reasonable, as the Maori reserves are the pick of the Moehau block As these reserves were all passed through the Court without any restrictions being inserted in order of Court, it will I presume now be necessary to have a proclamation issued notifying it is a Government purchase, or a caveat should be lodged.'
In response he was told to "purchase as many of the Moehau reserve pieces as you can, closing with them at once if possible".4
By November 1879 he had succeeded in obtaining the signatures of all the owners on the deed of purchase.5 The price paid to the six owners was £120. The Trust Commissioner certified the purchase in December 1880.
The Crown's purchase of Moehau II was notified in March 1880.6
1 Hamilton Maori Land plan 4625-6. Supporting Papers #Nr71.
2 See section of this evidence concerning Moehau Block.
3 Telegram Land Purchase Officer Grahamstown to Under Secretary Native Land Purchase Department, 18 August 1879. Maori Affairs Head Office file 1907/507. Supporting Papers #c7.15-16.
4 Telegram Under Secretary Native Land Purchase Department to Land Purchase Officer Grahamstown, z8 August 1879. Maori Affairs Head Office file 1907/507. Supporting Papers #c7.17.
5 Auckland Deed 1208. Supporting Papers #A117.
6 New Zealand Gazette 118 1880 pages 452-456.Supporting Papers #wr3.1-5.
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