THE HAURAKI TRIBAL LANDS-PART I

block has been waiting your decision. If you decide to purchase, steps in that direction can be taken at once.5

The Native Minister agreed that it would not be possible to buy the block with a particular settler in mind.6 It is not clear whether he thought the block was worth purchasing by the

Crown for general settlement purposes, but lack of any further action suggests that he thought not.

In October 1894 Ward, who had written the letter of support in 1891, wrote that he was negotiating to purchase interests in Moehau Ix for himself.

But the law on the point appears so complicated that I have been advised to do nothing pending the passing of the bill preventing private dealings in native lands. In the event of the above bill becoming law, would the Government be likely to acquire the block on my application, if so it would suit me much better than dealing directly with the natives. If I could get this land i would settle upon it right away, and sell out my interest in present place to my brothers as more room is wanted very badly.?

Gilbert Mair, the land purchase officer, telegraphed that

Don't think natives will take less than seven shillings and sixpence (7/6). Europeans tell me it is very fair land.'

By contrast the Chief Surveyor recommended that

You can give from two shillings to two and sixpence an acre for it.9

At this purchase price the Waste Lands Board would anticipate offering the block on behalf of the Crown to settlers at a price between 6/- and 7/6d an acre.1°

Faced with these varying opinions, the Chief Land Purchase Officer advised the Minister of Lands that

If Mr Ward is prepared to offer n/- per acre for a title from the Crown, we may be able to acquire the land for him thus:

This provides for a grave reduction under the head of Administration, with which the Surveyor General would not I think agree."

5 Under Secretary Native Department to Native Minister, 5 February 1891, attached to JG Ward, Cabbage Bay, to D Goldie MHR, r9 January 1890 (should be 1891). Maori Affairs Head Office file 1907/507. Supporting Papers #c7.80-82.

6 Native Office Auckland to HT Goodwyn, Ongohi, 9 April 1891. Maori Affairs Head Office file 1907/507. Supporting Papers #C7.83-84.

7 JG Ward, Auckland, to Minister of Lands, 17 October 1894. Maori Affairs Head Office file 1907/507. Supporting Papers #C7.II0-Irz.

8 Telegram Land Purchase Officer Thames, to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 5 December 1894. Maori Affairs Head Office file 1907/507. Supporting Papers #c7.113.

9 Telegram Chief Surveyor Auckland to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 7 December 1894. Maori Affairs Head Office file 1907/507. Supporting Papers #07.114.

Telegram Chief Land Purchase Officer to Commissioner of Crown Lands Auckland, 7 December 1894, and Telegram Commissioner of Crown Lands Auckland to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 7 December 1894. Maori Affairs Head Office file 1907/507. Supporting Papers #C7.115 and 116.

11 Chief Land Purchase Officer to Minister of Lands, 8 November 1894, on JG Ward, Auckland, to Minister
of Lands, 17 October 1894. Maori Affairs Head Office file 1907/507. Supporting Papers #c7.110-112.

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