THE HAURAKI TRIBAL LANDS—PART I

Harataunga West 3   £42

Harataunga West 4   £37–10–0d

Harataunga West 5   £37–10–0d

Harataunga West 6   £42–15–d

Harataunga West 7 £40

Harataunga East 1 £15

Harataunga East 1A £15

Harataunga East 2   £8811

In March 1899, when the Crown's interest in the Harataunga West subdivisions was defined,

the survey charging orders on the affected blocks (i.e. Harataunga West 1–5 and 7) were

cancelled because they had been paid12. Mair reported after the Court sitting that

As the proposal to take land at the rate of 5/- an acre [the price paid by the Crown when purchasing interests] to pay for the surveys would, in some cases, have absorbed the major portion of the blocks, the natives were permitted to pay the survey liens in cash, which they did on the 18th March direct to the Chief Surveyor Auckland. 13

The amount paid to cover the liens and interest was £187–12–7d.14

Intended Purchase by Crown

In January 1872 James Mackay, who was seeking to be employed on commission as a Government land purchase agent, wrote about this block, which he referred to as Kennedy Bay block.

This block was formerly surveyed at Government expense and contains about 9,500 acres. No further ouday for surveys will be required, excepting the repayment to me of the sum of £25 expended on some alterations, and a plan which was made by Mr Gwynneth, Licensed Surveyor, in order to meet the requirements of the Native Lands Act. This block contains sufficient available land for Native Reserves, and there is a flat in addition of about 600 acres, formerly leased to Messrs Cruikshank and Smart, but now abandoned by them, which is suitable for a town site and settlement. The remainder, say 8000 acres, is mining country of considerable value, and should if possible be acquired at once as delay will increase the difficulty of purchase. The

kauri timber on a portion of this block has been sold to Messrs Cmikshank and Smart, who own a sawmill there.15

In June 1872, when reporting on the Court hearing held that month, Mackay added that [Harataunga] contains about 8000 acres exclusive of reserves, and which may I think be purchased for about £5000. This may appear to be a large sum, but it must be borne in mind that

part of the Tokatea and the whole of the "Bismarck", "Siege of Paris" and other valuable claims are situated within it, and that very rich gold has been recendy discovered at Waikoromiko in the centre of the block, and at some distance from the claims at present worked. I would recommend the purchase of this block at an early date, or the price will probably be much increased .16

11 Hauraki Minute Book 37 pages 122–123. Supporting Papers #J44.3–4.

12 Coromandel Minute Book 6 page 127. Supporting Papers #J6.31.

13 Land Purchase Officer Thames to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 23 March 1899. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1899/48. Supporting Papers #B128.75–77.

14 Chief Surveyor Auckland to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 22 April 1899, on Land Purchase Officer Thames to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 23 March 1899. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1899/48. Supporting Papers #B128.75–77.

15 James Mackay, Auckland, to Minister of Public Works, 24 January 1872. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1885/18. Supporting Papers #B54.1–26. AJHR 1873, G–8, pages 1–5. Supporting Papers #U1.1–5.

16 J Mackay, Auckland, to Minister of Public Works, 22 June 1872. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1881/309. Supporting Papers #B36.1–10.

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