iWhile McLean was at Ohinemuri in February 1875 he authorised the payment of a large sum
to Te Hira Te Tuiri, presumably as an inducement to persuade Te Hira to agree to the cession of the mining rights.
Te Hira on principle abstained in past years from receiving any payment for lands sold to the Crown, now however he requests that his interests in Katikati and elsewhere may be recognised and paid for, and on a surrender of all his interests you will be authorised to pay him a sum not exceeding £1000, including previous payment of £3oo.7
The previous payment to Te Hira had been made in August 1874.8 A further payment of £700 was made to Te Hira in March 1875.9
Purchase of Interests in Ohinemuri Block by the Crown In July 1877 Mackay reported that
The Waikawau and Ohinemuri cases are so closely intermingled, in consequence of both blocks being owned by the Ngatitamatera tribe, that it has been found impossible to deal with them separately. It happens that some of these people are very obstructive Hauhaus, which has retarded the final arrangement of both questions. I am happy to report that the objectors are gradually giving way; and that on my recommendation they recently requested the Native Land Court to adjourn all the cases in which they were interested from Shortland to Ohinemuri. The Court was adjourned there accordingly, and resulted in the opposing faction becoming thoroughly disunited; and they are now more inclined to come to terms. When it is remembered that on a former occasion, when the Native Land Court attempted to hold a sitting at Ohinemuri, it was compelled to desist through the obstinacy and violent conduct of the Hauhau party, it will perhaps be allowed that considerable progress has been made in the right direction.10
In November 1877, EW Puckey, the Government's Native Agent at Thames, telegraphed that
Some Ngatiraukawa natives from Waotuare here to receive from the hands of Ngatitamatera and Ngatikoi, owners of Ohinemuri Goldfield, a portion of the same estimated at 500 acres. It is in payment for a burial ground adjacent, that belonged to Ngatiraukawa formerly, having been sold by Ngatikoi. The block has been given up at public meeting and by written document, and Ngatiraukawa have sent application for survey and hearing in Native Land Court with the sanction of all the Ohinemuri people. They the Ngatiraukawa are willing to sell the block to the Government, as they have no other lands in the district. and do not reside here. I think this affords a good opportunity of commencing to get a foothold of the fee simple of the Ohinemuri Goldfield. The Natives want an advance to bind the bargain. I think 5/- per acre a fair price. If you think any payment advisable at present, I would get an agreement signed, fixing price and boundaries.11
A fresh deed of sale and purchase was prepared in 1878,12 and Mackay recommenced the purchase of interests in what was known as the Ohinemuri Goldfields block.
7 Native Minister to J Mackay, 18 February 1875. Copy on Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1893/45. Supporting Papers #B78.1
8 Receipt signed by Te Hira Te Tuiri and Mere Kuru, 27 August 1874. Copy on Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1893/45.Supporting Papers #B78.2.
9 Payment Voucher 51546,18 March 1875. Copy on Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1893/45. Supporting Papers #B78.3.
10 J Mackay, Thames, to Minister for Public Works, 31 July 1877. AJHR, 1877, G–7, pages 7–10.
Supporting Papers #U11.1–4.
11 Telegram Native Agent Thames to Under Secretary Native Department, r6 November 1877. Maori Affairs
Head Office file MLP 1881/246. Supporting Papers #B36.19–21.
13