difficult to carry on negotiations, but these people are the exception only, and not the rule. The Deed of Conveyance of this Block now contains about 400 signatures, and with a few additions will be ready to put before the Native Lands Court. There are however some considerable land owners of the Tukukino stamp who up to the present time have refused to come to any arrangement about parting with their interests. I should like if possible to come to terms with them before the Court sits, and in the interval that elapses between now and the sitting of the Court will use my best endeavours to do so.18
The Under Secretary noted that the Native Land Court would sit in June 1880 to consider the ownership of the Ohinemuri Block.
Preparation for Investigation of Title
In March 1880 Wilkinson asked if further purchases of interests in Ohinemuri block could be made before the title to the block was investigated by the Native Land Court.19 He was told that
The position of the Ohinemuri Goldfields block is exceptional from any other purchase of land in the Colony. If you can buy outright any interests in that land you should do so, bearing in mind the payment is final and the deed is signed.20
Wilkinson followed this up with a letter.
I have the honour to suggest that before the hearing of the Ohinemuri Gold Field Block takes place, the services of Harata Patene, the principal chieftainess of the Ngatipaoa tribe (who are themselves part owners of Ohinemuri) be secured to give evidence on behalf of the Government in the Native Lands Court.
This woman is gifted with a surprising knowledge of Maori history and genealogy, and has at different times given most valuable assistance to Government officers in the matter of land questions - instance her services rendered to the late Mr Preece during the hearing of the Aroha case in August 1878 - and I would much rather have her on my side than opposed to me when the Ohinemuri case comes on for hearing.
Unfortunately Harata has fallen off lately in her respect and admiration for the Government, her grievance being that for the service rendered by her during the hearing of the Aroha case, Mr Preece promised her £200, which on account of that gentleman's decease, she has not got yet, and also that an application for rehearing of some blocks of land at Ohinemuri, namely Otamaurunganui, Takapau, Te Waka-o-tiki-te-aroha and Te Manuku No 2, which was made by Mr Mackay on behalf of herself and others interested, has not been acceded to, although she was given to understand that the application would be recommended by Judge Symonds who heard the case. As the judgement in the above cases vitiated her claims and that of her tribe to land within the Ohinemuri block, it will be necessary, as I think has already been suggested to you, that steps should be taken to set aside the judgements referred to, otherwise she will not only refuse to give me any assistance but will also give me much trouble when this case comes on for hearing. Will you please inform me whether there is any likelihood of her request being granted with regard to the rehearing of the above mentioned blocks, or whether anything could be done towards settling her claim for the £200 which she states was promised her by the late Mr Preece.21
18 Land Purchase Officer Thames to Under Secretary Native Land Purchase Department, 13January 1880. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1880/58. Supporting Papers #B25.1–14.
19 Telegram Land Purchase Officer Thames to Under Secretary Native Land Purchase Department, 11 March 1880. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1881/246. Supporting Papers #B36.22–23.
20 Telegram Under Secretary Native Land Purchase Department, 12 March 1880. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1881/246. Supporting Papers #B36.24.
21 Land Purchase Officer Thames to Under Secretary Native Land Purchase Department, 13March 1880. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1881/246. Supporting Papers #B36.25–27.
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