Chapter 1: Government Policy and Maori Reaction, 1880-1890

they have taken up and that you will not suffer any breach of the law or allow them for any reason to oppose the survey.103

Bryce sent a second telegram to Taipari that he was 'more grieved than ever' since it now appeared that the obstruction derived from 'objection and instruction to the law and the side of the court on the part of yourself and your people.' He warned, 'if it is a deliberate attempt of you and your friends to obstruct a lawful and proper order of the court, I shall regard it as a serious matter.'104

Two months later trouble cropped up again—this time, with reference to Ngati Hako rights at Te Hiku, on the east bank of the Piako River. Wilkinson informed Gill that it would be necessary to obtain the presence of Ngakapau, or Ngamapa from Coromandel, and Tamati Paraetai from Hikutaia, 'who in conjunction with Ngatimaru own the land in that locality.' Gill instructed Wilkinson to do all he could to put the land in a position where the court could finally deal with it. Wilkinson subsequently reported that he had made arrangements with Paraetai and hoped that the survey could proceed. Within the week, however, Marara Te Hikaiti of the Hingawaka section of Ngati Hako, wrote from Te Kerepehi warning: 'This is our word to you. It is not right (the survey in the vicinity of Te Hiku), it is for the whole of Ngati Hako to agree to it.'

Although a reference to the Pukehange shooting of 1879 appeared to threaten violent disorder, Wilkinson believed that it was 'not intended as a threat from all the Ngati Hako but as a desire on their part that a meeting should first be held with them concerning the matter, and their consent obtained before the survey is proceeded with:105 Paora Tiunga wrote from Te Kirikiri a few days later, stating that the line suggested by Ngati Maru in court was incorrect and reiterating Ngati Hako's right to be consulted on the question. He asked for time for Ngati Hako to discuss the setting of the boundary amongst themselves. Bryce was determined to push through and directed that there was 'no reason for delay,'106 but by September no progress had been made as Ngati Hako continued to refuse to point out their boundary with Ngati Maru 'until the question had been gone into and explained to them.'107

Since Ngati Hako objections were centred on Ngati Maru's claims on the eastern side of the river, Wilkinson arranged for a meeting between Pineaha Wharekohai on behalf of Ngati Hako, and Wi Kerei Te Whetuiti of Ngati Paoa. It was agreed that the cutting of Ngati Paoa's line on the west bank could proceed. Wilkinson reported that he was optimistic of a resolution of the matter; that Wi Kerei believed that now Ngati Hako had consented to the survey, the kingites within Ngati Paoa would also give up their opposition. A few days later, however, Te Whetuiti reported that he had been unable to persuade them to allow the survey to proceed: that all Ngati Paoa living at Te Hoe-oTainui objected. They were willing for the Ngati Maru line fixed in court to come out at

103 Lewis to Native Minister, 2.3.83. NO 83/1198 in ibid. Doc. 4, pp. 28-30.

104 Bryce to Taipari, 5 March 1883. NO 83/1216 in ibid.

105 Wilkinson to Under Secretary Native Department, 21 May 1883. NO 83/1530 in ibid. Doc. 4, pp. 32-33.

106 Bryce minute, 8.6.83, on cover sheet, NO 83/1582. In ibid.

107 Wilkinson to Under Secretary Native Department, 29 August 1883. NO 83/2810 in ibid.

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