Figure 52: Waihi mines, 1924- Source: PG Morgan, The Geology and Mines of the Waihi District, Hauraki Goldfield, New Zealand, Geological Survey Branch Bulletin 26 (Wellington: Department of Mines, 1924).

The upper reaches of the Maratoto Stream traverse the boundary of Hikutaia 3 and Hikutaia 4 blocks. Hikutaia 3 was purchased by the Crown in December 1872, shortly after title had been awarded by the Native Land Court. (Auckland superintendant Gillies had been eager to have the block proclaimed within the Hauraki gold district as he anticipated a rush.) Hikutaia 4 lay at the northern edge of the Ohinemuri goldfield block. In March 1884, land purchase officer Wilkinson wrote to the Native Department requesting authorisation of the purchase of the block. None was given. However, the increase in mining activity in the late 1880s spurred the Government’s interest, and in August 1889 native agent Wilkinson was instructed to see if the block could be purchased ‘for any reasonable price’.¹⁴⁰ Wilkinson reported that:

Have made inquiries re possibility of purchasing Hikutaia 4, and think I can buy several shares at 10/- per acre. Some however want £1 per acre but I think they will take less. There is or has lately been considerable mining on the block and I am informed that over £300 goldfields revenue has already been disbursed amongst owners of the block.¹⁴¹

140. Under-secretary, Native Department, to native agent, Alexandra, 21 August 1889, b71.7 (doc a1o, pt 2, p 164)

141. Accountant, Native Department, 21 September 1889, b71. 8–11 (doc a10, pt 2, p 164)