Chapter 2 The Allocation of Reserves within the Katikati-Te Puna Block

2.1 Introduction

Like the purchase of the Katikati-Te Puna block, the allocation of reserves to Maori in the ceded area was related to the confiscation of land in the district. In order to validate the confiscation of 50,000 acres at Tauranga, special legislation was passed by the government. These statutes also legitimised the method and rationale behind the Crown’s subsequent return of lands outside of the confiscated block. However, none of these laws existed when reserves in the Katikati-Te Puna block were allocated, although as this land was already owned by the Crown, there were other that the reserves could have been legitimately set aside. The task of this chapter is quite straightforward: it examines the allocation of the Katikati-Te Puna reserves and the function they may have had within the context of the confiscation and return of land. The chapter begins by briefly describing legislation that might have influenced the procedure of Crown officials, while the second part looks more closely at the mechanics of the actual allocation process.

2.2 Legislation: general comments

Legislation for lands reserved for Maori has been covered by a separate report, so it is unnecessary to comment on this material here.¹ The legislation in force at the time the reserves were set aside in the Katikati-Te Puna block was the Native Lands Act, 1866, which operated from 1 December 1866 to 10 October 1867. This was an amendment of the Native Land Act 1865, and although unpopular in some quarters, was justified by J. C. Richmond thus:

Cases are already coming to the knowledge of Government in which Natives have divested themselves of all their land, and it is with a view to protect the public generally, and the Natives themselves, from the curse of pauperism; to prevent the

¹ See L. E. Murray, Rangahaua Whanui National Theme L. Crown Policy on Maori Reserved Lands, 1840 to 1865 and Lands Restricted from Alienation, 1865-1900, [Wellington], 1997; See also Stokes, The Allocation of Reserves, vol. 1, ch. 2.