Crown. Extinguishment of Native title to the Crown purchases (totalling 3965 acres) was notified in January 1862.8
In January 1865 Whakakapua (73 acres) and Kowhaka (21 acres) blocks on Mercury Island were purchased by the Crown from Matenga Ngaupara and Rawiri Te Ua of Ngati Whanaunga for Z36-10-od and £10-lo-od respectively.' James Preece was the Crown's land purchase officer, and James Mackay, Civil Commissioner for Hauraki, was one of the witnesses.
Notification that Native Title to Whakakapua and Kowhaka had been extinguished was given in November 1869.10
A survey plan of Ahuahu was prepared in October 1868.11 This shows Whakakapua and Kowhaka blocks, with the rest of the island divided into a number of sections for settlement by European settlers.
Atiu and Moturehu Islands
Atiu or Aitu Island was purchased by the Crown from three chiefs of Ngati Maru, Pirika, Hehe and Rapana, in August 1858 for £52.12 The block contained 30o acres, and included two offshore islands, Ngauraparapa and Katoeka.
Moturehu Island was purchased by the Crown from three chiefs of Ngati Maru and Ngati Whanaunga, Te Hoterene, Hauauru Taipari and Hehe, in August 1858 for £40.13 The block contained 200 acres. James Preece was the Crown's purchase officer.
Extinguishment of Native title to Aitu Island (325 acres) and Moturehu Island (256 acres), both described as "situate near the Great Mercury Island", was also notified in January 1862.14
8 New Zealand Gazette 1862 pages 13-15. Supporting Papers #wr.r-3.
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