Maori Deeds of Old Private Land Purchases in New Zealand, From the Year 1815 to 1840, with Pre-Emptive and Other Claims

Deeds—No. 440

Deeds—No. 440.

Te Kuri Island, Bluff Harbour, Otago District.
Report of Land Claims Commissioners.

Report.—The Commissioners have the honor to report, for the information of His

1839. Otago District. Te kuri island. James Spencer.Commissioners' report

Excellency the Governor, that, from the accompanying evidence taken in Claim No. 213b, they are of opinion that in 1839 the Claimant made a bonâ fide purchase from the Native Chief Tuhawaike of a tract of land thus described:—Boundaries: An island in the Harbour of the Bluff—Middle Island—called Te Kuri, and known also as Spencer's Island. (About one mile in circumference.)

The

payment made to the Natives for this land appears to have been in February,

Payment made.

1839—Cash, £5; goods, £14 17s. 6d. x3 = £44 12s. 6d. Total, £49 12s. 6d., at 4s. 8d. per acre.

A deed of sale was executed by the above-named Chief, and he has admitted the payment he received, and the alienation of the land.

The Commissioners therefore respectfully recommend that a Grant for the above-described land should be issued to James Spencer, his heirs and assigns for ever. Excepting 100 feet from high-water mark.

Edward L. Godfrey, Commissioners.
M. Richmond, Commissioners.

Wellington, 21 December, 1843.

Confirmed.—Prepare a Deed. Governor's minute.

Robt. FitzRoy.

Dec. 10, 1844.

A True Copy of Original Report and Minute. No. 213 b.O.L.C.

H. Hanson Turton.

Wellington, 24th January, 1879.