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An Epitome of Official Documents Relative to Native Affairs and Land Purchases in the North Island of New Zealand

[No. 90.]

No. 90.

Memorandum for the Native Minister.

Wellington.—Regarding a Piece of Land at Te Aro.

The land alluded to in Moturoa's letter is seven acres allotted under Colonel McCleverty's arrangements to Pipitea Natives, but for Moturoa especially. No Crown grant has been issued for this land.

Moturoa is a very strong Kingite, and has for the last three years left Pipitea, and resides at Waikanae. His object in giving it to Mohi appears to be an underhanded transaction, in order that he may reap the benefit of a Crown title. This he acknowledges by saying he "does not know the troubles of this world." His title is perfectly clear to the land, if not vitiated by his adherence to Kingism.

I do not see how any such mode of gift, or transfer, can be acquiesced in by the Government; but on his taking the oath of allegiance, and submitting to the Queen's authority, I should recommend that he should receive a grant for the same, when he will be at liberty to dispose of it as he thinks fit.

George F. Swainson,
Commissioner of Native Reserves.

Native Reserves Office, 11th February, 1865.

Enclosure.

Te Aro, 9th January, 1865.

Friend,—

This is my word to you about my land at Te Aro, that I have given it to Mohi Ngaponga, and to his wife Hera, and to their children. The reason I give it is because I do not know the difficulties [? troubles] of this world. I have fixed this laud for Mohi Ngaponga, and for his wife Hera, and for their children. They will show my letter to you, when you can write a Crown grant for Mohi, and Hera, and their children. The acres of that land are seven, inside the fence; towards one side the fence is on the hill of Tira. You work this. This is my land I have fixed for Mohi, and for his Wife, and their children, lest I should be wrong, and that some other man should be hasty about this land. Therefore I have completed the gift of it to Mohi. You give him the Crown grant. My words are very straight. There is no dispute about this block. These are the names of his children: Mere Whakateni and Hemi Moturoa. Enough.

From your loving friend,

Ropiha Moturoa.

Mr. Swainson, Commissioner of Lands.