More Info →16 March 1868

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237-249 16 March 1868

Monday 16^th March

Court sat at 10 am.

Present – same judges and assessors.

Himatangi – continued

Paranihi Te Tau – sworn

Lives at Te Reureu. Ngatipikiahu of Ngatiraukawa.

I was present in court on Saturday. Heard what Matene Te Whiwhi and Henare Te Herekau stated with reference to the meeting with Mr. McLean at Te Awahou at Rangitikei. I was not present at that meeting. I was at Otara Upper Rangitikei.

On hearing of the meeting, I came to Parewanui and saw McLean. I discussed the question of boundary and objected to Otara and said “let it be at Pourewa”. Pourewa is below Otara. Ihakara and Nepia heard of my removing the boundary and came to Pourewa ‘ki te tapahi I taku pou’. They returned and then Mr. McLean went up with Ngatiraukawa. Nepia and two Whanganui chiefs to fix the inland boundary at Te Houhou – ‘ka whawhai’ and it was finally fixed at Te Houhou – names of Ngatiraukawa chiefs and of the Queen written and put in a bottle and buried at Te Houhou. The ‘mana’ of Ngatiraukawa over the boundary was thus recognised.

After this, Hori Te Anaua and Pehi Turoa came. Turoa said the ‘mana’ of Ngatiraukawa should be from Te Hou Hou to Turakina and north of that. Kaiwhaiki with him. Hori then said to Ngatiraukawa “If you trespass over our boundary we will throw you into the water and if I trespass on your side you throw me into the water”. Did not see the boundary at Turakina, line was on towards Kaiwhaiki as far as Turakina. South of Turakina - Ngatiraukawa, North – Turoa’s land. Mr. McLean and Ngatiraukawa buried the bottle. Did not go to Maramaihoea.

By court

Te Rangi Ao was the only Ngatiapa chief present at the fixing of the boundary at Te Houhou.

Parakaia Te Pouepa – sworn

Meeting at Maramaihoea – ‘take’ – dispute between Ngatiapa and Ngatiraukawa. Heard of it and went.

In the year 1854 Ngatiapa crossed Rangitikei to cut totara at Pakapakatea. We heard of this. After this Aperahama and others of Ngatiraukawa went to cultivate at that place. The ‘----‘ was left till summer and Ngatiapa came to burn them off. Two canoes full of Ngatiapa found Aperahama and Ngatiraukawa there – prepared food – women went to wash food and saw guns in the canoes – prepared food placed it before Ngatiapa and decamped. This ‘waerenga’, ‘riro atu’ – Ngatiraukawa ‘mataku’. A little below these was another ‘waerenga’ of Aperahama which Ngatiapa then burnt off and planted corn there. Ngatiraukawa went and planted potatoes on the top of the corn. Ngatiapa heard and came across – ‘tutu’ came and collected the seed (potatoes) and burnt. Ngatiraukawa went again and planted potatoes. Ngatiapa came again and took up potatoes and Ngatiraukawa went and ‘kari’d a 3^rd time.

Nga Kawa came down and told us that there would be mischief at Rangitikei and Ngatiapa were armed. I went to Manawatu to Nepia. Ihakara also. They told me of the state of affairs and I wished them to go to Rangitikei. Nepia had a bad foot, could not go. I and Te Tawiri went to Rangitikei – collected Aperahama and Ngatiraukawa – heard story and I said “me komiti”. Believe Wi Pukapuka was present. Returned to Manawatu. Nepia agreed to ‘komiti’.

I came back to Otaki. Told Matene and others that was the cause of the Maramaihoea meeting. I went in confidence because I knew the boundary had been fixed and the government were witnesses and parties to the arrangement which was now being interfered with, also because I feared mischief arising from the Ngatiapa carrying arms – that no evil might light on the name of Te Whatanui and Ngatiraukawa. The meeting took place and the question was settled. I was not present. I heard that Ripeka’s husband, Te Hanea Marumaru, pointed to Rangitikei river as the boundary between Ngatiapa and Ngatiraukawa up to Ruahine. Heard also that Hori Te Anaua said to Ngatiraukawa “Now you have the land, give it back to me” and that Matene replied “I will not now consent but will take it to Otaki to talk over”. Meetings held and the subject was discussed and nothing came of it. It was not assented to.

Katene Waihou – sworn

Live at Rangitikei, Hinepuhiawe. Ngati Parewahawaha. Ngatiraukawa. Have heard Parakaia’s evidence as to dispute about ‘waerenga’s – dispute was settled at Maramaihoea.

I was there. Reihana – a chief of Ngatiapa said “Ngatiraukawa! Ki a koe tenei taha a tae noa ki Ruahine”. Hori Te Hanea of Ngatiapa said “if I cross to the south side, let Nepia push me into the water” and if Ngatiraukawa cross to north side I will throw them into the water” – Nepia consented.

Xed by Mr. Fox

I have signed the deed, have had no money – Kereama gave me – that was his money. It was part of purchase but it was Kereama’s.

Signed deed in Wellington. I did not put my mark. I thought it was Haumiaroa. I went to talk about Haumiaroa. I did not touch the pen. I can write. I heard the deed read by Mr. Buller before my name was written. Mr. Buller asked me to sign. I said “tuhia e koe, kahore au e pai” did not see Mr. Buller write my name over the cross.

I went to Wellington to keep Rangitikei. Went to Parakaia’s lawyer and the ‘runanga’. Went to Mr. Buller to talk about – Haumiaroa – a part of Awahou block sold to government – asked for money as Winiata had received some. Mr. Buller commenced to talk about Rangitikei and produced deed. Asked me to sign. He wrote my name but I did not sign.

Xed by Mr. Fox

There may have been a pakeha present besides Mr. Buller. Did not see him.

Aperahama Te Huruhuru – sworn

Rangitikei, Ohinguhiawa, Ngatiparewahawaha – Ngatiraukawa.

The ‘waerenga’ spoken of by Te Katene – that was my ‘waerenga’. There was a dispute about it between us and Ngatiapa. It was settled at Maramaihoea. At the meeting. The settlement was the concession by Reihana and Te Hanea. Hori then asked Ngatiraukawa for the land. Matene did not assent and nothing has come.

By “tukunga mai” means “the giving of the land to Ngatiraukawa”.

Hori Te Hanea spoke, “To whenua!”

Te Reihana said, “To whenua!” “E Nepia! Tae noa ki runga noa atu”

Hou’s demand was never assented to and the matter has dropped.

Xed by Mr. Fox

The dispute was about a clearing by Ngatiapa. I went to that ‘waerenga’.

Xed by Mr. Williams

Hare Hemi Taharape – sworn

I was present at the meeting of Mr. McLean at Te Awahou, heard evidence of Matene Te Whiwhi and Henare about meeting. Statements true. Heard evidence of Parakaia about cutting of totara and ‘waerenga’ same as what I have heard.

I was present at the meeting at Maramaihoea. I went because of dispute between Ngatiapa and Ngatiraukawa. Ngatiapa carrying arms. Totara belonging to Ngatiapa drifted down by flood.

Rangatahi ‘hapu’ took possession. That was the origin of dispute. They took arms. Then Aperahama’s ‘waerenga’. Pirirau and Matahiwi were clearings on this side of Rangitikei. Ngatiapa crossed. This meeting was held to arrange matters amicably. Hori Te Anaua came to the meeting. He told Ngatiapa to “ata noho”. Ngatiapa and Ngatiraukawa. Hori Te Hanea said to Nepia “To whenua! I te puau o Rangitikei tae noa ki Ruahine”

Ruahine is on south side of Rangitikei.

After him, Reihana stood up and said “whakarongo! Ngatiraukawa! And Nepia!” “To whenua! From mouth up to Ruahine. After this Hori Te Anaua got up and said “the land has been given to you, give it now to me”.

Matene stood up and said “It will not be right”, “let us go back to my wife and children and then talk it over. I will think about it”.

Nothing has been done in consequence of ‘raru raru’ about Rangitikei and Ngatiapa’s doings. Rauparaha has no land at Rangitikei. It was his first but now it is Ngatiraukawa’s.

By court

I supposed that all Ngatiapa assented by their not opposing. Kon’t know whether Aperahama Tipae was there. Kawana Hunia was there. Don’t know what he said. Regarded Te Reihana and Te Hanea as principal chiefs of Ngatiapa. They might not be so regarded by their own people.

Court adjourned at 1 pm.

Court resumed at 2 pm.

Parakaia Te Pouepa – sworn

I recollect sale of Te Ahu o Turanga block. Te Hirawanu proposed the sale. He came to Nepia – spoke to Maori’s first and afterwards to government. Nepia replied “it rests with Ngatiraukawa”. He then went to Auckland to see McLean and the governor to ask for money for his land, Te Ahu 0 Turanga. Mr. McLean told him to go to Ngatiraukawa. I heard this from Hoani Meihana of Rangitane.

Hirawanu is of Ngati Kahungungu, Mutuahi and Ngati Upokoiri. Hoani Meihana’s is a different tribe. Hoani came back and told me what had passed.

Nepia and I came to Otaki, spoke to Kingi Te Hanita Rawiri and other chiefs of Ngatiraukawa. The thing was talked over and nothing was settled. After this Hoani’s letter was received by Nepia and sent on here – runanga’ – and decided.

Went to Puketotara. This was in 1858. 40 of us including Manawatu and Rangitikei – cause was the ‘tono’ of Rangitane to assent to sale of land. Letters were sent to Ngatikauhata and the half breeds and Ngati Te Ihiihi. Not settled on account of opposition of Ngatikauhata. It was proposed by me, Nepia and Aperahama Te Huruhuru that the Oroua should be boundary of a block to be sold jointly by Rangitane, Ngatikauhata and Te Ihiihi. Ngatikauhata did not agree. Nepia recited sons “nui noa, e whae, to rongo piharoa etc”. Ngati Te Ihiihi also objected. This meeting was in May then there was a meeting at Otaki.

Ngatitoa, Ngati Parewahawaha and Ngatiraukawa ‘hapu’s at Rangitikei and Manawatu assembled. The meeting was on account of sale of Te Horo to Mr. Searancke. Tamihana then stood up and asked Mr. Searancke to give the money for Te Ahu o Turanga that Ngatiraukawa may have the first proceeds. Matene followed – same. I also got up and said, “Don’t – wait a bit, ‘me ata mahi marire’”. Nepia said the same and Wi Pukapuka and Heremia. Tamihana proposed that we whould go to Te Hirawanu. Mr. Searancke said “let me and Nepia only go”.

Ngatiraukawa wrote a letter to Hirawanu telling him that Ngatiraukawa has agreed to give you your land but come to Puketotara to meet us. We wrote to say “To whenua! Hei tua mau, hei tahu mau, hei ko mau, hei hau hake mau”. Hirawanu did not agree to meet at Puketotara. Ngatiraukawa went to Ngatiraukawa on the upper Manawatu to formally give up the land. Boundary to be at Oroua. As a boundary of the land to be sold by Rangitane and Ngatikauhata and Ngati Te Ihiihi – Ihakara – Aperahama Nepia – Wi Pukapuka, went. Oroua was fixed as a boundary. ‘Kia mutu atu te hia hia hoko’ ‘kei whiti mai ki tenei taha’ (copy of letter of Ngatiraukawa to Te Hirawanu and original reply from Hirawanu – put in).

Hoani Meihana – sworn

I know Te Ahu o Turanga block sold to government. It was sold by Te Hirawanu. Have heard what Parakaia stated about Hirawanu going to Auckland. It is true that I wrote to Ngatiraukawa to assent to selling land. Had a meeting at Puketotara. Ngatiraukawa assented to sale. Proposed that Oroua should be boundary. Ngatikauhata and Ngati Te Ihiihi did not consent to the boundary at Oroua. I was the spokesman of Rangitane and I had nothing to say. If the boundary had been fixed by the Ngatiraukawa at Oroua it would have ‘tau ki reira’ – ‘runanga’ afterwards went to Raukawa. At Raukawa, Pare Wahawaha, Pikiahu, Ngati Te Ihiihi, Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Whakateretere, Ngatikauhata and Rangitane. It was then settled that Te Ahu o Turanga should be sold.

The south and south west boundaries were fixed by Ngatikauhata and Ngati Whakateretere. Some of the old men of Ngatikauhata who were not present were angry at the fixing of the boundary and called a meeting at Te Awahuri (in Oroua). After some considerable discussion the boundaries were finally fixed as in the deed of sale.

After the boundary was settled, Nepia said “kua ora tatou, kua oti pai te hokana Te Hirawanu”.

Nepia said “that piece is yours, and this piece is “ki a au” meaning Ngatiraukawa, “If the fire is kindled on any other portion ‘ka tineia, mo te hoko tenei”.

Hirawanu replied to Nepia, “If anyone proposes to sell beyond, I shall be a claimant”.

Nepia said, “you have got your piece, do what you please with it”.

It was then settled that that land should be sold. This was in 1858. I did not clearly understand whether the boundary agreed on was fixed as a tribal boundary or as a boundary of land selling. The boundary (running parallel with Oroua) was boundary of ‘hoko’. Nothing was said about Rangitane claims on the strip between boundary of block and Oroua. Supposed that other side of Oroua was Ngatiraukawa’s from Nepia’s word in reply to Hirawanu. Am clear about Oroua but not about strip between that boundary and Oroua. Te Ahu o Turanga was sold in 1864. Delay caused because we were standing out about price.

I and Hirawanu didn’t know that Ngatiraukawa asked for any money. Te Hirawanu and I had all the money (purchase money) Ngati Whakateretere who fixed the south boundary are Ngatiraukawa.

Xed by Mr. Fox

I lived at Oroua and Puketotara. Hirawanu lived at Raukawa and afterwards at Moutoa.

Idid not go to Auckland. Hirawanu went to Auckland with assent of his section of Rangitane. Hirawanu proposed to sell a large tract down to Tawhitikuri. Hirawanu sid he had ‘mana’ over all that. He was head chief of Rangitane.

The tribes Ngati Te Upokoiri and Maramaihoea were living on the Manawatu in the block. Hirawanu was living with those tribes and after Ngati Kahungungu went to Ahuriri Hirawanu had nine mana.

In 1859, Rangitane received £12,000 for the lan. Ngatiraukawa were not at the sale but after the sale Rangitane gave Ngatiraukawa some of the money – dispute about division of money. Ngatiraukawa, Ngatimutuahi, hapu of Hirawanu, Ngatikauhata have asked for some of the money promised them some in 1864. The money is in the bank.

Xed by Mr. Williams

Mr. McLean was Land Purchase Commissioner when Hirawanu went to Auckland. He did not assent to Hirawanu’s proposal to sell the large block offered by him.

By court

Some of Ngatiraukawa joined in sale of Te Ahu o Turanga. Some of Ngatikauhata signed deed. Ngatitumokai were partly Ngatiapa and partly Rangitane. Some of Ngatikauhata who signed were married to Rangitane women and were living among them.

Reupana Te One was my father-in-law. The principal chiefs of Ngatiraukawa were not parties to the deed. Ngatikauhata who were living with Rangitane signed.

Mr. Williams put in blue book reports of Land purchase department C No. 1 presented to both houses of assembly containing letter of Searancke to Chief Commissioner – dated September 17, 1858, Do. November 12, 1855 and Do. August 1, 1861.

Court adjourned at 5 pm to 10 am tomorrow.

Identification