249-262 17 March 1868
Tuesday 17th March
Court sat at 10 am.
Present – same judges and assessors.
Himatangi – continued
Mr. Williams requested that portion (indicated) of Mr. Searanckes’ letters referred to yesterday be read.
Mr. Fox requested that the whole be read.
Mr. Williams said that portions of the letters were irrelevant.
Mr. Fox persisted.
The court ruled that the whole be read. Letter read and translated.
Reverend S. Williams – sworn
Have known the question of Te Ahu o Turanga purchase brought forward at meeting at Otaki. More especially at one meeting which I remember about 1847. Ngatiraukawa had constantly asserted a claim as far as the range called Te ahu o Turanga.
At the meeting I refer to there had been warm discussion for 2 days. Te Hirawanu and some of his people. Hiraanu was expressing his determination to sell. I heard a Ngatiraukawa say “you build houses for pakeha’s, we will burn them and see who gets tired first”. I addressed Hirawanu, as if I were Ngatimutuahi and told him we had better go back to the other side of mountain, and there, listen to what was passing on this side – that as soon as we heard that there was talk of selling we would then turn our faces and hold out our hands for a share of payment. I turned to Ngatiraukawa and asked what they would reply. Ngatiraukawa all said “Ae”. Turned to Hirawanu and asked him what he had to say, he said “kei a koe te whakaaro”. Understood that he assented to what I said. The meeting then broke up.
I advised Ngatiraukawa to withdraw their opposition to the sale of a large block lying useless to them. This is the first time I spoke to Ngatiraukawa on the subject. I have a general knowledge of the Ahu o Turanga block. Have been up Oroua and Manawatu and across. Heard that Ngatiraukawa had the ‘mana’ over it, Ngati Upokoiri natives living on it but they always spoke of return to Heretaunga. If I heard that the land had been sold by Rangitane without Ngatiraukawa getting any of the money, I should say Ngatiraukawa was generous and followed Whatanui, first preaches of peace.
I went to Puketotara. Dispute between Ngatiraukawa and Ngati Te Ihiihi. The Manawatu people asked me to try to settle the dispute. They finally settled the dispute by slightly altering the boundary line between. Most of Rangitane were there but had nothing to say about the matter.
About 1850, while I was living at Otaki, I crossed that boundary on Tuesday last, recognised it as the boundary of Ngatiraukawa and Ngati Te Ihiihi as settled on that occasion. I saw the ‘pou’ and asked if it was a survey pole. Could not be certain, within a short distance, as to whether it was correct. It was not far out.
(Witness pointed out on sketch point on Manawatu river where boundary started from). Started from the top of a hill south of the church at Puketotara from that point in direction of the sea to the left (south) of a bush, the only bush I could see, to the right of and close to the line. Don’t know how far past the bush it went. The line went not far from the pole which I saw standing near the road. The Puketotara I speak of is on the Manawatu river, a little below the confluence of Oroua, a little above the point marked Whitiroa, on the sketch that is as near s I can say the point from which the boundary started.
Ngatiraukawa and Ngati Te Ihiihi were the only ‘hapu’s who were concerned. Some of Ngatikauhata may have lived among Ngati Te Ihiihi. Te Raotea of Ngatirakaukawa and Waikawa of Ngati Te Ihiihi. The questioned seemed to be entirely between Ngatiraukawa ‘hapu’s. Rangitane seemed to come in lnly under Ngati Te Ihiihi.
Te Kooro Te One – sworn
At Oroua of Ngatikauhata ‘hapu’ Ngatiraukawa. Heard of the Puketotara.
Meeting spoken of by Parakaia yeaterday, heard what was said about assent of Ngatiraukawa to Oroua as a boundary. We, Ngatikauhata and Ngati Te Ihiihi, opposed and upset arrangement.
In 1858, Hirawanu sent a message to Honi Meihana of Rangitane about selling Te Ahu o Turanga. Hoani came to see Nepia at Te Awahou and told him and proposed a meeting at Puketotara. Nepia said “we will see about it”. Heard of these things. Was not present. A few days after a meeting at Puketotara, we of the Ngatikauhata of Upper Oroua went.
Rangitane opened the subject. “I have joined Hirawanu in proposal to sell Te Ahu o Turanga. I have been under your feet in the days gone by, now I am about to do something on my own account. I join in Hirawanu’s sale because he has brought his boundary “ki tona aro aro”.
Hoani and others said this “This is merely a proposal, it is for you to decide”. All said the same.
Ngatiraukawa replied “Your words are now clear, formerly your proposed Tawhitikuri as your boundary to sell. I would not look at it, nowthat your boundary is “hoki ki to aro aro, kei a Ngatiraukawa to whakaaro’” – “ka mutu nga kupu o te taha ki a Rangitane” because Ngatiraukawa is living on the land which Hirawanu proposes to sell, “If they consent, it will be ‘oti’” (Nepia said this).
Nepia said “ki taku whakaaro’ the boundary to be at Oroua that “mutu raua atu, kia taua a Hirawanu, a Rangitane, e peke nei ki te taha, kia waiho mo Ngatiraukawa anake tenei taha”.
Ngatikauhata said “I am not willing that my land should be included in another man’s sale for Rangitane have no ‘mana’ over these places. The matter was not settled.
Mangaone was proposed by Ngatikauhata and Te Ihiihi (further back from Oroua, higher up the Manawatu).
Nepia was displeased because the matter was not settled, met again at Raukawa.
A large meeting, a great many of Ngatiraukawa went there. Collected at Puketotara arranged about boundaries - at first Ngatikauhata did not assent and that night assented to take boundary to Rotopiko between Mangaone and Oroua. Ngatikauhata and Ngati Te Ihiihi were hardly persuaded to this compromise. At last all agreed but one (Reihana).
Ngati Whakateretere ‘hapu’ then claimed to fix the south boundary.
Ngati Te Ihiihi said “kei a koe, kei a au”.
I did not hear any Rangitane here claim to fix the boundary. At last it was settled. Rangitane were there.
Went on to raukawa. All the boundaries were not settled at Puketotara. Only the lower boundaries were settled, for Ngatiraukawa had not come to ‘te aro aro o te tangata nana te hoko” – talk about giving land to Hirawanu. Hirawanu expressed his gratitude for the concession of Ngatiraukawa in favor of his ‘hoko’ about which he had followed the governor about.
Nepia said, “ka hoatu e au tena whenua ki a koe, I am satisfied, Ngatiapa is the ‘matua’ of the land, the other side of Rangitikei and now your wish is gratified ‘hei mutunga tonu – tanga tena mo to taha’, what seeming is for me alone”.
Other speaker of Ngatiraukawa, to same effect. That it was to be a barrier to Rangitane claim. At that time boundaries were traversed by Mr. Searancke. A boundary was pointed out by a Ngatiapa man, Te Rewiti. Ngatikauhata heard of it and were angry and called a meeting at Te Awahuri. There again, proposed (asking boundary to Mangaone. Hirawanu then recited the boundaries which had been settled at the first meeting.
Wi Pukapuka said, “If Ngatikauhata insists on Mangaone, we shall insist on taking it to Oroua”.
Finally settled as shown on the sketch. Nepia stood up and congratulated Ngatikauhata upon the settlement of the question of boundary “ka ora tatou”, Hirawanu said “me he mea ka hoko koe kei kona ano au”.
Nepia replied, “e kore e puta te hoko I a au, me he mea ka ka to ahia ka tenei a e au”.
Hirawanu did not reply.
Court adjourned at 12.30 pm for 1 hour.
Court resumed at 1.30 pm.
Te Ara Takana – will speak the truth
Lives at Te Arahuri at Oroua. Ngatikauhata of Ngatiraukawa. Heard evidence of Te Kooro. Was not at meetings at Puketotara and Raukawa. Was at the meeting at Te Awahuri. Kooro’s evidence about what took place at that meeting is true.
The consent to the boundary of Hirawanu and Rangitane. Did not hear the first of the talk about sale of Te Ahu o Turanga on the occasion of the Awahuri meeting, I heard. Nepia asked Ngatikauhata – said “I have assented to Oroua as boundary to Hirawanu and Rangitane.
Tohutohu of Ngati Te Ihiihi “you must not bring boundary to Oroua, it is for me and Ngatikauhata to do that, the owners of the land”.
I spoke next, “will not assent to Oroua, take it back to Taonui” (for Ngatikauhata have possession there) “I, o Nepia, give this land to Hirawanu and Hoani, he may give it to his child or sell it, as he pleases. I don’t admit Hoani in the piece which is ‘wehe’ by us from Ngatikauhata and Ngati Te Ihiihi”.
Others of us spoke and proposed Taonui. All assented. After it was settled, Nepia spoke the words referred to by Te Kooro “ka ora tatou”.
Hoeta Te Kahuhui – sworn
Oroua. Ngatikauhata. Have heard evidence of Te Kooro about meetings at Puketotara, Raukawa, and Te Awahuri.
I was not present at Puketotara meeting. I was at Raukawa and at Te Awahuri. Evidence of consent of Ngatiraukawa to Oroua boundary and opposition of Ngatikauhata correct.
At Te Awahuri the boundary was amicably settled. Witness pointed out on plan of Te ahu o Turanga boundary of block. It was fixed by Ngatikauhata. Ngatikauhata had livedon the land given to Rangitane. The boundary was fixed as a ‘rohe kia oti atu ki tera taha’ and to leave Ngatiraukawa this side. Rangitane would not have been permitted to cross that boundary.
Wiriharai Te Angiangi – sworn
Have heard evidence of Te Kooro about meetings. Was present at Te Awahuri. Kooro’s evidence as to what passed is true.
I assented to the boundary of Te Ahu o Turanga. Assented to it as a boundary for Rangitane and Hirawanu. Would not have assented to Rangitane crossing that boundary.
Takana Takoto – sworn
Te Awahuri. Ngatikauhata. Have heard evidence of Te Kooro about meetings at Puketotara, Raukawa and Te Awahuri. Was present at Te Awahuri meeting only. The boundary of Te Ahu o Turanga block was agreed to there. I assented to it. It was assented to that the boundary at Taonui was a boundary between us and Rangitane. Would not have consented if I had known that Rangitane would cross it afterwards.
Paranihi Te Tau – sworn
Have heard Kooro’s evidence, same evidence as preceding witness (am of Ngati Whakteretere) ‘hei rohe atu mo tera iwi mo tona whakaaro ki tenei taha’.
Henare Te Herekau – sworn
Heard Kooro’s evidence about meeting at Puketotara. I was present. Ngatiraukawa agreed then that Oroua should be the boundary between Ngatiraukawa and Rangitane. Ngatikauhata objected. Was not present at Te Awahuri.
Mr. Williams – put into court letters published in reports of Land Purchase Department, Journal of Mr. Swindell – pp 276 – and letter from Mr. Searancke to Chief commissioner November 15/58 – pp 282 relative to purchase of Te Awahou block. Read in English and portions selected by Mr. Williams and assented to by Mr. Fox translated.
Parakaia Te Pouepa – sworn
Ihakara first proposed sale of a portion of Te Awahou. Hurihanga Taitoko. Ngatiraukawa chiefs objected and went to Manawatu. Ihakara persisted and Ngatiraukawa. Ihakara is Ngatiraukawa. Ihakara then gave it up, then offered a piece of his own near the sea and the other tribes joined him – Horomona and Paora – Ngati Kahoro, Ngati Whakateretere, Pare (Matia’s tribe) Ngati Parewahawaha (Te Ahu’s tribe) wrote to McLean and when he came there, there were a great many names, he came to Te Ana – 200 Ngatiraukawa and Ngatitoa from Porirua. Rawiri Puaha – (Hohepa, Matene and Tamehana) and Ngatiapa, Rangitane, Muaupoko.
Next day discussed sale. Ihakara and his tribe – (Te Patu Kohuru) asked for money. Mr. McLean said, “Let the sellers and non-sellers come to some agreement first”. Asked Nepia to speak. Nepia said “I will not sell”
Several other tribes objected to sale. McLean then referred to me. I said “me he mea kahore to tuhoru kit e kai, ka ata tunua tetahi mau”.
Nepia then said to Mr. McLean, “Return, ‘kei au te whakaaro’”.
Sellers told McLean if he went back he would never get the land. After this we talked it over and then wrote to McLean and he came again to Te Awahou and paid £300 instalment. Boundaries pointed out – encroached on our land, mine and Nepia’s. Went and altered the boundary so as to exclude Omarupapaka – poles and flags from sea to river – taken south of this to Pakingahau.
Meeting at Te Awahou.
Nepia stood up and extended his arms and said “my son, Ihakara!, you have your desire, eat your portion”
Aperahama Te Huruhuru, Kuruhou and Te Peina, Heremia and Te Raotea – this was all done at that time.
After this, money paid – 3 parties satisfied. Ngatiapa with Rangitikei, Rangitane with Te Ahu o Turanga and Ngatiraukawa with his portion.
This is the reason why I have been strong to oppose this sale and this is the cause of my wishing to have an investigation. Ihakara was the principal seller of Awahou. Te Patukohuru is his hapu. He and tribe were living on the land which he has sold. Ihakara owned no land but had a right of fishing in some of the roto’s. If Rawiri had consented to sale, he might have come in with him.
It was in 1858 that Ihakara had his portion assigned to him. Ngatikauhata held their portion from 1835. Ngati Te Au, Ngati Parewahawaha, Te Patukohuru and all the other hapu’s got their land at the same time.
Ngatitoa had no land. They went to get money because they were the conquerors.
Muaupoko had no land but went for money on account of their tupuna. Ngatiapa the same.
Xed by Mr. Fox
Ihakara gave the Ngatitoa, Ngatiapa and Muaupoko some of the money. I got £100, Ngati Kahungungu would have given xxxx.
Xed by Mr. Williams
Muaupoko got a portion of the money after the land was sold but if they had come to offer to sell, Ihakara would have sold.
Xed by court
Ihakara parted with all his land on the other side of Manawatu when he sold the Awahou block – has none left except on this side of the river. The other tribes associated with him did not part with all their lands. Some of them have claims in the Rangitikei Manawatu Block – some have not.
Xed by Mr. Fox
I know Ihakara’s lands. He is a tamaiti of mine. He has put in a claim to Tawhirihoe since the sale of the block. He went to eject Ngatiapa and founded a claim on that.
Hare Hemi Taharape – sworn
Know about sale of Te Awahou.
Ihakara sold the land. He was living at Te Awahou, Manawatu. Ihakara was the seller. He sold all his landbetween the Rangitikei and Manawatu rivers. The Patukohuru became possessed at the time when the country was first occupied by us – the Ngatiraukawa. It was about 1835 and the other ‘hapu’s of Ngatiraukawa. All Ihakara’s claims are comprised in th Awahou block.I don’t know about his interest in Rawiri’s land. I was at the meeting on the occasion of the payment of the money for Awahou.
Ngatitoa was there. The land was his once but it was Ngatiraukawa’s since their arrival. We should go to Wellington to a sale of Ngatitoa’s land. Ngatiapa were there for money and Muaupoko to get money.
Ihakara would not have let any of them sell. It was Nepia and Ngatiraukawa who ‘whakaoti te hoko’ – don’t know whether they got any money.
Ihakara has land on the south side of Manawatu. I have land within the Rangitikei Manawatu block on the completion of the sale of Awahou. Nepia extended his arms and said “kati, e Ihakara, ki Te Awahou”.
I know of no land of Ihakara’s between Omaupapaka and Rangitikei.
Xed by Mr. Fox
Ihakara is a chief of his own (a rangatira of) his own ‘hapu’ – has left land on this side of Manawatu. He is living on the land of my hapu Te Mateawa at Tawhirihoe.
Court adjourned at 5 pm to tomorrow.
