(In support of the above see letters Rev. S. Williams and others.)

In 1858 a large block of land on the other side of the Manawatu-Rangitikei block, called the Ahuoturanga, was sold by the Rangitane tribe to the Government. The whole of the purchase-money was paid to the Hirawanu, chief of Rangitane, who made presents or a portion of the money to certain of the Ngatiraukawa. The following extracts from public documents will confirm a portion of the Natives' statements:—

Mr. Commissioner Seraneke to the Chief Commissioner.

Report of proceedings in connection with the purchase of the Upper Manawatu:—

"Manawatu,

Sept. 27, 1858.

"A numerous meeting of Natives from the Ngatiraukawa, page 14 Ngatiteihihi, Ngatiwhakatere, Te Upokoiri, Ngatiapa, Ngati-motuahi, and Rangitane, took place, when the whole of the upper part of the Manawatu was formally returned to Te Hirawanu by the three first-named tribes,^* they fully consenting to his selling the whole of it to the Government.

"(Signed)

William N. Serancke."

Mr. Commissioner Serancke to the Chief Commissioner, in a letter dated Manawatu, Nov. 12, 1855, speaking of Hirawanu and his people, says—" Who, through accidental circumstances, have been again put in full possession of the lands of their forefathers.

"(Signed)

W. N. Serancke."