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

Memorandum

Memorandum.

Purchased from Ngatiteata in 1842.

Pukekohe was offered for sale by Waaka Kaihau and the Ngatiteata, in August, 1842, and payments in cash and goods were made to that tribe to the amount of £320.

This purchase was immediately opposed by the Ngatitamaoho, the Ngatimahanga and the Ngatihaua, who espoused the cause of their relations Mohi and tribe, (the present claimants) whose ancestor Te Whare Aitu was the most recent owner of Pukekohe, for although the block could not have been acquired without extinguishing the claims of the Ngatiteata, the testimony of all the principal natives in the country goes to support Mohi as the party having the strongest claim. A continued opposition was maintained by Mohi's party until the close of the year, 1852, when Mohi's supporters, the Ngatitamaoho, proposed to give a great feast to the chiefs of Waikato, and to make large presents to them, which presents were to be procured by the sale to Government of two tracts of land, viz., Ramarama and Waiau. The sale of these lands was, however, opposed by the Ngatiteata, and mutual concessions were made between the two parties, the Ngatiteata withdrawing their opposition from Ramarama and Waiau, on the understanding that the other party were to withdraw their claims from Pukekohe: with a proviso that a share of the remaining payment should be made to satisfy Mohi's claim.

These engagements were entered into in writing, by both parties by the document, a translated copy of which is annexed.

The Ngatiteata then received a further payment of £100: and at the Remuera feast the above arrangements were finally completed by a payment of six casks of tobacco to Mohi, which was distributed amongst his supporters.

These facts are all admitted by the natives.

From the perusal of the foregoing it will be seen that Mohi, though the principal owner, has actually received a very small payment for this land: and in consideration of these circumstances the Government have offered him and his adherents £200 in satisfaction of all their claims: but as they have been sellers of small pieces of land under the pre-emption proclamation for considerable prices, which they seem to regard as the standard value of land, they will not consent to the terms offered them.

John Grant Johnson,
Interpreter.