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

Descent of Property

Descent of Property.

The sons of a chief may during his lifetime select kaingas (farms) from their father's estate; but the larger portions are cultivated in common by the different members of the family. When a daughter marries a small farm is generally given to her, which however reverts to her brothers should she die without issue. On the death of the father, the eldest son chooses some part of the land for himself; the others do the same, the daughters obtaining only so much, as their father or brothers choose to leave them.

This order of things is sometimes changed in case the elder brother is of a quiet disposition, and his younger brother happens to be a toa (a. turbulent fellow). The latter will then grasp the bulk of the property to the exclusion of the rest, even during his father's lifetime; and he is, in the opinion of his tribe, entitled to respect for this show of spirit. The husband of a sister is at liberty to do the same if he can. The other members of the family then sink to the condition of "tutua," or insignificant persons, retaining only their right to their kaingas or cultivation-grounds.