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Port Molyneux : the story of Maori and pakeha in South Otago : a centennial history : commemorating the landing of George Willsher and his companions at Willsher Bay, June 28, 1840 : with a programme for the unveiling of the centennial cairn, erected by the Clutha County Council, June 28, 1940

The Pioneer Land Salesman

The Pioneer Land Salesman.

Whaka Tau Puka was the first land salesman in the south. One sale recorded by McNab was of land “from the northward of Dusky to the south head of Preservation Inlet for 60 muskets.”

Peter Williams said that he bought the land in 1829, but the deed was signed and dated the “ninth day of November in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty–two.”

In the great uncertainty of specific dates, it is in one place stated that “Taboca, Rangetera,” died of measles in 1833.

McNab gave some consideration to the date, and writes:—

“It will be remembered that Te Whaka Tau Puka sold a portion of his land to Peter Williams in 1832 and that Taylor gave 1833 as the date of the old chief's death from measles. There is reason to believe that Taylor is wrong in the date given, because as late as page 37 September, 1834, Te Whaka Tau Puka took part in the raid on the Otago Station, and left to raid the gangs on Port Bunn, when he was carried off by measles which raged among the southern Maoris during 1835. As a result Tuhawaiki became the foremost Maori in the southern portion of the island.” (Port Bunn was the Preservation Whaling Station.)

After the old chief's death, Williams applied to Tuhawaiki for confirmation of the 1832 sale, and Tuhawaiki, under date 31st day of December, 1835, testifies that “I, Toawick, are now become Rangetera or Chief of these Southern territories,” and he affixed his moko (the tattoo marks on his face) to the deed.

McNab notes that this sale at Preservation Inlet was “probably the first conveyance of land in the South Island.”

Te Rauparaha was at this time waging war on the Kai Tahu tribe. The fights at Kaiapoi and other places are well known. Muskets, whaleboats, rum, and money became indispensable to the southern chiefs. So Tuhawaiki sold more and more land. He even went to Sydney on more than one occasion, and got right in amongst the land speculators. Always he wanted money with which to buy muskets and ammunition.