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The Southern Districts of New Zealand
VII.—Copy Of A Letter To Commodore Berard
VII.—Copy Of A Letter To Commodore Berard.
“Hakaroa, 16th February, 1844.
“Dear Sir,
“I send you, as well as I am able, the information you desired respecting the natives principally interested in this place (Hakaroa). But I am aware that my present knowledge on this subject is but imperfect, and I must therefore caution you not to rely on it otherwise than as a foundation for further inquiry.
“The principal persons residing at Hakaroa, who have a right in the land, I believe are—Te Ruaparae, Hakaroa, Tuauau, Mautai, Parure, and others, all of the family Katiruahikihiki.
Iwikau does not directly claim a right in Hakaroa, his country being Kaiapoi: but, from having resided at Port Levy and from being the chief person of the natives residing there, his consent would be necessary to any sale of land made by the other natives of this district.
- Tuhawaiki residents at Ruapuke
- Patuki residents at Ruapuke
- Kahupatiki residents at Ruapuke
- Taiaroa and Karetai residents at Otakou
- Te Morehu and others residents at Moeraki
- Te Rehe and family residents at Taumutupage 303
- Tiakikai and others residents at Wai-a-te-rua-ti
- Tikao and others residents at Hakaroa
- Iwikau residents at Port Levy
“It must be understood that, whereas a great number of persons have a joint claim to those parts which have never been resided on, individuals and families have a peculiar claim to those parts, which are in the occupation, or have at any time been in the possession of an ancestor.
“I mention this that you may perceive how complex a matter it is to traffic with natives for their land, so as to prevent future disputes; and how, consequently, former European purchasers, from having an imperfect knowledge of the language and customs of this people, have fallen into error.
“The form of any Deed of Sale appears to be of little importance provided it is written in the native language, and in simple terms, so as to be easily understood; but it is essential to embody in it the name of every native place, taking care to have the signature of its acknowledged claimants attached to the Deed.
page 304“Enclosed is a simple form of conveyance. Should I return to this place, I shall always be happy to give you any information in my power on the subject.
“Edward Shortland.”
To Commodore Berard, etc. etc. etc.