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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 63

Mr. Commissioner Searancke to the Chief Commissioner

Mr. Commissioner Searancke to the Chief Commissioner.

"Manawatu River, "27th September, 1858.

"Sir,—

"I have the honor to submit to you for the information of His Excellency the Governor, a report of my proceedings, together with the present state of the negotiation for the purchase of the upper portion of the Manawatu District. * * *

On the 19th ultimo, I arrived here, and after a few days' delay proceeded, in company with Nepia Taratoa, Ihakara, and about forty others of the chiefs and principal men of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, up the Manawatu River to Raurawa, the settlement of Te Hirawanu, the chief of the Rangitane and and Ngatimotuahi tribes. A numerous meeting of Natives from the Ngatiraukawa, Ngatitehihi, Ngatiwaratere, Te Upokoiri, Ngatiapa, Ngatimotuahi, and Rangitane took place, when the whole of the upper part of the Manawatu was formally returned to Te Hirawanu by the first three named tribes.* They fully consenting to his selling the whole of it to the Government, Nepia Taratoa, the chief of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, more particularly wishing him to complete the sale of this land at once. * * *

On returning to Raurawa, I found letters from Ngatirarohata, a tribe living at Te Oroua on the east boundary, also from the Ngatitohiti Natives living at Patea, disputing the boundary on the north and west, and also a letter from Nepia, requesting that I would meet him at the Awaturi, Te Ngatikauhata settlement, that the disputed boundaries might be settled without delay. I therefore at once accompanied by Te Hirawanu, and all his tribe, proceeded to meet him, and after several days' dispute succeeded in getting the boundary page lxi [unclear: cably] settled. The Ngatikawhata and Ngatiwhiti giving way to Te Hirawanu. * * *

I have also had several conversations with Nepia Taratoa respecting the [unclear: sale] by Ihakara of the Manawatu, and he informed me in Ihakara's presence, that as soon as Te Hirawanu's land was sold, he would be quite prepared to commence the negotiation for the sale of the whole of the outer part; that he was anxious to see the land question in this district settled, and that no opposition would be made by him.

I have found Nepia since my arrival here, of very great assistance in [unclear: settling] disputed boundaries, and in many ways by his influence used in my favour; I therefore feel that I cannot do less than recommend him to your favourable notice." * * *

"I have, &c.,

"William N. Searancke.

"Donald M'Lean

, Esq., "Chief Land Purchase Commissioner, "Auckland".

* All of the Ngatiraukawa. T. C. W.