The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 63
The Resident Magistrate, Manawatu, to the Native Minister
The Resident Magistrate, Manawatu, to the Native Minister.
"Sir—
"I have the honor to report that a Ngatiapa Chief, Hunia Te Hakeke, came to me, asking me to prevent the settlers, having runs on the disputed land, from paying rents. He informed me that if they persisted in doing so, war would be the result, and that immediately.
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I am informed that the Ngatiapa have got the Wanganui Natives to join them in the event of hostilities.
As I understand it, the question stands thus :—
The Ngatiraukawa, the Rangitane, and the Ngatiapa tribes claim the land.
Europeans rent runs on it.
The rents were formerly paid to Napu (Nepia) the Ngatiraukawa Chief who used to give some of the money to the Ngatiapas. Upon the death of Napu (Nepia) the Ngatiapas claimed a share of the rents, on the ground that Napu page lxxiv gave them, a portion. The Ngatirauka was not agreeing to do so, the Ngatiapas offered the block to Dr. Featherston for sale, who authorized the settlers to pay no more rents until the land was purchased, or some other arrangement was agreed upon.
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"I have, &c.,
"(Signed)M. Noake,
"Resident Magistrate. "The Hon. the Native Minister, "Wellington".