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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 63

Statement from Wi Parata, a Maori member of the House of Representatives, and member of the Executive Council

Statement from Wi Parata, a Maori member of the House of Representatives, and member of the Executive Council.

Waikanae, 17th May, 1873.

"I, Wi Parata, was born at Kapiti in the year 1835. As I grew up, I always heard that Ngatiraukawa were the people occupying all that country, Otaki, Waikawa, Ohau, Horowhenua, Manawatu, on to Rangitikei.

That Ngatiapa, Rangitane, and Muaupoko, were dwelling formerly under the mana of Ngatiraukawa.

I know that when Rangitikei was sold, the other side of Rangitikei on towards Turakina, was after due consideration divided off (ata wehea) to Ngatiapa by Ngatiraukawa. The same with Ahuoturanga, that was handed over by Ngatiraukawa to Rangitane. That is all the land that Ngatiraukawa agreed to let them have.

The desire of Ngatitoa, that is, of Te Rauparaha, was to have destroyed all these people, but Whatanui and all Ngatiraukawa were kind to them, and protected them against Te Rauparaha.

To my knowledge that block of country, lying between Rangitikei and Manawatu, belonged to Ngatiraukawa alone.

Mr. Buller came to my place of residence at Waikanae, at the time when Dr. Featherston and Mr. Buller purchased that block of land, Rangitikei; he said to Ngatiawa, 'friends, you must sign your names to the deed of purchase of Rangitikei.' I replied to Mr. Buller, 'we have no land at Rangitikei.'

"Wi Parata."