IV. Archdeacon Maunsell.—1840.

The land does not, generally speaking, belong to one individual, but chiefly to the tribe. Often there will be only one main proprietor or take (root) as they denominate him; but if he be not a chief of rank the head man will take upon him to dispose of the spot. Often, and more frequently, there will be many take, and one of them will sell without consulting the others. There are other difficult points connected with this question—e.g., a tribe will give a spot of land to another, either as a marriage portion or to induce them to reside, &c. The former are still take, but the latter may, if they like, sell; only they generally hand over the payment to the former, reserving to themselves the honour attendant on the transfer. The latter again, if they be powerful, will sell without consulting the former; all being regulated by the relative power of the two parties. At the same time, I consider that to a valid document both parties names should be attached. Neither is it a difficult matter to satisfy the others when the main take (if he be a man of rank) has given his consent.—[Letter from Rev. R. Maunsell, quoted in Evidence before the House of Commons, 1840: Parl. Papers, 3rd August, 1840.]