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Maori Deeds of Old Private Land Purchases in New Zealand, From the Year 1815 to 1840, with Pre-Emptive and Other Claims

Deeds—No. 248

page 226

Deeds—No. 248.

1831.Hokianga District.Motu Karaka.Motu Karaka Block, Hokianga District
Report of Land Claims Commissioner.
Claim No. 449b.

Claimant's Name and Address. Thomas McDonnell, Horeke, Hokianga.

Commissioner's report.Report.—The Commissioner has the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that, from the accompanying evidence taken in Claim No. 449b, he is of opinion that Thomas McDonnell made a bonâ fide purchase from the Native chiefs in Boundaries. [50,000 acres.] the year 1831, Whatia, Taonui, and others, of a tract of land thus described: Called "Motu Karaka," situated on the Hokianga River. Boundaries, including land to the extent of eighty square miles, have been given in by the claimant, but they are strongly opposed by the resident Natives. And the following are stated to contain all that has been sold: Bounded in front by the Hokianga River; on one side by the Tokotoroa, on the other by the Toro Meira, extending inland to the rocks at the head of the creek.

The payment made to the Natives for this land appears to have been in the year 1831. Goods, £404 5s. at 9d. = 10,780 acres.

It is stated that a deed of sale was executed by the above-named chiefs and others, which is in the possession of the Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company. They have admitted the payment they received, and the alienation of the land described in this Report. The sale of the remainder claimed by Mr. McDonnell was strongly opposed by upwards of thirty Natives who, with their families, are residing on Motu Karaka.

The Commissioner, therefore, respectfully recommends that a grant of 2,560 acres of the above-described land should be issued to Thomas McDonnell, his heirs and assigns for ever, excepting 100 feet from high - water mark, provided there is that quantity included in the boundaries stated in this report.

M. Richmond.

Wellington,18th November, 1844.Endorsement. Grant prepared in favour of claimant for 2,560 acres by order of His Excellency. —16th January, 1845.

No. 449b.O.L.C. A True Copy of Original Report.

H. Hanson Turton.

Wellington, 10th January, 1880.