NEW ZEALAND’S ONLY MEMORIAL TO THE WAKEFIELDS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 16 July 1938, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND’S ONLY MEMORIAL TO THE WAKEFIELDS

in view of further action stopped survey work and concentrated both parties in Riwaka. They were not permitted to be idle, but were engaged in road construction work in the Riwaka Valley. Mr Stephens took prompt action to notify Mr Duffey in the Takaka district by sending Mr Brunner around in a native canoe. Survey operations were resumed at the end of July. Apparently liquor was obtainable at a place called the new pah as it was mildly suggested that the delay of the party in getting to work was due to their being inebriated. On 30th August 1843 a little difficulty arose with the natives who stopped the survey and pulled up the survey pegs. This arose over a section set apart for the natives. On 28th August 1843, Mr Brunner with White and Flowers and two natives proceeded up the Motueka River to ascertain the existence of a large plain said to be about a day’s journey beyond the existing survey limits. They returned after a fortnight without having found the expected plain. Mr Stephens’ engagement with the Company terminated on 30th September 1843, and his party was disbaded from that date, but now Mr Brunner continued with survey operations in the Motueka District for some time after this date.