PAPERS RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OF THE SEVENTY-MILE BUSH BLOCK.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1871 Session I, D-07

D.—No. 7.

PAPERS RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OF THE SEVENTY-MILE BUSH BLOCK.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OP THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON.

1871.

D.—No. 7.

SCHEDULE OF CORRESPONDENCE.

No. Date. From. To. Subject. 1870. Sept. 23 His Honor J. D. Ormoiid Hon. Col. Secretary... Forwards report of Mr. Locke, showing that a large portion of the Seventy-Mile Bush lias passed through Native Lands Court. Negotiations are in progress for the purchase of tho several blocks. Forwards map of block. Application has been made by Native owners to have the Wairarapa end passed through the Native Land Court. Will bo glad to hear of negotiations being made for its purchase. Will give Dr. Featherston, when he returns, all assistance in his power. General reply to the above. Sept, 30 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Col. Secretary... 3 Nov. 7 1871. April 20 Hon.Col. Secretary... His Honor J. I). Ormond Hon. Col. Secretary... 4 His Honor J. D. Ormond At a meeting lately held with Native owners, the price asked was so large that no conclusion was come to. They have agreed to repay £1,300 advanced from time to time. Agreement to do so enclosed. Encloses agreement, signed by principal owners, to sell about 250,000 acres for £1(5,000. Inspector of Surveys apprehends no difficulty in passing it through Native Lands Court. Endeavouring to arrange for a meeting of Natives to conclude purchase. Every effort will be made to acquire the remainder of the. block (Wairarapa end). In terms of the Act, requests that thc Governor will be pleased to purchase Seventy-Mile Bush Block. Government are of opinion that Superintendent of Wellington and His Honor Mr. Ormond should co-operate in negotiation for purchase. June 17 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. D. McLean ... July 13 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Col. Secretary... 7 s May 15 May 31 Superintendent of Wellington Hon. Col. Secretary... Hon. Col. Secretary... Superintendent of Wellington and His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Col. Secretary... 0 j June 2 Superintendent of Wellington Hon. Col. Secretary... Will be glad to co-operate with Mr. Ormond. 10 ! July 21 Superintendent of Wellington Forwarding No. 6, and requests His Honor's viewsas to price to be given for the portion to be purchased in the Wellington Province. Concurs in Mr. Ormond's views as expressed in his letter above forwarded. 11 : July 22 Superintendent of Wellington Hon. Col. Secretary... PLAN. Plan of Seventy-Mile Bush No. 2

D.—No. 7.

PAPERS RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OF THE SEVENTYMILE BUSH BLOCK.

No. 1. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. W. Gisborne. Sir,— Napier, September 23rd, 1870. I have the honor to transmit the enclosed report by Mr. Locke, accompanied by a tracing shewing that a large portion of the Seventy-Mile Bush has been passed through the Native Lands Court, and certificates of title ordered by the Court. The part of the Seventy-Mile Bush adjoining the Wairarapa District the Natives refused to submit to the Court at Waipawa, owing to the absence of some principal claimants who reside near Wairarapa. Application has, however, been made for an early sitting of the Court'at Wairarapa, when the Native ownership of that portion will no doubt be determined. The land passed through the Court at Waipawa was sub-divided into fifteen blocks, of different sizes, containing 306,000 acres ; and three blocks, containing 42,900 acres, have been reserved. Mr. Locke has had an arduous task in reconciling the conflicting interests to the land, and in getting the Natives to define their several interests. Negotiations are now in progress for the purchase of the several blocks, on which I will report separately. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure in No. 1. Mr. Locke to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sib,— Napier, lGth September, 1870. I have the honor to inform you that the block of land known under the general name of Tamaki, or Forty-Mile Bush Block, for the purchase of which I was desired by the Government to negotiate, has just passed the Native Lands Court, at Waipawa, and certificates of title have been ordered by the Court. The boundaries of the block of land in question (as shewn by the enclosed traciDg) commence at the source of the Manawatu River, at the upper part of the Ruataniwha Plains, above Takapau, thence following the river down to the opening at Puehutai, thence follows the boundaries of lands already through the Court, to Oporae, at back of Tautane Block, on the Puketoi Range, thence follows that range to the Tiraumea stream, thence down that stream to Manawatu, thence down that river to the Ahuaturanga Gorge, and the boundary of the Manawatu-Rangitikei purchase, thence follows the boundary of that purchase to its upper end, at source of Oroua, thence to the summit of Ruahine Mountains, and on to starting point at source of Manawatu. The extent of land estimated to be contained within the above boundaries is 30G,000 acres, of which 130,000 acres are in the Province of Wellington and 176,000 acres in Hawke's Bay—the block containing a large acreage of land of excellent quality, and fit for settlement, lying on both sides of the road leading from Napier to Wairarapa and West Coast. With trifling exceptions, the whole of the land is covered with forest, part of whicli is totara, matai, and other timber of the best quality. Thereis still left a block of about 150,000 acres, much of which, I am informed, is very good land,in the Province of Wellington (between Wairarapa and the boundary of Hawke's Bay), which will have to be taken through the Lands Court at Wairarapa. Some time previous to the sitting of the Lands Court at Waipawa, negotiations for the purchase of the land just passed the Court, had been going on, and communications had been opened with all parts of the country in which claimants were likely to be living ; and the number of Natives present at the Court, from, the West Coast, Wairarapa and other places, clearly showed that the subject had been well ventilated. For some days previous to taking the claims into Court the questions of ownership, sale, &C, were discussed at a meeting of some three hundred claimants. In taking this land through the Court, I was unable, from the extent of country, the conflicting nature of Native tenure, and the jealousies existing between the several families and hapus, to carry it through without sub-dividing it into several blocks, although the claimants in a great measure belong to the same tribe. Two blocks, containing altogether about 40,000 acres, one at Piripiri, the other at upper part of Tamaki river, are made unalienable ; the remainder is without restriction. After the land had passed the Court, I held a meeting of the Natives, for the purpose of arranging the best time and manner of concluding the sale. These preliminary arrangements having been completed in a quiet and satisfactory manner, the meeting broke up. The principal owners, and those authorised to act by tiie grantees, who have returned home, are now waiting at Pakowhai to complete the negotiations of sale to the Government. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond. S. Locke.

D._No. 7

6

PAPERS RELATING TO THE

No. 2. Hon. J. D. Ormond to Hon. W. Gisborne. Sir,— Napier, 30th September, 1870. In my letter of the 23rd September, instant, transmitting Mr. Locke's report on the passing of the Seventy Mile Bush through the Native Lands Court, I referred to a plan of the district, which I now find was omitted to be sent by that opportunity, and is now forwarded. This map has been prepared with the assistance of Mr. Heale, and is, I believe, the only general plan of that district that has been made—there was a tracing of the Seventy Mile Bush made n long time ago by Mr. Park, but it was a very meagre sketch. The plan now sent is not, of course, an accurate survey, and many of the different purchases and blocks shown on it are only approximately fixed. An actual survey has, however, been made of certain portions of the block, including nearly all within the boundaries of the Province of Hawke's Bay. It will be advisable that a careful examination should be made of the deeds of former purchases, with a view to ascertaining whether or not any portion of the large block situate at the Wairai-apa end of the Bush, has been dealt for. In one block called the Mangahao, shewn on the plan, an advance of fifty pounds was made by His Honor Dr. Featherston, but, as the purchase was not completed, I conclude that agreement is void. You are aware that application has been made by the Native owners to have their title to the large block at the Wairarapa end of the Bush, including Mangaohao, enquired into by the Native Lands Court, and I believe a sitting of the Court at Masterton has been arranged for an early day. It is extremely desirable that an efficient officer of the Government should attend the sitting of the Court, both to watch the interests of the Government in blocks already dealt for, and also to assist the Natives in getting their own differences aiTanged. Had not the Government done this at the late Court at Waipawa, the Natives would not have passed their lands through. It would be desirable that the same officer who attends the sitting of the Court should also negociate with the Natives for the purchase of that end of the Bush ; and as the negotiations will be both difficult and important, care should be xaken to select an efficient officer. With regard to the purchase of the part of the Bush which is through the Native Lands Court, and in which Mr. Locke is now engaged under my direction, I regret I am unable to report as yet any definite conclusion. The demands made at first by the Natives were extreme, and, although somewhat modified, are not yet reduced to what I consider reasonable limits. The question at issue is, however, only a question of price, and I trust to complete the purchase at no distant date. I shall be glad to hear from you when arrangements are made for the conduct of the negociations for the Wairarapa end of the Bush. I would willingly have directed myself what has to be done, but the difficulties of communication are too great to enable me to do so properly ; also, Mr. Locke's services are required in Taupo and other places, and cannot be devoted to this work, and I have no one eke qualified to act. I shall be happy to give every assistance and information in my power, and should be glad to hear of the return of Dr. Featherston to Wellington, when he would, I am sure, take charge of the direction of a work so important to the interests of his Province as the acquirement of the Seventy Mile Bush. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. J. D. Ormond.

No. 3. JHon. W. Gisborne to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir, — Colonial Seeretaiy's Office, Wellington, 7th November, 1870. 1 have the honor to acknwledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th September last, in which you forward a plan of the Seventy Mile Bush, prepared with the assistance of Mr. Heale. As Mr. Parks' tracing was only intended to indicate the old track through the bush, the map you enclose will be valuable for reference. It is satisfactoiy to find that so much of this bush lying within the boundaries of your Province has been actually surveyed, and that arrangements are in progress for its purchase from the Natives. A careful examination will be made of the deeds of former purchases, with a view of ascertaining what negotiations have been entered into with the Natives in reference to lands in the Southern portion of the forest. In the case of the Mangaohoa Block on which an advance of fifty pounds was made by Dr. Featherston, and in any similar ones which may be found to exist, it will be advisable to adhere to the principle of acquiring those lands on which deposits have been paid, or at least an equivalent for the money in some other purchase. I entirely concur with your Honor in the importance of the selection of a thoroughly efficient officer to attend to watch the proceedings in the interest of the Government at the sittings of the Native Lands Court to be held at Masterton, and it has been arranged that Mr. Cooper shall be in attendance for that purpose. There is no doubt that the purchase of that part of the bush which has passed through the Court will be attended with very great trouble, and will require much time and patience to overcome the various obstacles that have to be encountered. Care will be taken to inform your Honor of such arrangements as may be made for the purchase of the Wairarapa end of the block. The Government fully recognise that the multifarious duties imposed upon your Honor render it extremely difficult for you to devote much attention to this subject, and they feel therefore the more

PURCHASE OF THE SEVENTY-MILE BUSH.

D.-No. 7,

9

indebted to your Honor for the services you have already rendered to the Colony in the matter. I feel certain that Dr. Featherston will fully appreciate the cordial co-operation you have shewn in aiding the Government to acquire for settlement the lands situated on the Wellington side of the border of your Province. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Napier. W. Gisborne.

No. 4. His Honor J. D. Orjiond to Hon. W. Gisborne. Sir,— Napier, 20th April, 1871. I regret to have to report to you, that at a meeting lately held with the Native owners of the Seventy-Mile Bush, for the purpose of settling the purchase of that block, the price they demanded was so much in excess of what I considered reasonable that no conclusion was come to ; Mr. Locke attended on the part of the Government, and used every exertion to close the transaction, but the Natives were firm in demanding £30,000, whilst the extreme offer I had authorised Mr. Locke to make was £15,000. The Natives, notwithstanding, insist that the land is sold to the Government, and that the conclusion of the purchase must remain open until the price can be agreed upon. As it is of great importance to complete this piu-chase before the meeting of the General Assembly, I propose to take advantage of the expected visit of the Hon. the Native Minister to this Province, and arrange a meeting of the Natives to see if some conclusion cannot be come to by his assistance. I enclose herewith the copy of an agreement with the Native owners of the blocks under negotiation, in which they acknowledge that £1,300 has been advanced by the Government, in part payment for the blocks in question—this sum includes cost of survey, cash advances, and all expenses the Government have been put to in connection with the negotiation. Some vouchers included in the above amount have yet to be sent in. • • • • I have, <fec, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. j. D. Ormond.

Enclosure in No. 4. (Memorandum by Natives) We the undersigned aboriginal Natives of New Zealand do hereby acknowledge that we are indebted to the General Government of New Zealand in the sum of X1,300 sterling, being for moneys advanced to us by Jno. Davies Ormond, Esq., General Government Agent at Napier, in the Province of Hawke's Bay, as part payment for that portion of land situate in the Provinces of Hawke's Bay and Wellington, and known as Tamaki, or the Seventy Mile Bush ; and for moneys paid by him, the said J. D. Ormond, for surveys, charges of Native Lands Court, and other expenses connected with the negotiation for the sale of the said land to the said Government of New Zealand ; the said portion of land above mentioned, and known as Tamaki, being subdivided into blocks, as follows, namely :—Puketoi No. 1, Puketoi No. 2, Puketoi No. 3, Te Ahuaturauga, Maharahara, Manawatu No. 1, (Umutaorao) ManawatuNo. 3, (TeOhu) Manawatu No. 4, (Teratu) Manawatu No. 4a, (Tepapakuku) Manawatu No. 4b, (Otanga) Manawatu No. 5, (Ngamoko) Manawatu No. G, (Tuatua) and Manawatu No. 7 (Rakaiatai). And we hereby acknowledge that we hold ourselves responsible for the repayment of the said above mentioned sum to the said General Government of New Zealand, and we do hereby agree to repay the same with interest up to the date of such repayment on the demand of him, the said John Davies Ormond, or of any duly authorized agent of the said Government. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names this eighth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one. Signed by Karaitiana Takamoana and 23 others. Signed by the said aboriginal Natives, the above agreement having first been read over, translated, and explained to them in the presence of James Grindell, of Napier, Licensed Interpreter; and Alexander Mackay, of Tamumu, settler.

No. 5. His Honor J. D. Ormonb to the Hon. Mr. M'Lean. Sib,— Napier, 17th June, 1871. I have the honor to enclose for your information a copy of an agreement to sell certain lands in the Seventy-Mile Bush, comprising in all about 250,000 acres, and in respect of which negotiations have been long pending; this agreement is signed by the principal claimants or owners, who were deputed by the others to arrange the terms of sale. A meeting of all the Natives interested is being arranged, and will probably take place within the present month, when T expect to close the whole transaction. Although the sum of .£16,000 is stated in the agreement to sell, to be the purchase money, it is not actually so ; there are other liabilities connected with the purchase, such as survey, advances formerly and lately made to Natives, bonuses to chiefs. <fec, which will bring the actual price to nearly £18,000. I am quite aware that this sum is larger than was expected, and is certainly more than under ordinary circumstances would have been given ; the purchase, however, has been one of great difficulty. The Natives have been led by some interested Europeans to put an undue value on the land, and have taken full advantage of the information given by these parties that it was important to us to have these lands for purposes connected with the colonizing scheme of the Government. So much is this the case 2

PAPERS RELATING TO THE

10

that the Natives are by no means satisfied they might not have pressed for and obtained a higher pi-ice, and I shall be extremely glad when the final deed is signed. I have endeavored to obtain the assent of the Natives to receiving the purchase money by instalments, but they are not willing to do so, and it will therefore be ncessary to have the requisite funds to complete the purchase when the time for doing so is arranged, and of this I can advise you by telegraph. In connection with this subject, I may here acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd inst, covering a copy of letter from the Inspector of Surveys, relative to the lands situate between the blocks now under negotiation and the Wairarapa. lam glad to see he apprehends no difficulty in the Native Lands Court hearing claims to these lands, and making an interlocutory order. As you are aware, I was always of opinion no such difficulty should exist. I have also received draft deed of cession for that part of the Seventy-Mile Bush, together with plan, &c., and as I have informed you by telegraph, I will, when the Natives meet to conclude the sale of this end, use eveiy exertion to arrange for the purchase of the other. I have received several letters from principal owners offering to sell, and hope there will be less trouble in dealing with them than there has been with the people at this end. I feel satisfied that dealing with them in the way proposed will avoid many of the difficulties that have arisen in the purchase of this end, and I believe will be more satisfactory to the Natives themselves. The Hon. the Native Minister, I have, &c, Wellington. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 5. (Copy of Agreement.) Napier, Ist June, 1871. An agreement made between the undersigned aboriginal Natives of New Zealand, hereinafter called the vendors, of the one part, and Her Majesty Queen Victoria of the other part. Whereas the said vendors are absolutely seized of or well entitled to the blocks of land hereinafter described, and colored red on the tracing hereunto attached, namely: Puketoi No. 1, 37,000 acres ; Puketoi No. 2, 28,500 acres; Puketoi No. 3, 33,400 acres ; Puketoi No. 4, 31,000 acres ; Puketoi, No. 5,15,500 acres ; Te Ahuaturanga, 21,000 acres ; Maharahara. 13,000 acres ; Manawatu No. 1 (Umutaoroa), 17,000 acres; Manawatu No. 3 (Te Ohu), 20,600 acres; Manawatu No. 5 (Ngamoko), 15,000 acres; Manawatu No. 6 (Tuatua), 9,600 acres; and Manawatu No. 7 (Rakaiatai), 8,200 acres. And have agreed to sell the same to Her said Majesty foi the sum of £16,000 sterling, as the purchase money, upon such terms as are hereinafter explained. Provided always that the portions of land hereinafter described and shewn, on the tracing hereto annexed be excluded from this sale, namely : the portion of Manawatu No. 1 (Umutaoroa), situated between Tapuata Stream and the Northern boundary of Tahoraiti Block No. 1 and the Tamaki Stream, estimated to contain 4,000 acres, more or less ; also, that portion of Manawatu Block No. 3 (Te Ohu), situate between tho Mangatamainui and Matamau Streams, estimated to contain 13,000 acres, more or less; also, that portion of Manawatu Block No. 6 (Tuatua), containing 1,370 acres, more or less, known as Te Whiti. It is hereby agreed as follows :— 1. The said vendors agree to sell and Her Majesty agrees to buy all the said blocks of land above mentioned, containing in the aggregate 231,430 acres, more or less, generally known as Tamaki, or the Seventy-Mile Bush, and situate in the Provinces of Hawke's Bay and Wellington, for the sum of £16,000 sterling. 2. Of the said purchase-money £600 sterling has already been paid, and the receipt is hereby acknowledged, and the balance shall be paid on the execution of the final deed of conveyance. 3. The said vendors agree to execute, and cause to be executed by all necessary parties, a good and sufficient deed of conveyance aod surrender to her said Majesty, of the said blocks of land, free from all incumbrances. The said deed to be prepared at the expense of the purchaser. 4. Her said Majesty shall be at liberty to take immediate possession of the said lands hereby contracted for. HOHEPA PaEWAI AND 11 OTHERS. Signed by the said Hohepa Paewai, and 10 others, on the first day of June, 1871, and by the said Kopata te Hoa Kakari, on the 12th day of the same month and year; the above agreement having first been read over, translated, and explained to them, in the presence of James Grindill, of Napier, Licensed Interpreter. S. Locke, J.P.

No. 6. Hon. J. D. Ormond to Hon. W. Gisbohne. Sik,— Napier, 13th July, 1871. I have the honor to advise you that I am endeavoring to arrange with the Natives to meet on or about the 26th July to conclude the sale of this end of the Seventy Mile-Bush, and as the purchase money has then to ba paid, I shall be obliged by your arranging for the money being available. " * • When the Natives meet every effort will be used to acquire the remainder of the Bush (i.e., the Wairarapa end) ; and, as the principal owners have already sent oilers to sell, I hope satisfactory arrangements will be concluded. I propose to negotiate for a cession of those lands to Her Majesty,

PURCHASE OF THE SEVENTY-MILE BUSH.

11

D.—No. 7.

13th July (see No. 6).

together with an undertaking to pass the lands through the Native Lands Court at the sitting to be held at Master-ton in August. As this block is entirely in the Province of Wellington, I shall be obliged by your communicating with the Superintendent of that Province as to the price to be given. This appears to be necessary under the 34th clause of the "Public Works and Immigration Act, 1870." * * * I am, &c., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. J. D. Ormond,

No. 7. His Honor W. Fitzherbert to Hon. W. Gisborne. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 15th May, 1871. Referring to the 34th Section of the " Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," I have the honor to request that the Governor may bo pleased to purchase the block of land belonging to the Natives situated in the Seventy-Mile Bush, and within the boundaries of the Province of Wellington. I have, &c, Wjc, Fitzherbert, Superintendent. The Hon. Wm. Gisborne, Colonial Secretary.

No. 8. Hon. W. Gisborne to His Honor W. Fitzherbert. Sir,— Colonial Secretary's Office, 31st May, 1871. I have to acknowledge receipt of your Honor's letter dated 15th inst., requesting that His Excellency the Governor may be pleased to purchase the block of land belonging to the Natives, situated in the Seventy-Mile Bush, and within the boundaries of the Province of Wellington. In reply, I have the honor to inform you that the Government are of opinion that your Honor and Air. Ormond should, under direction of the General Government, co-operate together in the negotiation of the purchase of the block, which comprises part of both Provinces of Wellington and Hawke's Bay. Mr. Ormond has been communicated with on this subject. I regret that through inadvertence your letter has been left sevei-al days unanswered. I have, ice., His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. W. Gisborne. [Note : A letter of similar purport to the above was forwarded to the Hon. J. D. Ormond,]

No. 9. His Honor W. Fitzherbert to Hon. W. Gisborne. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 2nd Juno, 1871. In reply to your letter of the 31st alt, I have the honor to state that I shall be glad to co-operate with Mr. Ormond in the negotiation for the purchase of the portion of Native territory referred to. 1 have&c, W.m. Fitzherbert, Superintendent. The Hon. Win. Gisborne, Colonial Secretary.

No. 10. Hon. W. Gisborne to His Honor W. Fitzherbert. Sir,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 21st July, 1871. With reference to your Honor's letter of the 2nd June, in which you express your desire to cooperate with his Honor the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay in the negotiation for the purchase of such portion of the Seventy-Mile Bush as is within the Province of Wellington, I do myself the honor to forward to you a copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Ormond, and request you will favor the Government with your views as to the price to he given. As time presses I shall feel obliged by your Honor's early attention. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. W. Gisborne.

No. 11. His Honor W. Fitzhekbert to Hon. W. Gisborne. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 22nd Jtily, 1871. I am much obliged for your letter of the 21st inst., with enclosure, relative to the negotiation for the purchase of such portion of the Seventy-Mile Bush as is within the Province of Wellington. I concur in the view expressed by Mr. Ormond, * • and I desire to state that if .an arrangement as to price on such a basis can be effected, it has my approval. I have, &c, The Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington. Wm. Fttzherbert, Superintendent.