The Moerangi Block.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 300, 8 March 1907, Page 2

The Moerangi Block.

Mr Tai Tukare, the well ■ known chief of Waitetana, inform* ns that he called a meeting, for which ho provided the food, at Whatawhata, on the 21st alt The meeting was for the purpose of seeing if the two tribes who own the block—the Ngatimahangt and the Ngatitewehi could arrive at an Ainictble agreement as to their respective shares, without fighting the matter out in the Lind Court. Mr J. Browne attended the meeting on behalf oi the Native Department, and there were also present— Tai Tukare, Poke Pukarn, Moanaroa, (representing the Ngatimahinga) and T. T. Rawhiti (Mabnta’s secretary), Hamahamu, Hone Waitere, Taiwiri, and’ TejMahara, of Waikato (representing the Ngatitewehi ) JA boundary was agreed upon, giving each tribe a'share of the block. Each tribe was to reserve 2000 acres for a papakainga; 5000 acres was to be cut off for Mahata and the late King Tawhio’s family and tbe balance (36,000 acres) would be thrown open for lease. Tai Tukare and Te Rawbiti agreed on a ptovisional dividing boundary, starting at Vanhontte’s and going some distance south along the main ridge, and thence towards Piriongia. These two are also to prepare lists of the names of those natives who have a bona fide claim in the block, and to define in a general way the extant of each ownar’s share. It is intended that occupation will bo an important factor in deciding these matters. Mr A. Quick will carry ont the survey on behalf of the Ngatimahanga*. A meeting will be held at Aotea in March to confirm the proceedings of thia meeting and to scrutinise, and if correct sanction the list of owners that will then be submitted. The Native Minister is also expected to be present at tbe Aotea meeting. He wrote, some time ago, stating that if tho Natives came to an amicable agreemenf as to the disposal of tbe block he would come up from Wellington to give them bis assistance and advice,so that tbe long delayed settlement of the ownership of this block could be prooieded with as speedily as possible.— Raglan Chronicle.