MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 May 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

TIKA TEKA (False Rights). (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North for The “Times-Age.”) Claiming 19,000 acres in Manukau harbour 27 canny Scots took possession in 1841. The site was said to have been purchased in 1835 for the usual Maori destructors —rum and guns. The joint stock company could not prove their title, and at the end of 12 years litigation, were given a tenth of their claim some six miles distant. The Maori name Manukau (no birds) indicated the infertile nature of the soil.

In the same year the Nelson settlers left England, 315 of them, each having paid £1 10s per acre for 201 acres of country lands, mostly hills, with a free town acre. In April, 1941, the “Whitby” and “Wild ■ Watch” arrived at Wellington after an anxious voyage of 180 days. After much discussion they were finally permitted to go to Blind Bay. Calling at Kapiti Island they talked with the notorious Rauparaha through a so-called interpreter and were alarmed at the prospects of war,.

In an interview with the Native Chiefs who still occupied the land, the director of the New Zealand Company promised many presents when occupation was given. After twenty minutes ominous silence a Chief replied: “We welcome you. Pakeha (white- fairies) but decline your bribes as an attempt to justify this absurd transaction.”

Despite our unfair dealings with these simple folk they were helpful in many ways until the first shot killed Rauparaha’s girl friend at Wairau.