Post by Kiwi Frontline on May 27, 2016 5:56:26 GMT 12
Waikato Times 27/5/16
GAPS IN YOUR HISTORY
I noticed gaps in O’Connor’s account of Wiremu Kingi and the start of armed conflict in Taranaki because I researched the topic for Twisting the Treaty, published three years ago.
It is true that Kingi heavily opposed land sales and his intransigence over Waitara sparked armed conflict in 1860. But in 1839, Kingi sold much of the deserted Taranaki, land area 725,800ha, to the New Zealand Company.
By 1843, there were over 1000 settlers in Taranaki. Non-Maori settlers made the area safe for Maori exiles to return, which they did. However, conflict arose when returning Maori exiles began to threaten and claim the ownership of the land they left 20 years before and sold in 1839.
A lawyer named William Spain investigated the pre-1840 NZ Company Taranaki purchase in 1844 and awarded 24,281ha (60,000 acres) to the company. New Governor Robert FitzRoy rejected Spain's recommendation and allotted to settlers a small block of 1416ha (3500 acres) around New Plymouth and told them to leave their farms.
This unwise decision by the governor caused lasting damage. Missionary Samuel Ironside observed that "natives had found out that by assuming a threatening attitude they could obtain any exorbitant demands". Notice anything familiar?
MIKE BUTLER
Hastings
Bay of Plenty Times 27/5/16
SUPPORTING JUDD
Your columnist Rosemary Mcleod seems to be something of a fan of New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd (Opinion, May 19).
Mr Judd tried to change the electoral system of New Plymouth without any reference to the ratepayers, which forced the ratepayers to initiate a binding referendum in which he was defeated by a vote of 83 per cent.
He then lobbied the Government to try and overturn their wishes and launched a petition to the United Nations.
He now declares he will not be restanding for election .
For the record, there have been Maori councillors in New Plymouth both past and present so where is his argument?
Maori seats on councils have been rejected by referendum even in high Maori population areas like Northland and Wairoa.
Where they have been installed it has been done without taking the ratepayers along.
Methinks the lady protesteth too much. (Abridged)
G F
Tauranga
GAPS IN YOUR HISTORY
I noticed gaps in O’Connor’s account of Wiremu Kingi and the start of armed conflict in Taranaki because I researched the topic for Twisting the Treaty, published three years ago.
It is true that Kingi heavily opposed land sales and his intransigence over Waitara sparked armed conflict in 1860. But in 1839, Kingi sold much of the deserted Taranaki, land area 725,800ha, to the New Zealand Company.
By 1843, there were over 1000 settlers in Taranaki. Non-Maori settlers made the area safe for Maori exiles to return, which they did. However, conflict arose when returning Maori exiles began to threaten and claim the ownership of the land they left 20 years before and sold in 1839.
A lawyer named William Spain investigated the pre-1840 NZ Company Taranaki purchase in 1844 and awarded 24,281ha (60,000 acres) to the company. New Governor Robert FitzRoy rejected Spain's recommendation and allotted to settlers a small block of 1416ha (3500 acres) around New Plymouth and told them to leave their farms.
This unwise decision by the governor caused lasting damage. Missionary Samuel Ironside observed that "natives had found out that by assuming a threatening attitude they could obtain any exorbitant demands". Notice anything familiar?
MIKE BUTLER
Hastings
Bay of Plenty Times 27/5/16
SUPPORTING JUDD
Your columnist Rosemary Mcleod seems to be something of a fan of New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd (Opinion, May 19).
Mr Judd tried to change the electoral system of New Plymouth without any reference to the ratepayers, which forced the ratepayers to initiate a binding referendum in which he was defeated by a vote of 83 per cent.
He then lobbied the Government to try and overturn their wishes and launched a petition to the United Nations.
He now declares he will not be restanding for election .
For the record, there have been Maori councillors in New Plymouth both past and present so where is his argument?
Maori seats on councils have been rejected by referendum even in high Maori population areas like Northland and Wairoa.
Where they have been installed it has been done without taking the ratepayers along.
Methinks the lady protesteth too much. (Abridged)
G F
Tauranga