Historic Documents

Take note of Section 5, Regulations, and Section 6, the obligations that the Minister and Board have under financial assistance and other assistance to settlers.

Relevant sections are 7 and 8 on this page.

William George McNeight writing home to his parents having to work the farm at Mokauiti whilst he is overseas destined for Gallipoli as part of the colonial forces.

William George McNeight writes of his patriotism and the responsibilities he sees towards his fellow troopers and for King and Country.

Both the Peterson and McNeight farm families combine to break in Block V of virgin native forest into a working farm.

This Lands and Survey map defines the boundaries of William Magnus Peterson's entitlement.

The Deed of Tenure from the District Lands and Survey office for William Magnus Peterson.

1920-Lands For Sale or Lease. Lease land carried a 66 year term in perpetuity for returned soldiers with the right of purchase for cash or deferred payment.

Note-The installment on deferred payment.

The official description after a survey of the Peterson property.

On two separate occasions William Magnus was declined financial assistance. This ran contrary to the provisions stated clearly in the returned soldiers act 1915.

Enlarged portion of the document above. William Magnus made two applications for financial assistance, 1921 and 1923, both were declined.

Other applicants approved whilst William Magnus is denied any assistance.

This proclamation from the King's representative the Right Hon. Sir John Rushworth, Viscount Jellicoe, Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand clearly and specifically exempts Section 2 Block V tenants from rent payment for a period of two years. Why was this ignored by the Minister of Lands and Board of the day.

Note - The Commissioner of Crown Lands writes of Magnus Peterson having abandoned the farm. Fact; in 1927 the Peterson and McNeights were still struggling to work Block V having not received any financial assistance over the years from the Crown, and unaware of this level of duplicity.

Neighbouring Properties

McDonald was reassessed and received a rent reduction from 63.18 pounds per annum and revaluation from 1,420 pounds too 420 pounds in 1929.

McDonald Rent and Revaluation Revue.

Received a rent reduction from 73.0 pounds per annum and a revuation from 1,640 pounds reduced to 470.0 pounds, also in 1929.

As Above

Peterson got no revaluation. At this time the government was preparing to forfeit his right to the land. He was unaware of any moves against him as he was serving in the military police in Samoa. Serving New Zealand for a second time.

No reassessment or revaluation. Peterson was in the Military Police serving in Samoa trying to earn enough to put back into the property.