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Auction: 22131 - New Zealand e-auction: The Property of Robin Gwynn; Followed by the Collection Formed by S.P. Riddell - e-Auction
Lot: 261

(x) New Zealand
Early Letters
1852 (8 May) entire Maori Runner letter from Hirini Taiwhanga in Bay of Islands to Rev. Lloyd of St. John's College, Auckland, written in Maori, endorsed "R. Napi" at upper right; attractive and rare

Note: From the mid-1870's Hirini Taiwhanga bagan to make his mark speaking out against government policy and demanding Treaty of Waitangi grievances be heard. In 1882 he took a petition to Queen Victoria, he called for change in the laws that breached the Treaty and for a Maori Parliament which might restrain the settler government.

Taiwhanga was elected to Parliament as representative for Northern Maori in 1887. His main effort was in keeping Maori control over their remaining land, his attempts to promote Maori political unity ultimately contributed to the formation of the Maori Kotahitang movement by other leaders in the early 1890's.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£750

Starting price
£120