Collingwood; Tarapuhi, Werita Tainui, Hokiaha Toana, Makarini Tohi, Arapata Horau, Kiwai, Kaihi, Kinihi-te-kau, Kerei, Kawiri Mokohuruhuru, Pauha-te-Rangi.
After completing the sale, Mackay, Mackley and the seven Maoris from Collingwood set out for Nelson by way of the coastal route, and in attempting to cross the Grey River, which was in heavy flood, the explorers’ canoe capsized. Mackay at this time had the deed of purchase, the field books of the reserve surveys, and the remaining hundred sovereigns in a leather dispatch box in his swag, which was very heavy. He with great difficulty retained his hold of it until he reached the overturned canoe which later was washed ashore just south of where the town of Cobden now stands. He afterwards received a “please explain” from a Government armchair official who complained of the “slovenly and dirty appearance of the deed and papers attached thereto,” and suggested that “he should be more careful in the future.”
When Messrs. Mackay and Mackley reached the Buller, they found a party of twenty Europeans who had arrived in a vessel from Lyttelton in search of gold, the report that the precious metal had there been found by John Rochfort having got abroad. These early gold seekers were dissatisfied with their prospects, and wished to return to civilization, little
