Manuscript, Memorial

Maker
Rochfort, Singleton
Production date
1870

Object detail

Brief Description
a) A memorial of Singleton Rochfort of Auckland addressed to the House of Representatives. This manuscript is written in the first person by Singleton Rochfort and outlines his early career, law practice and his time in Hawke's Bay as District Judge.

He tells of the corruption and oppression brought about by a society known as the Hawke's Bay Land Ring, and their leaders, The Knights of Heretaunga. He writes of them selling alcoholic spirits to Māori which was forbidden under an ordinance of 1847, and the forceful acquisition of regional land. Singleton Rochfort suspects the members of this society played a part in his replacement as Land Receiver by a Mr Sealey, and later retirement from government position. He states that he refused to be bribed by the group and local officials.

There are 14 pages in total.

b) A handwritten note addressed to the Director of the Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery, Napier, regarding the donation of the memorial manuscript. The note is dated 12 March 1956.
Production date
1870
Production period
Production technique
Media/Materials description
Ink on paper.
Measurements
Height x Width: 395 x 256mm
Height x Width: 184 x 116mm
Signature/Inscription
C Banehorne, Signature, Handwritten
H.B. Art Gallery & Museum, Stamp, Stamp
received 23.4.56, Inscription, Handwritten
acknowledged 24.4.56, Inscription, Handwritten
Subject person
Subject period
Subject date
1870
Credit line
gifted by C Banehorne
Other number(s)
m56/15, 76554

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