Smith, William Mein, 1799-1869 :Otaraia. [1850s?]

Shows a view, from privately-owned (fenced) land, towards a stretch of water, probably the Ruamahanga River (which bounded Mein Smith's own property slightly further upstream at the entrance of Dry River into the Ruamahanga). At the right in the middle distance, a small figure pulls a canoe up towards a site covered with tall poles with bulbous (carved?) tops, probably a canoe landing reserve, marked with poles to show who is entitled to land there. This site is separated from the fenced land, by a natural boundary in the form of a tributary stream, whose clay banks are visible. On the distant shore of the water at the left, a stand of trees stretches into the background. The foreground is cleared with two flax plants in the left foreground. On the extreme right, a figure walks along a path towards the markers.

Tipene Chrisp suggests that the poles are not standard Hauhau poles.

ATL holds a watercolour sketch by Charles Decimus Barraud, made from almost the same spot in 1863 (at B-005-009). It appears not to have been done from William Mein Smith's own property which was further upstream. The title "Otaraia" may indicate simply the Otaraia area rather than the pa itself.

For a map of the area, showing the location of Mein Smith's pieces of property on the Ruamahanga, see Map Collection 832.45gbbd/1861?/Acc.564 "Plan of the Wairarapa from the sea".

Other Titles - [Ruamahanga River, Wairarapa, with canoe landing markers]

Quantity: 1 watercolour(s).

Physical Description: Watercolour, 166 x 240 mm. (with one corner missing)

Provenance: The gallery was selling on behalf of Ms Alison Norden, the great-great-great-granddaughter of the artist. The work had been handed down through family members. In 1993 the work was on sale at Ferner Gallery Auckland, on behalf of Mrs Alison Norden, and had been restored by the Ferner Gallery.