Mitchell, Leonard Cornwall, 1901-1971 :[A reconstruction of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, 1840]. 1949.

A group of Maori in the left foreground, being challenged by one man (Marupo) with taiaha. The flags of many nations are strung along the inside of the roof of a marquee, with tables beyond Marupo. Kawiti is signing the Treaty, watched by witness Rev. Richard Taylor and Mr James Stuart Freeman (standing at right of table-end). Beyond this group is another table (both tables are draped in the Union Jack) with Hone Heke (in cap) shaking hands with Governor William Hobson. The seated figure on Hobson's left (i. e. our right) is James Busby. Other figures are also individually identified in the key on the verso of the work, including Joseph Nias, Willoughby Shortland, Rev. Henry Williams, William Colenso, Samuel Ironside, Felton Mathew, Charles Baker, Tamati Waka Nene, Patuone, Hakitara, Tareha, Moka and Wharerahi.

This is thought to be the most accurate of the reconstructions of the signing of the Treaty. However original accounts state the the Rev. Henry Williams was seated to the right of Governor Hobson, beside Captain Nias and the other clergy standing behind Williams behind the table. The marquee ws 150 ft long with the Governor's raised platform at the end and some 600 people inside. It would therefore not have been possible to see outside as shown in this view. Accounts do not indicate that there were separate tables. In addition, Kawiti refused to sign the Treaty on 6 February and only agreed to sign it later, after being urged to do so by other Maori chiefs

Extended Title - From: New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, January 1949. (Cover illustration)

Quantity: 1 colour photo-mechanical print(s).

Physical Description: Photolithograph, coloured, 260 x 210 mm.

Alternative form available: Colour transparency also available of the key on the verso of this image.