Information from the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington
Leonard Cornwall Mitchell (1901-1971) was an internationally known stamp-designer, and his painting: A reconstruction of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, 1840 appeared first on the cover of the ‘New Zealand Journal of Agriculture’, January 1949.
It shows Kawiti signing the treaty watched by witnesses Rev Richard Taylor and Mr James Stewart Freeman (standing at right of table end).At the second table Hone Heke (in cap) shakes hands with Governor William Hobson.
The seated figure on Hobson’s left (i.e. our right) is James Busby. The group of Maori in the left foreground are being challenged by one man (Marupo) with Taiaha.
Other figures include Joseph Nias, Willoughby Shortland, Rev Henry Williams, William Colenso, Samuel Ironside, Felton Mathew, Charles Baker,Tamati Wake Nene, Patuone,Hakitara, Tareha and Wharerahi.
Catholic Bishop John-Baptiste Pompallier had attended both the meetings on the 5th & 6th February, and had successfully made submissions to the Governor for the freedom of religious practice. During the debate by chiefs on 5 February it seemed that those chiefs closely associated with Pompallier were better informed than other chiefs. He had departed before the scene as painted
