 Many witnesses later testified that Barrett had not read out the deed or adequately explained it at the time of signing.Included in the purchases was a vast area in central Taranaki extending from Mokau to Cape Egmont, and inland to the upper reaches of the Whanganui River including Mt Taranaki; a second deed, the so-called Nga Motu deed, included New Plymouth and all the coastal lands of North Taranaki, including Waitara.The company had already begun on-selling the land to prospective settlers in England with the expectation of securing its title.