NATIVE LAND SCHEME

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 194, 30 May 1934, Page 7

NATIVE LAND SCHEME

ALLEGED FALSE TIME-SHEETS.

, (Per Press Association). GISBORNE, May 29. The falsification of time-sheets on a native land development scheme at Ruotoki was. alleged against two Maoris, Rangi Royal and Edward Biddle, before Mr Justice Blair in the Supreme Court to-day. The charges related to June 8, 1933. Royal wa? charged with making a false entry on the wages and time sheet, and Biddle, foreman on the work, was chargedyvith concurring with Royal in the making of a false entry. , John White Scott, Government auditor, ga.ve formal evidence, and added that one of the men engaged on the contract under the Ruotoki development scheme had complained of receiving only 26s after signing for £3. TiwOka Anaru, registrar of the Rotorua Native Land Court, described the system of financing the development schemes. Royal was supervisoi over a length of 160 miles, and Biddle had too much work. The workers earned ‘less than 5s a day in some cases. No complaints regarding missing money were received last year. Turangi. Whakarau, one of foui labourers on contract, stated that each was to receive £3. The money, kith £8 due under an earlier contract, was paid to them. They then handed the pay envelopes, at the suggestion of the paymaster, to Royal, who retained £5, saying it would be paid to them when the second contract was completed. When paid they had pot started the second contract, but did so the next day, and completed the work m from three to five days. They went to collect the contract money from the local storekeeper, but were told that only 26s awaited them. No complaint was made until the auditor came round many months later. After corroborative evidence, the Court adjourned until to - morrow, when the Crown case will be continued.