THE NATIVE DEPARTMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 115, 15 May 1906, Page 3

THE NATIVE DEPARTMENT.

THE RECONSTRUCTION PRO-

POSALS.

(By Telegrapli.—Press Assoelatlon.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

The Government has decided to reconstruct the Native Department, to institute changes in the Native Land Court, including the strpngthfmfncr of the personnel of the judges, and to have the Native Land Purchase Department conducted on progressive lines. Judge Edgar, who has been acting as a judge of the Native Land Court, has been appointed TTnder-Seere-tary for Native Affairs, and will take office as from the Ist June next. It is understood tliat his first duty will he the organsing of the whole of the offices dealing with, native matters. For about thirteen years past the business of the Native Department has been, carried out under three branches —the Native Office (the Recording Department proper), the Native Land Court, and the Native Land Purchase Office. The two former have been under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice and the latter under the Lands Department. The changes to be made in the Native Land Court are not yet definitely decided, 'but ttey" will lie announced shortly.