NATIVE LAND COMMISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 79, 1 April 1908, Page 7

NATIVE LAND COMMISSION.

CBy Telegraph.—Press Association.) TVSA2CGAREI, this day. The sitting of the Maori Lands Commission commenced here to-day, under the Presidency of Sir Robert Stout. Two chiefs welcomed Sir Robert Stout in their customary florid style of rhetoric. Replying, Sir Robert "Stout stated that the Maoris had recklessly dissipated their lands, and iiad -wasted their time and means. The race had dwindled to half its former numbers, indulgence in liquor being accountable for most of the deaths. The salvation of the Maoris rested in the reservation of land for their occupation and working. CBy Telegraph.—Oi>s Correspondent.) TVHANGAREI, this day. Mr. Beckett, appearing before the Native Land Commission, for Eru Pohe, and lloon Rewi, and other natives, protested against the inclusion of certain native lands among the endowments of the newly-created Whangarei Harbour Board, on the ground that they belonged to the natives, and were tauranga. wakas (or landing places for canoes. , . Captain Clark Walker stated that during the last forty years these lands were the undisputed property of the native.' Some of the natives concerned gave evidence, and showed that protests had been made to Ministers of Crown in Whangarei. The Connnission.er decided to make representaiioiis, submit £he jjaatter to. the Go72nun&nt,