NORTHERN WANTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 103, 3 May 1930, Page 7

NORTHERN WANTS.

ATTENTION FROM MINISTERS. MR. FORBES COMPLIMENTED. ■INTEREST OF GOVERNMENT. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star".) WHANGAREI, this day. For the first time in liis official capacity as. Minister of Lands and Agriculture, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, arrived at Whangarei last evening from Russell. At Kawakawa, Mr. S. W. Smith, chairman of the Kawakawa Town Board, in introducing a deputation, complimented the Minister as Acting-Prime Minister on the fact that Ministers had been making such a determined effort to become acquainted with the wants of the North. Once again native rates were discussed, Mr. H. C. Blundell, county clerk, stating that the Bay of Islands deficiency amounted to £20,000. A compromise had been made, however, and the council had agreed to take £1500, provided that the full rates on native lands within the county would be collectable from April, 1930. It was pointed out that other counties in the North, subsequent to the arrangement made by the Bay of Islands Country, had received up to £4500 as a percentage of the uncollectable native rates. The Government was asked, therefore, to increase the Bay of Islands percentage. Mr. H. M. Rushworth, member for the district, stated that only one-third of the population in the Bay of Islands County had paid any rates. The Minister said he thought a percentage for outstanding rates should have been fixed. He would be interested to know why the larger percentages had been given to other countries in the North. Voices: So would we. Mr. Forbes: A county council in these parts is in a most unenviable position. I shall be happy to confer with the native Minister concerning this problem. Incidentally, the question of roading and payment for roads had been mentioned, it being pointed out that if the rates were not collected, outback settlers would be, penalised. Mr. Forbes eaid that he would have a talk to the Minister of Public Works concerning the matter. Representatives of . the Domain Board asked that the Minister should give that body a grant for the purchase of the Waiomio Caves. Originally, the Maori owner had pla,ced the purchase price at £•'3OOO, but had later reduced it to £1000. It was probable that the Government could obtain the property today for £350. After having visited the caves, Mr. Forbes said the matter would be placed before the Scenery Preservation Board.