CONFISCATED LAND.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19623, 20 May 1929, Page 8

CONFISCATED LAND.

MAORIS NOT SATISFIED WITH ANNUITY. (FBftM 4SSOCU«O» VBUKMLUt.) NEW PLYMOUTH, May 19. The proposal of the Government to pay £SOOO per annum to Taranaki Natives as compensation for lands confiscated since the Maori War was the subject of a farther conference at Waitara during the week-end. Dissatisfaction with the offer had been expressed by a section of the Natives. Sir Apifana Ngata attended the korero and strongly urged the Maoris to accept the offer of £SOOO per annum in perpetuity in the spirit Of conciliation in which it was tendered. However, he said, the Government would Consider any further suggestions they had to make. He pointed out that the Taranaki Natives were more fortunate than the Watkato Natives, who had been offered only £JOOO per annum. Complaint was made by a Native deputation to the Minister, that the Taranaki Maoris were not receiving fair treatment in comparison with other provinces with regard to assistance, particularly in regard to the education of young Maoris rom the fund of £IOO,OOO derived chiefly from rents and administered bv the Maori Purpose* Board. It was pointed out that the disposal of the fund was entirely in the hands of the Board. Sir Apirana promised to consider the matter.