LANDLESS MAORIS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20026, 6 September 1930, Page 17

LANDLESS MAORIS.

SOUTH ISLAND CLAIMS. [THE PSSBB Spedal Cervlca.] "WELLINGTON, September 5. Landless Maoris' claims in the South Island were discussed when' the Native Estimates were before the Houee of Representatives to-day.' The Minister for Native Affairs, Sir Apirana Ngata, said steps . had boon , taken by the Ng&tvtahu Dradless Maoris in the South Island for the restitution . of land purchased in the days of,early ■ settlement, and that the Government would again consider taking, action once a reply to the representational!**! been received from the Land Board. In opening the question, Mr T. M«fl* , tanara (U., Southern Maori) expressed disapproval of 'the way the natives va, the South had been treated by the white man. The promises of restitution appeared to be like Mahomet's coffin, they were suspended in mid-air. The Maoris had approached Sir Joseph Ward and the Prime. Minister had made promises of restitution. Mr A. M. Samuel (R., Thames): What Prime Minister? Mr Makitanara: It. is all rigpt, tne hon. member will never be Prime Minister ■ Mr D. MaDougpH (U., Matanra) sa& that 30,000,000 acres, -valued ' tft £2.000,000. had been "bougEfc from-the-*' Maoris about 1865, and it had never been paid for. The Minister said Mr MoDougaQwas rconfused between two things; {be natives who claimed for land not paid, for and the claims of the Southern. Maoris who were landless. . .> . " - ...