PAYMENT FOR MAORI LAND

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27859, 6 January 1956, Page 7

PAYMENT FOR MAORI LAND

CROWN ACQUISITION AT MARAETAI

JUDGE’S ASSESSMENT OF COMPENSATION

(New Zealand Press Association) . AUCKLAND, January 5. Compensation for land taken from the Maori owners of the Puakani y! oc * f° r hydro-electric work at Maraetai, for the townshio of Mangakino, and for access roads,- has been fixed by Judge Harvey of the Maori Land Court in a reserved decision. A hearing to determine compensation for 1533 acres taken by proclamation under the Public Works Act in 1949 was held several months ago. Most of the Maori owners are residents of the Wairarapa /district. Judge Harvey has assessed the amount for the 787 acres taken at Maraetai at £5lO, on a basis of valua r tion given by Crown valuers. All the compensation will be administered by the Maori Trustee. The Judge said that works carfied out on the 683 acres forming the Mangakino township (which is held .by the Crown on a 21-year lease) had benefited the remainder of the nearby land owned by the Maori people. The fact that the Crown had taken only a temporary tenancy would result in “great advantage” to the almost land-, less owners.

The Government's claim for 50 per cent, of the gross compensation to be offset as betterment in favour of the Crown was fully justified, said the Judge.

He allowed a sum of £34 to be paid as annual rental for all lands taken under leave and easement for the township.