NATIVE AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 14, 11 October 1932, Page 8

NATIVE AFFAIRS

Control, of Expenditure AMENDMENTS PLANNED Intention of Cabinet An announcement that legislation would be presented this session embodying some of the recommendations of the National Expenditure Commission relative to the overhaul of Native affairs administration, was made by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, during the course of an interview yesterday. Tho Prime Minister said he had discussed the commission’s recommendations with the Minister of Native Affairs, and it had been decided to give effect to certain of the proposals. Good reasons would be giveu in those Instances in which it was decided not to make any alteration in the present administration. It would be possible to bring about the amalgamation of certain activities. In some cases boards dealing with Native affairs had outlived their usefulness, and it would probably be found possible to do away with them.

On the other hand it had been pointed out that some of the boards had wide spending powers of their own. The amending Bill would make the expenditure of these boards subject to Ministerial control. .

It is understood that steps will be taken by the Government, in accordance with the commission’s recommendations, to strengthen the administration of the Investment Board controlling moneys in the Native Trustee’s Account, and that changes will be made in the powers at present held by the Native Trustee, especially in relation to the. expenditure of money for developing and farming estates. The commission expressed particular concern about the control of expenditure which was at present vested in the hands of single individuals, and it is believed the amending Bill will give greater control to existing boards In this respect.