NATIVE LAND CLAIMS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 72, 18 December 1937, Page 8

NATIVE LAND CLAIMS

Maori Representations To Be Heard COMMENCEMENT SHORTLY The intention of the Government to deal with all outstanding Maori native land claims, including the claim of the Ngaitahu people of the South Island, was indicated by the I’rime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, in an interview last evening. He stated that the hearing of representations from the proper Maori authorities would be commenced during the recess. “These claims must be dealt with systematically, and cannot be attacked in any ‘stab in the dark’ manner,” Mr. Savage said. “For this reason we intend to hear representations from those Maoris who are fully and properly authorised to speak for their tribes. We do not want to make settlements and then have them repudiated on the ground that the spokesmen did not represent the people involved. We will hear them individually, of course, in the groups as they are affected.” The Prime Minister said that any settlements arrived at between the Government and the Maoris would have to include provision for the proper administration of the money involved. “We do not intend that any money granted the Natives should be dissipated,” Mr. Savage said, “and will take steps to see that it is administered wisely in trust for the Native race.” Mr. Savage indicated that the negotiations would start early in the new year and that the arrangements for the discussions would include all the outstanding claims for compensation for the sale of Native land.