“SAME OLD ANNUAL”

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 6, 2 October 1941, Page 9

“SAME OLD ANNUAL”

Native Purposes Bill Appears NEW RATANA TRUST BOARD “This is the same old annual Bill,” said the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, when the Native Purposes Bill was introduced in the House. The Bill was read a second time pro forma and referred to tbe Native Affairs Committee. The Minister in Charge of Native Affairs, Mr. Mason, said that there were some general amendments making good minor deficiencies. There were also specific clauses relating to specific blocks, and finally a schedule of petitions to be referred to the Native Land Court. Jurisdiction to make an order in favour of the parties to a mixed marriage who wish to adopt a Native child is given to.the Native Land Court, There is power for any applications pending in that Court, made since January 1, 1941, to be dealt with. Development of land by the Board of Native Affairs is the subject of another clause. There is provision to enable new development proposals to form the subject of an inquiry by the Native Land Court in open Court. With a view to ameliorating difficulties confronting the Health Department concerning sanitation, dilapidation and overcrowding in the Ratana Pa, there Is to be constituted a Katana Trust Board which will, manage. the settlement land and adjacent lands. The board will consist of eight meffi j bers, six representing beneficial owners and adherents of the Katana Movement and two representing the Health Department and the Native Department. The Native Land Court may vest the land in the board, with the consent of the owners, and the board may subdivide, install water' supplies or sanitary conveniences, remove, erect or maintain buildings and improve the settlement. Wide powers of local government are conferred on the board, which may make bylaws for the proper control of the civic life of the settlement. Its general duty, is to promote and conserve the moral, educational, social and economic welfare of the inhabitants of the pa and encourage habits conducive to their health and well-being. The board is also given rating powers.