NATIVE LAND INQUIRY

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 112, 14 May 1934, Page 10

NATIVE LAND INQUIRY

f IVIDENCE BEFORE COMMISSION

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) ROTORUA, This Day

The Native Affairs Commission res' umed its sittings this morning, when I ,\ir. -M. IT. Hampson, representing Mr. 'H. Tai Mitchell, proceeded with tho cross-examination of Joseph Austin Pctre, Government audit inspector, dealing principally with the Maketu properties.

Witness said ho did not know that Arawa Trust Board houses were put on tho Makctu scheme, nor did ho know that stock belonging to the sehemo was grazed on the trust lands. He did not know before Mr. Mitchell's statement ■was made in 'February that an arrangement had been made for expenditure of the trust board's funds on Maketu, and he flid not inquire from the Waiariki Land Board if such an arrangement existed, but a detective made inquiries from the registrar on the subject. Witj ness realised that he had made charges of corruption, but ho believed he was correct. He had consulted Inspector Frazer, of the Police Force, and was given to understand that the case could not bo gone on with until tho Native Minister had been consulted to see if he had authorised the arrangement. The flies had gone to Wellington for Sir Apirana Ngata's perusal. Subsequently ho was told that the Commissioner of Police could get no satisfacton from the Minister, so he felt constrained to put the matter before his chief. The. Minister would not confirm or deny the arrangement - Mr. Hampson intimated that he could produce documentary evidence of such authority', but the witness declared that he had no knowledge of the authority. He had no option but to report the matter. | ■••"■:; ATJTHOBITY THE MINISTER. Kbplying to Mr. Johnson Mr. Hampson said his authority'was the Native Minister. Mr. Qu'illiam: Is there a'written record? Mr. Hampson: There is a statement by the Minister that ho intended to spend the money and that it was tho common purpose of the parties to so spend the money. Questions from Mr.Quilliam regarding accounts followed. ■ Tho witness was understood to say that his allegations applied to twenty-six. sections. Evidence was also given by Mr. John W. Scott, audit inspector.