NATIVE RATES

Evening Star, Issue 19724, 26 November 1927, Page 2

NATIVE RATES

TACKLING A PROBLEM FINANCE FOR MAORI FARMERS [Xtoon Our Paeliamextary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, November 25. In moving the second reading of the Native Land General Empowering Bill in the House to-day, Mr Coates explained that in addition to the usual clauses there were some involving the live question of payment of rates on Native lands, which" was very difficult and complex. In dealing with it the House would observe very carefully the Native rights in the matter. There were large areas of Native lands _in certain parts of the dominion on which there were heavy accumulations of arrears of rates. These lands, if revalued to-day, would probably' show that the liability standing against them was 100 times more than the actual selling value of the area, while some of those lauds were worth nothing at all. The pakeha had been a fairly good judge of land in his purchases from the Native. The Bill provided a means of settling this problem. It proposed to consolidate scattered interests, after which they would bo dealt with by individualisation, and if the land was worth anything to the Native he should have the opportunity of working it, when it could then carry the usual responsibility. The scheme involved a thorough examination of these areas, and meant an organisation, including members of the Native Land Court, who would ho detailed to work to a point at which the interests could bo consolidated. Running with this was the inevitable question of finance to assist the Native should he desire- to form his land. This would be provided for in the Finance Bill. Another burden on Native lands was survey, amounting to over £IOO,OOO, and it would be left to tbs Minister of Finance 'to say what were reasonable charges. There was also an obligation of between £14,000 and £15,000, accumulated stamp duties, which mUst'ho wiped out before it was possible to deal with the land. The proposed organisation would commence work early in the new year in the King Country and North Auckland, the two districts where at present there was the greatest need for action.