RATES ON NATIVE LANDS.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 265, 14 May 1907, Page 4

RATES ON NATIVE LANDS.

fPKB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] New Plymouth, May 13 This afternoon the chairman of the Taranaki County Council and chairman of the Clifton County Council secured an interview with the Hon. Minister of Native Affairs and discussed with him the question of recovery of rates levied on native lands. The deputation pointed out once moro that Maoris were in many cases fanning land and conveying milk to dairy factories, using roads to the same extent as European settlers, but paid no rates to looal bodies. They were loth to go to the expense of Court proceedings for there was a clause m the Native Land Rating Act, 1904, which stipulated that no judgment secured against a Maori for payment of rates could be acted uj>on without the consent of the Native Minister. The natives l it was believed, sheltered behind this clause and declined to nay. The deputation asked Mr Carroll to state definitely if he would allow this to continue, or whether he would give consent to a local body proceeding to the fullest extent against the property in order to secure payment of rates due? The Minister told the deputation t> "fire away!" That was what ho wanted. If they had to take a Maori to Court and judgment were obtained, he wojld see that the rates were paid even if he had ta take the land and pay the rates himself on Maori lands. The deputation wanted to know definitely what action the Minister would take in the event of a local body proceeding. Tho Minister, in reply, told the deputation to "fire away!" That was what he wanted. If judgment was obtained against Maori owners he would see that the rates were paid. _