CLAIM TO LAKES.

Grey River Argus, 15 December 1920, Page 3

CLAIM TO LAKES.

MAORIS AND CROWN.

ROTORUA, December 14. A conference between th e ,Hon. Bell and the Arawas regarding the latter 's claim to ownership of iakes concluded to-day. Mr- Earl (counsel for the Arawas) stated that when the Government suggested a conference with a view to finding ground whereon the case could be settled, amicably. Mr Ngata was called to assist the Arawas in framing proposals, who decided that any settlement should take into consideration the Arawas' loyal services, arid that any money awarded, if their claims were consented to, be devoted to the public utilities for the tribe, to education for them in secondary sehooTs, to a nursing home, to assistance in ,f arming, and to loans for' dwellings. Some differences arose among the Arawas regarding these terms. Eventually the scheme w,as accepted.' The Rotoiti Natives stipulate 'that matters of detail be settled at a conference of representatives of the Crown and themselves ,on January 29th. Hon Bell agreed to this. Ho said the Crown claimed the lakes on behalf of the public, but was prepared to settle out of court if the Arawas agreed among themselves what they wanted. If no agreement were m.adt. tho Crown was prepared to fight. The Crown owed a debt to the Arawas for their unbroken loyalty. The • scheme had the merit of ; subordinating individual and sub-tribe claims to th" general good. He could not" cbminit the Government but would submit their proposals to Cabinet. Tho prospects of a settlement are regarded as decidedly hopeful. t „ ..