MAORI LAND.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 12 November 1925, Page 5

MAORI LAND.

CONFERENCE OF LESSORS AND LESSEES.

LARGE AND IMPORTANT * GATHERING. The wide and far reaching importance of the question of the relations between lessors and lessees in the Maori lands leased under the ten years’ tenure, which period expired recently, and the need of reaching some finality in the matter of improvements as between lessors and lessees,, was responsible for one of the_ most representative gatherings of Maori chiefs held for many years. Tie conference took place at Manaia in the Town Hall, and it is understood that while no definite settlement of the points in dispute was reached, the question was very fully discussed, and that it is probable before long and without great difficulty a settlement will be made .satisfactory to 'all parties. Mr D. Smith, of Wellington, appeared on behalf of the lessors and Mr. L. M. Moss, of ,New Plymouth, for the lessees.

In the course of a brief interview with Mr John Morgan, who is adviser for the lessors, a Star representative learned that the feeling between the parties was very friendly and cordial, and that both sicles showed; a commendable desire to effect a settlement fair to all. He said that both were keen to see that no difficulty was placed in the way, and also fully realised the magnitude of the issue and the far-reaching importance of any arrangement made between them, in the interests not only of' the Maoris but of the pakeha settler and of the district generally. Although Mr Morgan was naturally reticent as to details of the conference, he admitted that very substantial progress had been made, and that the meeting had paved the way for satisfaction to all concerned.