NATIVE RATES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 26 November 1927, Page 5

NATIVE RATES

TACKLING A PROBLEM.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. FOR AIAiORI FARMERS. (BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL TO ‘ THE STAR.”) WELLINGTON, Nov. 25. In moving the second reading of the Native Land General Empowering Bill in the 'House of Representatives today, the Rt. lion. J. G. Goates explained that in addition to the usual clauses, there were some involving the live question of payment of rates on native lauds, which was very difficult and complex. In dealing with it, the House would observe very carefully 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 probably 100 times more than the actual selling value of the area, whilo some of these lands wgre 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 tvere to he dealt with by individualisation, and if the land was worth anything to the native, lie should have an 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 could he detailed to work to a point at which the interests could be consolidated. Running with this was the inevitable question of finance to assist the native should lie desire to farm his land. This would he provided for in the Finance Bill. Another burden on native lands was survey liens, amounting to over £IOO,OOO and it would be left to the Alinister of Finance to say what were reasonable charges. There was also an obligation of between £14,000 and £15,000 accumulated stamp duties whieh must- be wiped out before it was'possible to deal with- the land. The proposed organisation would commence work early in the year in the King Country and North Auckland, the two districts where, at present, there was the greatest need for action. THE DISCUSSION. , WELLINGTON, Nov. 25. Air AL J. Savage commended clause 9 under which provision is made for several areas of land to be dealt with conjointly. This was a step in. the right direction, enabling better use being made of native law. He thought a similar position might well be applied to some European land. Air Uru expressed disappointment that the Bill contained no fulfilment of the promise to adjust the Ngaitahu. claim in the South Island,, but ho expressed the hope that, the fair-minded pakeha would redeem that promise so soon as circumstances permitted. After the Prime Minister had replied, the Bill was read a seeond.iinie. v -