MORE ABOUT MOKAU.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 193, 2 August 1911, Page 4

MORE ABOUT MOKAU.

So much has been written lately about the Mokau deal that the general public may be excused if it expresses boredom at the very sight or sound of the name, yet notwithstanding the excessive publicity the matter has received we venture to return to it to-night, for we feel it may interest a few people to know the views of the Taranaki press on the much advertised transaction. The Taranaki “ Daily News,” in an editorial on the sub ject says : —“ Mr. Massey maintains that if the proposition were good enough for private syndicates to t ake up, it was good enough for the Government to take over the block and do what the present syndicate is doing, namely, roading and cutting up the block preparatory to throwing it open for settlement. The argument seems sound enough and would apply to any other property not so hopelessly tangled up as the Mokau block was. There were to consider the interests of the Maori owners, the interests of the lessee, the interests of the sublessees, and the claims of Mr. Jones. The Government would not take up the lands and open them for settlement. The late Mr. Seddon would not take the risk, nor would the present Government, though implored to do so in season and out of season by Mr. W. T. Jennings, member for the district. The difficulties and risk, he was always told, Mere too great. By a combination of circumstances, a way has been found to open the land. The natives have been satisfied. the interests of the sub-lessees are protected, and the syndicate ; s taking any risk that may be involved and will deal with any claims made. If the Government has made any mistake in the matter — and that has yet to be proved—-f i.e all-important 'result has been gained, namely, the lands that .<ave blocked the progress of Northern Taranaki for decade's are being made ready for settlement and will shortly be in profitable occupati on. For facilitating this desideratum, the Government deserves praise ami not condemnation. If anything improper has been done by the Government in the matter, then out with it, by all means.” Mr. Massey in his speech in Parliament last night pressed for an enquiry, and the aetingPremier has given assurances that he will be only too pleased to afford enquiry, so that it is possible we will soon have the glare of the limelight on the whole transactions.