MAORI SETTLEMENT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 65, 4 March 1929, Page 8

MAORI SETTLEMENT

PETITION TO THE PREMIER ADEQUATE FINANCES REQUIRED SIR JOSEPH WARD SMYPATHETIC. < i. m — Gisborne, March 3. Sir Joseph War was acorded au enthusiastic welcome by many hundreds of native in the marae at the hui this morning, where he and his party were the guests of honour at a luncheon tendered by Lady Carroll. The follow ing petition from the Maori chiefs was presented to the Premier: — “In reviewing the general position of the Maori race to-day the representatives that have assembled to honour the memory of your old colleague and life-long friend, James Carroll, desire to emphasise three main features, namely: “(1) That statistics reveal a steady increase in the Maori population, which, among other things, has accentuated the problem of lawlessness and the conservation of Maori farming of the most suitable lands remaining to the race. “ (2) That the definition of titles to native lands has definitely passed to a stage when individual and family interests must be consolidated, necessitating the pressing on of schemes for the consolidation of interests. “(3) That if settlement by the Maoris of their lands is to succeed, adequate finance will have to be immediately provided. “We have been informed that the funds under the control of the Native Trustee and the Maori land boards for lending to Maori farmers on security of their lands are almost exhausted. These funds were entirely provided from Maori sources, but have not been supplemented in any way by the State. We are of opinion that the resources of the State Advances Office, even if open to Maori applicants, will not be taken advantage of to'any great extent by our people. That office is not suited to the peculiarities of the race, and we would prefer that financing be done, as now, through the machinery of the Native Trust Office and the Maori Lands Board. “We know your Government is apxious to assist us to the best of its ability, and we are pleased with the announcement you have already made in that respect. We are submitting, with due deference, that that assistance should be in a form and administered in a manner most suited to the nature of our people.’* In reply Sir Joseph referred to the progress oi the Maori race since 1896, when the Urewera country was partially opened up. He reminded the gathering that in the last session ne introduced a clause gianting Maori land owners the same rights as pakehas for obtaining money from the State Advances Department, on the same terms and conditions. He pointed out that it was not easy to give effect to the natives’ requirements, owing to the difficulties of raising large sums in the Dominion; and the amount that could be raised in one year must necessarily be restricted. With an earnest desire to help Maori settlement and their utilisation of property on a profitable basis, he would consider the questions with a view to effecting an improvement if possible.