NATIVE LANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1936, Page 6

NATIVE LANDS

DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES

WELLINGTON, October ,28

New legislative machinery for .the" development of native lands is com tained in the Native,Land,,Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives to-day by. Governor-General's message.,, The , ,bih is a long and somewhat complex measure of 34 clauses and de.ls chiefly with the (powers of the Boai;d qf Nat.vj Affairs to promote, the development of native-owned, land. s

By notice published in the Gazette the board is empowered to bring any native land, or land owned or occupied by. natives, .within the scope ol development schemes. Owners of the land can also pass resolutions , with this object and the board is empowered to purchase on behalf of, the Crown any land required for use in native land development, schemes. With the consent of the Minister of Lands Crown lands may also be declared t J be subject to the legislation. ,jAll larid is to be developed under the Landi Laws Amendment Act, 192 b. The .board is empowered to develop and farm lands,, to establish base, farms for raising stock or for experimental or educational purposes, and to' engage advisers for native f~rme.:s. It is also authorised to pay rates, taxes, rents and insurance premiums, to let Share-milking, cropping, or farming "contracts, and to permit the use of land for industries other than farming ’if that course Appears desirable. .' ■ , , - c’ : •• .

| • The board may nominate the ocpcupier of any land subject to the provisions contained in the bill and ad : I vances can be made to occupiers and I lessees for the conduct of farming operations, or any other purpose ap« proved by the board. Provision is'made for the imposition of charges for betterment when money has been spent on the development of land undbr the bill. ; • :

1 Other clauses deal with .the .leasing of land and it is provided that the Maori Land Board is to be the agenj for leasing purposes,' No lease is to he .given for a term longer than 50 ye’.rs. Rentals will be determined. By the Board of Native Affairs, .and compensation is to be allowed , for improvements -at the • termination of. the ffe ? se. A lease may be terminated by the board if it is of .the opinion; "that the lessee has failed to fulfil the obligations imposed, on him. Various Other machinery clauses are included ' dealing .with leases and the development of land. Among miscellaneous amendments there is a provir. sion that the Board of Native Affairs may delegate auy of its powers to a Maori Land Board or to the Native Trustee. Various actions taken in anticipation of tlie legislation are validated. ;