IDLE MAORI LANDS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4342, 11 October 1950, Page 12

IDLE MAORI LANDS

GOVERNMENT’S POLICY

MAY BE REVIEWED

DISCUSSION IN PAEROA

The proposal to revise the whole question of idle Maori lands was not before its time, said Mr J. E Silcock, secretary of the Paeroa branch of Federated Farmers, at its October meeting.

Mr Silcock reported that he understood the whole policy of the Government was going to b.e revised.

Criticism had been levelled at the previous Government for its failure to grapple with the land question and he did hope that it would not be possible for just criticism to be levelled at the present Government. It was, however, correct for the branch of Federated Farmers to criticise any

government which failed to hai.dle -the question in a business like manner, declared Mr 0. P. Liddell.

An investigation as to possible areas near the main road from Whangamata to Waihi which were 7 suitable for development was to be made by Mr R. E. Tye, of Ngatea, Mr Walker of the Maori Affairs Department and himself, said Mr A. F. Thorp, chairman of the branch.

The loss to the country in prcduction through good quality Maori land lying idle, would if calculated stagger people, continued Mr 0. P. Liddell, who moved that, in view of the fact that the Government proposed to lake some action to meet the trouble, discussion be deferred for 12 months to give every opportunity to the Government to carry out its ideas.

Mr C. H. Jackson suggested the matter be not held over for 12 months but should be discussed again after the inspection of the property near Waihi.

Mr Jackson’s motion was duly carried.