NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 112, 15 May 1906, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

EXTENSIVE CHANGES

ORGANISATION OF DEPART-

MENTS

[press association.]

WELLINGTON, May 15

'Die Government has decided to reconstruct the Native Department, to institute changes in the Native Land Court, including strengthening the personnel of the judges, and to have the Native Laud Purchase Department conducted on progressive lines. Judpo Edgar, who has been acting as Judge of the Native Land Court, has been appointed Undcr-Sccretary lor Native Affairs, and will take office as from Ist June next. It is understood that his first duty will be the organising of the whole of the offices dealing with native matters. For about 13 years past the business of the Native Department has been carried out under three branches—the Native Oihcc (the Recording Department proper), the Native Land Court, and the Native Laud Purchase Office. Ihe two former have been under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, and the last-named under the Lands Department. Tho changes in the Native Land Court have not yet been demutely decided, but they will be announced shortly.