NATIVE AFFAIRS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 286, 31 October 1934, Page 8

NATIVE AFFAIRS

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT.

FORECAST OF COMMISSION’S REPORT. (By Telegraph—Special to Standard.) y Y» ELLINGTON, Oct. 31. The most important political development since the formation of the Coalition will be the announcement in the House of Representatives to-mgh by the Prime Minister that he has received the resignation of Sir Apirana Ngata, Native Minister, as the lesult of the contents of the Native Affaus Commission’s report, which will be made public at the same time. This report is an elaborate survey of Native land development schemes and all aspects of Native administration, but its painstaking record of a multitude of transactions is not accompanied by any general conclusions regarding the results of the policy adopted. This was predicted by the Commission itself, which at an early sitting indicated that the terms of its order of reference authorised it to inquire into questions of administration, not to speculate on' questions of policy. When the Native Minister’s resignation is announced it is expected that the Government will indicate the steps it proposes, in addition to a number already adopted, to tighten up the administration system, improve the method of accounting and make a change in the constitution of the Native Land Settlement Board so as to include members having practical business and farming knowledge, and the appointment of a fully qualified officer in complete charge of the management. One difficulty was a shortage of staff which tailed to keep pace with the rapid growth of work associated with the large number of land development schemes. The Native Minister had further complicated the difficulties of control by taking a large share of personal responsibility for directions to officers who were thus removed from the direct control and responsibility of headquarters. Some land transactions which the Commission analysed suggested that this system of Ministerial interference by means of verbal instructions had resulted in an incomplete record. While retaining from a discussion of policy, there are references in the report giving cause for satisfaction to those who have supported the vigorous prosecution of Native land development, which has given employment to Natives during difficult times. The evidence also demonstrated the capacity of the Natives for farm work and sustained effort, showing that the schemes are likely to be of permanent value in the encouragement of such effort and individual initiative. Though the report is expected to disclose a critical view, it recognises the Minister’s enthusiasm for the welfare of the Native people, achieved through practical measures, and the great value of leadership displayed by Sir Apirana Ngata and others associated with him in carrying out the settlement policy. The Minister’s retirement means no disturbance of the Coalition arrangement. Sir Apirana Ngata remains in politics. Though speculation has been active regarding the filling of the vacancy, no action is likely to be taken by the Prime Minister till the recess. ” He will personally hold the Native Affairs portfolio, and when Cabinet is brought back to full strength, Mr S. G. Smith, one of the United Ministers who retired on the formation of the Coalition, is regarded as certain to resume that position.