NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 289, 3 November 1934, Page 6

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

The Commission on Native Affairs was appointed following a recommendation made by the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives. In his report to the Government the Auditor-General had called attention to certain matters in regard to the accounts of the native lands development schemes. Irregularities in the accounts were mentioned by the Auditor-General. A most painstaking investigation was made, and the report was tabled this week in the House of Representatives- The Commission found that the Minister for Native Affairs took too much upon himself in authorising and administering land settlement schemes ; that his methods of spending State money were not businesslike; that a large number of the complaints of the Audit Department were justified; that the Minister had resisted changes proposed by the Public. Service Commissioner; that there was partiality in the distribution of funds of the Maori Purposes Fund Control Board; and that the circumstances of certain land purchases ' were disquieting. At the same time the Commission paid a well deserved tribute to Sir Apirana Ngata for the splendid work ’he has done in promoting land settlement among the Maoris, and acknowledges the benefit they have derived from it. The Commission notes that the various development schemes have made for the “physical improvement of the Natives affected by them,” and mentions the “inspiration of hope” induced. This latter is an important point, as if touches on the 'psychology of the Native race who do not from tradition and tribal customs adopt the same views as Europeans, and their business lacks the efficiency of the white people. It is of the utmost importance that the development schemes should proceed, for then the Maoris will become “settled on developed farm lands in permanent homes. It is clear,” the Commission proceeds, “that in such circumstances their physical, mental, and moral improvement is likely to continue. Such benefits are of great human, as well as industrial, worth.” The Prime Minister, in drawing attention to the valuable recommendations of the Commission, which will be incorporated in legislation for Parliament, has quickly assured the Native race that they need not be discouraged by the report, or have the fear that the policy of land development will be abandoned. Sir Apirana Ngata has tendered his resignation to Mr Eorbes—actually it was offered when the Audi-tor-General’s report was before Parliament last December—and in paying a deserved tribute to an upright and loyal colleague Mr Eorbes acknowledges an assurance that as a private member the former Minister will render all assistance to prevent any misunderstandings arising among the Maoris and to smooth the administration of the Department. There must be general recognition of what Sir Apirana has done for his people. He infected them with his enthusiasm for his settlement schemes, and they have been shown a new outlook on life. It is not to be wondered at that they have been apprehensive of the Commission s report and its effect upon their representative as a member of Cabinet. The Prime Minister has assumed Sir Apirana’s portfolio and in the general tightening up of the Department’s administration he may be depended upon to show to the Maoris consideration’for their welfare which was Sir Apirana’s chief objective.