Land Development

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 291, 9 December 1936, Page 12

Land Development

NATIVE-OWNED BLOCKS THAMES, Dec. 5. The inauguration of a native land development scheme to embrace portions of the Manaia, Te Kouraa and other native blocks on the Coromandel. Peninsula was discussed recently by the Coromandel County Council, and a Statement and a plan were forwarded to Air J. Thorn, M.P., who madesrepresentations to the acting-Minister of Native Affairs, the Hon. E. Langstone.

The Minister has informed Air Thorn that he was very much impressed with the possibilities of the district for such a scheme, and that he would give the matter consideration. He said he was directing the Under-Secretary of the Native Department to supply a preliminary report for the consideration of the Board of Native Affairs.

The scheme deplores the fact that so many natives owning good land are on sustenance. It mentions that the Alanaia settlement, between Thames and Coromandel, is composed of rich river flats, with highly-fertile foot-hills, but states that no tillage is being undertaken by the owners, who receive sustenance and have become quite content to rely on this. - Some of the men work on the county roads when it suits them.

A suggestion that Alanaia village should be rebuilt on sanitary lines, in tho Maori style and with modern conveniences, is contained in the scheme. It is stated that there is a stream capable of being used to provide electric power, and another proposal is that a certain number of the tribe should be encouraged to flsh for the markets. The Alanaia Alaoris are mostly of the Alormon faith. The statement mentions that a similar native settlement at Kennedy Bay is also capable of being treated under the same scheme. The land there is also rich alluvial flats capable of being highly developed.