MAORI LAND CONSOLIDATION

Northern Advocate, 9 February 1928, Page 2

MAORI LAND CONSOLIDATION

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE

(Special to “Northern Advocate.'’) The most important conference of leading' chiefs and large Maori landowners that has been held for many years past concluded its deliberations on Saturday night, after achieving results >of far-reaching benefits for the Maoris and thedr lands. There were about 600 of the most influential chiefs and landowners, from tho North Auckland district, in attendance to meet Sir Apirana Ngata M.P. and party. The proceeding started on Wednesday morning last with a most elaborate ceremonial welcome, including war dances and hakas (on a scale rarely seen now) to the distinguished visitors. Speeches of welcome were delivered by a representative of each of the leading tribes of the North, who expressed pleasure at having the honour of entertaining such distinguished visitors, who came to submit vital proposals for the future wellbeing of the Maori people. They condoled with the visitors in the loss New Zealand and they themselves had sustained by tho death of the late Sir James Carrol, their respected chieftain.

Mr W. .Cooper, a close relation of the late Sir J. Carrol and a member of the party, replied on behalf of Lady Carrol and their family. On rising, Sir Apirana Ngata received a most enthusiastic reception. He replied to the ceremonial welcome, after which he expounded in detail the proposed scheme of consolidating the Maori lands and the benefits to be derived by the Maoris therefrom. After thorough discussion all the representatives present accepted the proposals as outlined. Detail work was then started, when all successions and exchanges put through the Maori Land Courts during the past ien years dn the whole of the Bay of Islands district, were revised and completed. Mr Cooper and party will return to RusseH. in about a fortnight to arrange for the consolidation of the various interests in different blocks in that locality that have not been previously dealt With. The Northern Maoris departed to their homes to prepare for a visit from Sir Apirana Ngata M.P. and Mr Tan Henare M.P. early in March, to meet the Maoris who were not present at Otiria, and also to prepare the way for the administrative party, headed by Mr Cooper,, who will follow shortly afterWarts. MAORI RATES. j Whilst the conference was in session, an invitation was accepted by the Buy, of Islands County Council to meet and confer regarding rates owing on Maori lands. It was shown by the Council that the rates collectable on Maori lands amounted approximately 'to £3,000 per annum and the actual amount collected was only £BO per annum in the Bay of Islands County. It was agreed that the Council forego all past rates, owing, and they axe to receive £ISOO per annum to. be paid by the Department, pending the Act coming into operation about 1930. This sum will be charged against the blocks, and shares apportioned when the titles are being registered under the Land Transfer Act. The lands will then, be liable to the full operation of the Ealing Act, and treated as “pakeha" lands. It is anticipated this will «#lve the vexed question of non-pay-men of Maori rates.