NATIVE AFFAIRS

Northern Advocate, 18 May 1934, Page 11

NATIVE AFFAIRS

COMMISSION AT ROTORUA. CAPITAL COST OF SCHEMES. (Special to ''Northern Advocate.'') ROTORUA, Tliis Day. The hearing of evidence was continued by the Native Affairs Commission. Mr Justice Smith ['resided, and with him were Messrs L. W. Nelson, J. Alexander and D. G. Johnston. Mr R. IT. Quilliam, instructed, by the Crown, appeared, to assist Ihe enamission. Mr 0. P. Finlay represented members of the Native race, and Mr M. IT. ITampson appeared ou behalf of Mr IT. Tai Mitchell. Font inning his evidence, William James Scott, farm supervisor, said that, the only conflict of opinions over his instructions was in connection with Ihe burning of the Ngatlawa, Elock. He considered it wrong to burn in Hie spring, but, Ihe Minister insist ed. Tn reply 1o Mr Finlay, witness said the 'capital cost of the Horohoro scheme included implements, stocks and roads. In the case of Government sections, he understood that roads 'were a charge over the whole country. If reading and implement costs were apportioned over the whole of the Horohoro development area it might, make a reduction in the capital cost of about £2, but that, would not be enough. Another £2 would have I a be written off to make, say, the Ngatituru sections payable. The same applied to Rongomaipapa. Values would have lo come down to £lO to £ll. per acre. He was satisfied that settlers on the Horohoro area would not be discouraged lo make good if they were trealed fairly by the Government. The commission then reverted to the sale of bulls by Donald Wilson, a previous witness, to Whafrigarei development schemes. Alatthew Robert Finlay, farm director, said the bulls wore satisfactory as to type, but he considered that ho could have bought 'animals equally good for ten guineas. He had reported the matter to Hi" chief clerk, Mr Shepherd, who sain ho would have lo see the Minister, but he received no further message before lie left Auckland. lu reply to his Honour, witness said I hat if Ihe bulls were bough: in Hie Walkalo for ten guineas they should not cost more Hiau eleven j guineas landed in the North. He had.j however, authorised the purchase j from Wilson at fourteen guineas, i