Natives Not Upheld In Orakei Dispute

Northern Advocate, 26 January 1939, Page 3

Natives Not Upheld In Orakei Dispute

f Special to “NvWhern )AdvocKite”l AUCKLAND, This Day. . Decision in favour of the Crown has been given by Mr. Justice Kennedy, Royal Commissioner, who was appointed to inquire into the grievances alleged by the Maoris in regard to their continued occupation of land at Orakei on the waterfront close to the city of Auckland. Adjacent to the area in dispute are a large number of State houses erected in the last year or two. Questions submitted to the commissioner were whether the Crown should have abstained from purchasing land a few years ago from Maoris, or whether the price was fair and reasonable and whether there is any valid reason for present native occupiers refusing to vacate the land and give possession. Fair Price Given. The Commissioner holds that there is no reason why the Crown should have refrained from purchasing, as the price was fair and reasonable, and that there was no good reason why the Maoris should not give possession. In a memorandum attached to the finding the Acting-Minister of Native Affairs, the Hon. F. Langstone states that the Commissioner recommends that payments by way of adjustment in the purchase price should be made to certain natives, and Cabinet approved of that being done.