MR. CARROLL AT KAWHIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12812, 11 March 1905, Page 4

MR. CARROLL AT KAWHIA.

[BY telegraph.—own REPORTER.]

Kawhia, Friday. The Native Minister met the Kawhia natives yesterday, and discussed matters affecting the rating and dealing with native lands. They complained that in taking roads through native country, and laying off roads through their holdings in the district, the laud was unnecessarily spoiled. This created a feeling that where it became a question between pakeha and Maori the latter whs left." They wanted a school at Te Taharoa, and they also did not understand the notices which had been sent regarding valuations, and asked to have control over their own lauds. In respect to the first matter, the Minister said he would look into it. He could hardly conceive that lands were being sacrificed to suit their neighbours. He would see justice done. In the struggle for life which was coming, the Maori would feel it much keener than now, and their children ! and children's children should be educationj ally equipped so that they child hold their i own. i In regard to valuation, he quite agreed that aD such notices should be circulated in Maori as well as English. This complaint : was made in view of the coming into operation of the Native Land Act of last session. He said the .Valuation Department had to prepare rolls for every county in the dis- , trict in order to ascertain what native lands were ratable and what owners should be placed on the ratepayers' roll. This was no easy task, and would take some time, but whatever objection (hay had to being rated, he felt sure would disappear when they realised tho power placed in their hands, liecause in many districts they would have the controlling power in local governing matters. Regarding, native lands, Mr. Carroll &aid lie did not think there would be any change of the present policy, unless it was to allow free trade in native lauds, but this ho fid not think the country would tolerate. He felt that the Act might be improved in many respects to ensure its smoother working and better results. He regretted also that the Act in its operation had encountered so much apposition from prejudiced sources, both European and Maori, which militated strongly against its usefulness. A lot oi business had been accomplished, notwithstanding idverse criticism. Permission was granted to lease during the 12 months a total area oi 11,268 acres. In 28 cases with an area of 11,255 acres, the average area per tenant was 101 acres, and the avorage rental 2s Bid per acre. In the cases of leases of 52 acres in small areas for sites, etc., the average area per tenant was acres, and the average rental £5 12s. They must use the lands themselves or let them bo cut up and submitted for European settlement. It was no use leaving the land idle and unproductive, Lveause so long as it remained so the Europeans had a grievance. Hw urged them to co-operate with the Europeans and make the most of the laws as they were, with a view to bringing their waste lands into profitable occupation.