THE MOKAU INQUIRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14767, 24 August 1911, Page 6

THE MOKAU INQUIRY.

. A LIVELY SITTING. '"

EXAMINATION OF JOSHUA JONES.

[BZ TELEGRAPH. — ASSOCIATION.] . Wellington, Wednesday. The Mokau transaction was further considered by the Native Affairs Committee to-day. Joshua Jones was called, and, in reply to a question by Mr.' Jennings, said ho was only there to answer questions, and would have more to say later. Replying to Mr. Masse'y, witness said the area of the Mokau Block was 56,500 acres. Some of the valleys were very rich, and the hilly country was fit for sheep. Coal was plentiful there. Ho did not know of any richer country in New Zealand.

. Witness was proceeding to describe the coal seams on the Banks of the Mokau River, when the chairman interjected that some of the coal he was referring to was not on the Mokau Block.

Jones thereupon got up and refused to give further evidence, saying that he waa not being treated in a proper manner, and after some words with the chairman he refused to go on, and left the room, but returned a little later, after being pacified by Mr. Massey, who continued his' examination of witness.

Jones said the syndicate would have a monopoly over the coal-bearing country on the west coast of Taranaki. Ho received an offer from London in April, 1910, of £100,000 for his interests in the lease. The intending purchasers were going to make elaborate works at Mokau. Sir Joseph Ward was interviewed, and stated that if Jones's peoplo would build a harbour it would be a good thing for the natives and for the country. He (Jones) was given to understand that the Government would sanction the sale, but was informed later that Cabinet had decided not to go on with it.

In 1903 Mr. McNab, on behalf of the Government, declined to have anything to do with the purchase of his interests in tho block. At this time Hen-man Lewie was negotiating for the purchase of the property from the executors of Flowers, who held mortgages over the land. Witness stated that he understood from Sir James Carroll in 1908 or 1909 that the Government was anxious to purchase the block, the price mentioned being £15,000. Ho asked for a Royal Commission. The Legislative Council approved of the setting up of an inquiry, and referred the matter to the Government for consideration. He instructed his solicitor to see Sir John Findlay and request the setting up of tho Commission immediately. His solicitor did so, and he (witness) was informed that Sir John Findlay had refused to 'set up the Commission. An Order-in-Council permitting the sale of the block was issued by Cabinet on December 5 last, and on December 8 he met Sir Joseph Ward, who told him ho (Sir Joseph Ward) would put the matter right for him. Sir Joseph Ward said, further, that there was public feeling against the fee simple of the mineral rights being parted with. -, This concluded Mr. Massey's examination of Jones, and the committee adjourned until to-morrow. CLOSER SETTLEMENT. [BY TELEGRAPH. CORRESPONDENT.] •Wellington', Wednesday'. A .proposal has been made by Mr. Newman (Manawatu) that. the Government should resume the Mokau lands for the pur-; poses of closer settlement. The Acting.Minister' for Lands stated this afternoon 'that the subject had already been before the Government. "It is believed," he: added, "that the recent dealings will, prove satisfactory in every way, and that before long a thriving settlement will be established.''