MAORI LAND PROBLEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20254, 14 May 1929, Page 11

MAORI LAND PROBLEM.

QUESTION MUST BE FACED.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER.

TIME FOR STOCK-TAKING

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WAIUKU, Monday.

"I hope to be able to advance the native land question a stage further than it is at present," said the Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Lands, in replying to a deputation representing the Franklin County Council at Waiuku this evening.

" The time has come when we have to face this question," continued the Minister. "The present position is of no benefit to the natives, is handicapping the local bodies and it is frustrating settlement. We ought to have a stocktaking. No one wants to bo unjust to the natives, but I feel if we take reasonable action in this matter it will bo for the benefit of all concerned."

.Two typical instances of the native land problem were cited to the Minister. One was a property of 282 acres near Kohekohe, which was originally Crown land About 15 years ago it was given to landless natives, who had not done anything with it. If the land had been thrown open for selection it was estimated a revenue of £6OO in rates would have accrued to the County Council, but as tho position was the natives paid no local taxation and the burden had to be borne by others. The present owners were never .likely to farm it, although Mr. J. N. Massey, M.P., chairman of the Franklin County Council, asserted the land could be easily brought in.

The other instance related to an area of 400 acres of sand country belonging to tho estate of a deceased native. The property was situated near the coast and was said to constitute a serious menace to adjacent owners because of tho drifting sand. It was thought the adjoining owners would be willing to purchase tho land at Government valuation in order to plant the area and thus protect their properties. Tho Minister will inspect these areas to-morrow and will discuss with the Franklin 1 County Council at Pukekohe tomorrow evening the general problem of native lands.