WORK FOR MAORIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21793, 7 May 1934, Page 12

WORK FOR MAORIS

LAND DEVELOPMENT ? CONDITIONS IN NORTH SUPPORT FOR SCHEMES COUNTY MANAGER'S VIEWS [by telegraph —own correspondent] WHANGAREI. Saturday The Royal Commission on native affairs concluded its North Auckland sitting at Whangarei to-day, and will sit at' Rotorua next Friday. The commission comprises Mr. Justice Smith, chairman, Messrs. L. AY. Nelson, D. 6. Johnston and J. Alexander. Mr. R. H. Quilliam, instructed by the Government is appearing to assist tho commission, and Mr. G. P. Finlay is representing tho native race. Further evidence regarding native land development schemes was heard to-day.

Robert Boyd Russell, manager for the Hokianga County Council, and a member of the Native Land Development Board, stated that ho had resided in the district for the past 21 years. Although the district was an old one, it was only of recent years that it had been opened up. Prior to the commencement of the native land development schemes, the Maoris were engaged in work in the bush and on other labouring works. In somo cases the natives were living under extremely primitive conditions. Tho land was very fertile, but until six years ago had been generally untouched. Incentive to Work Land The consolidation and development schemes resulted in the natives keeping moro at homo and it gave them a definite incentive to work their land and bring their families up on proper lines, continued witness. It was his definite opinion that the 1 development scheme would be a success provided rigid supervision was maintained. In reply to Mr. Finlay, witness said the rating position in the county was a serious matter. The area concerned was 120,000 acres, with an unimproved value of £132,000. That was all nonrateable land with the exception of two aipounts paid as a compromise by the native Minister.

"The development scheme provided work in a time of crisis when tho normal labouring .works practically ceased," said Mr. Russell. "Tho "Unemployment Board would have had to takiß over the burden of caring for the large number of natives. In my opinion,, the western area of the Te Kaoa block should not have been used for, the development scheme."

Question of Supervision

Mr. Quilliam: Do you think the Maoris approve of European field supervisors ?

Witness: I do not think there is any resentment provided the supervisor is a reasonable man. The work of explaining matters to the natives and dealing with , their financial accounts entails considerably more explanation than when dealing with Europeans, but the difficulties are not insurmountable. In my • opinion, the number of field supervisors should be increased.

Mr. Alexander: Do you consider there r is sufficient available land to settle all the' natives in the North? "Witness: I think that in some districts it would be necessary to acquire more land. In reply to further questions, witness said he looked at the matter from a national point of view. He could think of no better way in which to spend unemployment funds. The scheme also provided a form of insurance for adjoining lands. If this native land had not been settled, the noxious weeds, particularly ragwort, would have spread with much greater rapidity. He had seen definite instances of -improvement in the character of some of the younger natives as a result of the scheme. One of the best features was that the younger people were learning to work. European View Summarised \ Mr. Justice Smith: The European view- may bo summed up under three headings: To relieve the rating burden of counties, keep down the growth of noxious weeds, and a desire to assist the natives in a time of poverty? ; Witness: Yes. Mr. Justice Smith: The native position is that their leaders have appealed to their pride of race in order to make a reborn people?— Yes. Mr, Justice Smith: Do the natives realise the money advances have been made to them on a European standard and are a statutory charge on the .land? —Yes, the departmental officers have always explained, that to the natives. William Cooper, Native Department official, recalled by Mr. Justice Smith, was asked by the chairman whether > the appeal by the leaders was made uuder the terms of the Treaty of Waitangu Witness said it was. Liabilities Fully Explained

Mr.' Justice Smith: Have you told the natives that the advances are to be repaid, and that they will be expected to pay rates on the land they are using? Witness: Yes, I have explained to - them the advances must be repaid and the need for rating. However, I did give thom an undertaking that T would endeavour to have a rate deferred until such time as the land was able to pay. Mr. Justice Smith: What is the liatana view of the scheme? Witness: T cannot say definitely what the underlying motive is regarding their opposition. However, it appears from what I have heard that the Ratana followers have been led by their leaders to believe that eventually they •will dominate New Zealand. Of late a certain section of the liatana people in . the North have come over to tlio scheme. With regard to mortgage commitments, I have explained to the natives so they will understand that "a mortgage is like a lire, a good servant, but a bad master. Mr. Justice Smith: It is nice to hear that the position of their actual liabilities has been fully explained to the natives. The commission then adjourned and members later left for Auckland.