NATIVE ADMINISTRATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22108, 14 May 1935, Page 8

NATIVE ADMINISTRATION

The appointment of Messrs. J. S. Jessep and J. N. Massey, M.P., to the newly-constituted Board of Native Affairs should give satisfaction to Europeans who have the interests of the Maori race at heart and confidence to the Maori people. This board takes the place of the Native Land Settlement Board under the scheme of reorganisation that was compelled by fault's in the administration. It will exercise control over the investment, on mortgage or otherwise, of moneys from the Native Trustee's Account, on account of a Maori Land Board or appropriated by Parliament. It will also supervise expenditure on farming operations undertaken or approved of by the Native Trustee or a Maori Land Board, and in this matter will have the advice of local committees. Mr. Jessep, formerly deputy-chairman of the Unemployment Board, is already East Coast Commissioner, having been appointed to that position a year ago under the Native Purposes Act. 1031. He is a skilled agriculturist and a man of exceptional executive ability. He has a station of his own in the Wairoa district and his standing in the farming community is shown by the fact that for 10 years he was a member of the Meat Board and as vice-chairman was sent to England to negotiate the first shipping contract. He is a true friend of the Maori people and his guidance will always be to their permanent advantage. At the same time he may be depended upon to insist upon control that will meet every requirement of the Audit Department and conform to practical standards in production. He will help to supply the "sympathetic understanding" for which Sir Apirana Ngata and Mr. Forbes have frequently pleaded, as well as practical knowledge and business acumen. In Mr. Massey he will have a confrere of like mind. He inherits the tradition that has been built up by the policies carried forward by the late Sir William Herrics and Mr. Coates. The legislative framework of their efforts to establish the Maori people on the land has required strengthening, but in purpose is was the same as that which exists to-day. The only change has been in departmental machinery. The pakeha recognises his duty to the Maori and intends to discharge it in full, : In due time the Maori people will I realise that \he changes have been I made for their benefit. '