NATIVE LAND COMMISSION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13859, 23 March 1907, Page 10

NATIVE LAND COMMISSION.

(Pes United Press Association.) WANGANUI, March 22. The Native Land Commission opened its sitting Jicre this morning. The Chief Justice, as president, explained the scope and purpose, of the commission, and informed the Natives that, Mr Skcrrett had been instructed by the Government to act for them. Takarangi Mete Kingi, a leading local chief, spoke a few words of welcome. Tho Chief .Justice replied, expressing the hope that, the young Maoris of to-day would be as brave in the industrial struggle as their ancestors had formerly been brave in war. The blocks which were the subject of discussion were Morikau No. 1, 1400 acres; Morikau No. 2, WOO acres; Whaks.ilmwalra, 14,000 acres; and Taumatamahoe, 42,000 acres. The representatives of the Maoris who gave evidence were in sympathy _ with tho suggestion made by the commission in other places, and agreed that the land at tho present time was not only to a large extent lying idle, but for want of cultivation was deteriorating. The general opinion was that tho sale of land should cease, and that leasing should bo forwarded. Land not. used by Maoris for village purposes should be leased to Maoris for farms, and tho balance offered to Europeans.' It was also generally conceded that the money derived from the lease of tho land should not be handed direct to tho Maoris. It was shown that in the great majority of cases tho money (£27,000 or £28,000) which tho Maoris hall recently received for the sale of their lands had been dissipated. Tlie commission resumes tomorrow.