NATIVE AFFAIRS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22712, 26 October 1935, Page 24

NATIVE AFFAIRS

ERECTION OF DWELLINGS PROVISION FOR FINANCE (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, October 25. The Prime Minister, Mr G. W. Forbes, as Minister of Native Affairs, introduced the Native Housing Bill in the House of Representatives to-day. The Bill, which was brought down by GovernorGeneral’s Message, provides generally for advances to be made by the Board of Native Affairs on security for the erection and repair of dwellings owned by Natives. The securities on which the money can be advanced from sums appropriated by Parliament are defined in the Bill. They include mortgages or assignments on Native land and assignments on farm produce, but there is no fixed margin of security. Advances will not be made direct to the applicant, but the money will be expended or applied by the board or at its direction, and charging orders may be ibade by the Native Land Court in respect of advances. The rate of interest on advances is not to exceed the current rate fixed by the Mortgage Cdrporation, and the Board of Native Affairs is to have powers of inspection and supervision with regard to the whole scheme. Outlining the provisions of the Bill, Mr Forbes said that advances would be secured against revenues received by the Maoris. Some of them were receiving small amounts by way of interest, but they were too small for use in building up a capital sum. The proposals should be of marked assistance to the Maori people. The question of improving the houses of those not able to offer security would be dealt with in the investigation under the general housing scheme. Mr Barnard: Will you say where the money is coming from? Mr Forbes: The same place as the advances to settlers and workers. The Bill was put through all its stages and passed without discussion.