KING COUNTRY LANDS.
STATE PURCHASE URGED. WELLINGTON, September 17. A representative deputation from tho King Country waited on tho Prime Minister and the Minister of Native Affairs this morning, and urged that the disadvantages under ■ which the residents of Te Kuiti, Taumaranui, and Otorohanga suffered as a result of the towns in question being Maoriowned should be removed. The Prime Minister said the matter was one of importance to the whole dominion. The suggestion that tho State should purchase property in the towns concerned from the Natives willing to sell appealed to him as fair and just It was essential, of course, that the interests of the Natives should be protected. He hoped that it would be possible to get something done this session. Mr Herries expressed tho opinion that the Act of 1913 gave ample power to do what the deputation was asking. If the Natives were willing to sell he was quite prepared' to call a meeting of the owners, and, if possible, effect a purchase. In making a purchase, however, the Crown must be protected by guarantee from the present tenants that they would repurchase the property from the State. The deputation said it was prepared to do this.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 3419, 26 September 1919, Page 25
Word Count
202KING COUNTRY LANDS. Otago Witness, Issue 3419, 26 September 1919, Page 25
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