NATIVE LANDS DEPARTMENT

Otago Witness, Issue 4041, 25 August 1931, Page 68

NATIVE LANDS DEPARTMENT

REFLECTION UPON ADMINISTRATION

ALLEGATIONS BY PETITIONER. WELLINGTON, August 18. , Allegations which reflect upon the administration of Sir Apirana Ngata as Native Minister, and the integrity of the Maori Princess Te Puea, are contained in a petition presented to the House today by Mr R. M’Keen (Wellington South) on behalf of Patrick Barry, formerly an employee of the Native Land Department. The petitioner, who is seeking reinstatement in the public service, stated that after 20 years in the Agriculture and Lands Departments he was transferred to the Native Lands Department as farm director, and among his duties he had charge of the Waipipi Native land development scheme. He added that “ Te Puea, a leading Native lady, has interested herself in Native land development schemes, including Waipipi, and exercises an influence and control over the Natives and the working of the scheme.” By arrangement with the Natives all wages paid on the Waipipi scheme were paid to Te Puea, who distributed the money in such a way as to her seemed best among the Natives on the settlement. In September, 1930, there was work for only three men on the settlement and eight Maoris were being employed. The petitioner pointed out that the payment of wages to the Maoris whose work was not required would seriously prejudice the scheme, and on this being represented to Te Puea it was arranged that the wages for October should be restricted to £22 10s. However, the wages sheet sent in by Te Puea for that month totalled £49 Is. Petitioner refused to pass the claim without the sanction of Judge M'Cormick, of the Native Land Court, and referred it to him. According to the petition Judge McCormick interviewed Te Puea and she made it clear that she expected to have wages provided for her party of 49 Maoris whether their services were required or not, and she refused to accept any explanation, from Judge M’Cormick that this could not be done. The judge informed the Native Minister of Te Puea’s complaint, and said he agreed with the petitioner that the wage claims were far too high. Petitioner then alleges that the Native Minister thereupon gave instructions that his services were to be dispensed with, and he was now without employment and without superannuation. He asks that a full inquiry be held and that he be reinstated in the public service without loss of superannuation.