NATIVE LAND LEGISLATION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 12184, 28 June 1910, Page 6

NATIVE LAND LEGISLATION.

(From Oar Parliamentary Reporter.) j ■ • • WELLINGTON, this day. v | The Native land legislat.on, 'as forecasted, m tiie 'oovernor's speech tuisafternoon, wiil be m th- direction of j native reserves, townships, and rutai^. 'i'iie legislation respecting reserves will: be m the nature of consolidation of the! substance of that, affecting East Coast I Trust lands, scattered through the [numerous Acts of past years. Consolidation will be the main feature, but there will be a re-arrangement m respect of rating. In regard to native townships, I understand this will go m the direction of giving natives* individually and collectively, the right of sale. .Tins is important m regard to Greymouth and certain townships on' the Main Trunk, but is not likely to materially affect East Coast . townships at the present juncture. The rating of native lands will form an important feature of ' tha programme. Great difficulty has been experienced by local bodies m the past m connection with the collection ot rates levied on native lands, particularly communal areas. Even after judgment has been obtained against native blocks the land cannot be sold without the consent of the Minister, who is naturally not disposed to confiscate > a block worth thousands of pounds for a few rates. The Government is seeking a solution of the problem, and it is suggested tliat the rates shall be made a hrst charge against the- land, and.iiipon the obtainment of a judgment the Government will appoint a receiver, as is now done m ttie case of survey liens: .