NATIVE LAND TRANSFERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19122, 17 September 1936, Page 5

NATIVE LAND TRANSFERS

LAST YEAR’S OPERATIONS INCREASE IN LEASES (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Native land transactions during the past year, according to the annual report of the Native Department, included 196 sales, involving 20,480 acres, and 276 leases having a total area of 71,051 acres, leaving in the occupation of Maoris in the North Island 3,808,000 acres.

There was an increase in the number of leasing transactions during the year, but a decrease in sales. Maori land boards, which administer 654.253 acres, improved their financial position in the year by £21,000, their funds totalling £680,670. 1 Following the Native Housing Act of last year, regulations have been prepared and progress made in considering the most suitable class of dwelling, various types being investigated, including iron and pise construction. Arrangements were made with the Public Works Department to erect experimental buildings in these materials and the Health Department is co-operating.

Unemployment funds to the extent of £119,991 were administered during the year for the benefit of 3300 Maoris under the supervision of the Native Department’s field officers. <