RATING OF NATIVE LAND.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8862, 12 July 1907, Page 2

RATING OF NATIVE LAND.

Press Association,

Wellington, July 11

The question of rating native lands was brought before the Native Minister to-day by a Taranaki deputation, who complained that blocks owuecl by groups of uativs escaped the payment of rates, because one or more individuals had no direct responsibility or liability in the eyes of the existing law so far as tho payment of rates was concerned. Mr Carroll said some change should be made in the law, but it would require to b,e a gradual change. Where native lauds were situated within reasonable limits of European settlements rates should bo paid and natives so situated should be on the roll aud have a voice in the affairs of the cotlntry, and there siiouid.be no. escape' from their obligtaioiis. The Minister did not hold out any very definite hope that what the deputation required would be done this session, but ho pr imised to give his best attention to tho matter with a view to remedying the existing unsatisfactory state of. affairs.