BLUFF NATIVES

Southland Times, Issue 19294, 12 July 1924, Page 8

BLUFF NATIVES

LAND CLAIM ADVANCED. GOVERNMENT TO BE APPROACHED. A public meeting of Natives was held in the Maori House, Bluff, on Monday evening last to deal with matters concerning their interests. One of the most important matters dealt with was the claims set forth by the Natives, which has been going on for the past 70 years, praying to have the terms of Mr Kemps’ purchase of their lands mentioned in his deed of the year 1878, given effect to. The present Government appointed a Royal Commission to go into the merits of the claims set forth by the Natives. The Commission, after going fully into the matter, recommended that the Natives be paid the sum of £354,000 in settlement of their claim. The Government has already made proposals to set up some tribunal to inquire into and determine who are rightful Natives to participate in the money referred to. After various speakers spoke on the subject, a resolution was carried that the Government be urged at the earliest opportunity to set up some Tribunal competent to inquire into and determine who are the rightful Natives entitled to participate in the £354,000, as recommended by the Royal Commission for the purpose of going into the terms of Mr Kemps’ deed in the year 1878. It was also decided at the meeting that Mr W. Uru, M.P. for the Southern Maori Electorate, be asked to do his best to get the Government to give effect to the wishes of the Natives. It is understood the Government have set aside £4OOO out of the money to be paid to the old people to compensate them in some small measure for the trouble and expense they have been put to in connection with the matter. The method of dividing this money was questioned by some of the speakers who were of the opinion tjiat this money should be equally divided amongst all the people over 60 years of age, including the women as well and not allotted to a few, who have already been allotted a portion of the money. It is fully recognised by the Natives that the present Government are at all times willing to go into the merits of their appeals, as is proved by their actions in the claims set forth by the Natives in connection with the Titi Islands, whose first rights have been restored to them. Mr Ellison and Mr Matthews both gave very interesting addresses, which were appreciated by all present. Other matters were dealt with which the recent appointed Progressive League will attend to. Everyone left satisfied that the meeting was one of the most enthusiastic javer held by. the Natives in the Bluff, j