NATIVE LANDS

Southland Times, Issue 21849, 28 October 1932, Page 7

NATIVE LANDS

HOKONUI BLOCK. DEADLOCK IN NEGOTIATIONS. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, October 27. Interviewed on the progress or otherwise of the proposed purchase of 4000 acres of native lands in the Hokonui district for closer settlement, Mr P. A. de la Perrelle stated to-day that there was practically a deadlock in the negotiations between the Lands Department and the natives. It would be remembered, said Mr Perrelle, that over 12 months ago he approached the department with a view to a purchase of these lands for closer settlement feeling confident that the land would be readily taken. The native owners were approached and the Lands Department after a thorough investigation offered to purchase 4000 acres at 10/— per acre. The natives met and declined the offer asking at least £1 per acre. Further recent negotiations were made but the natives had remained adamant. Mr Perrelle has now received a further letter from the Minister of Lands in which the latter says: “I have to advise you that I have had an extensive investigation made as to the prospects of subdivision of the areas in question having regard to probable local benefits derivable from the closer settlement of the district and although the division of a suitable scheme has embraced an exhaustive range of proposals the price requested by the native owners is prohibitive and entirely beyond the possibility of success without involving the Government in considerable loss. Since the natives are somewhat insistent upon the price demanded and will not entertain a figure that would permit of prospective settlers making a success of their holding without loss to the general taxpayer, I am unable to recommend the purchase of lands by the Government.” Commenting upon the Ministers decision Mr Perrelle said it was regrettable that the natives had taken the stand they did because it was likely that the land would remain idle for some years. He was, however, hopeful that they would yet accept a smaller price and thus enable the closer settlement of the land which was ideally situated and suited for the purpose.