MOKAU LAND ENQUIRY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 25, 14 September 1911, Page 6

MOKAU LAND ENQUIRY.

(Per Press Association.)

Wclligtou, September 14. Mr. Dalziell, continuing, said Mr. Massey slutect that the interests of the public had not been studied, and the interest of the natives had not been safeguarded,, and that the Government had, committed a breach of the public interest in granting the Qrdoi-in-Council. • Mr. Doll,' in his evidence, - had seriously reflected on an individual. He said Mr. Skerrett had been employed by the Government, and not by the natives; but this was .incorrect. Mr. Bell said at meeting there Was an overwhelming ;uajonty against the sale, wlterdafi’ a TYinjority of acreage was in favour of the sale." Another incorrect assertion--of-Mr. Bell’s was that the werof misled into believing Niiey ihiist'ei ther raise £BOO to fight 'tlio’' case 'ov’kbll, whereas they might •Retain possession of the block without litigation. , Tlie natives know litiga|fio" i>'ust’ljc'Ajno., Witness also had -.autlioriiV to ’state that Mr. Skerrett iutu iu»t"givoa up the case to Mr. Bell. The Land Board had made no order for payment of costs as stated by Mr. Bell. Mr. Dalziell also strongly resented Mr. Bell’s assertion that MacDonald must have been bought. To Mr. Ngata: At the final meeting of the natives .Mr. Holland only advised the natives on points of procedure. -. a -, r . , To Mr. Herries: Mr. Skerrett had been coiploycd by the Government in the proceedings before the Commission at Te Kiuti. Mr. Bowler receivcT Jponqj’ssiqp,', from Wellington before fyeepinjug,, trustee for the natives. As fai; ; as, witness knew, Mr. Lewis had lieep peting ,pn Ids own account. Mr. Bpjylei*',wp|S pidemnified by Lewis and Cp.‘' ;in, any. resultant litigation. '.TIiA Cornmittcc adjourned till toiilbrVo'nk V If: >5 Jj.l i... -ii