NATIVE LANDS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144070, 15 April 1913, Page 6

NATIVE LANDS.

THE QUESTION OF RATINGS. WANGANUI. Ami! 12. The question of having a satisfactory ; basis to work on so far as the rating of Native lands is concerned has'been engaging a good deal of attention lately, and representatives of county councils are likely to bo called together shortly at the invitation of the Native Minister to discuss the Native rating problem. Mr. H. H. Richardson, clerk to tho Rangitikei County Council, has, on behalf of that body, forwarded a few suggestions, and has received a letter of thanks from the Native 'Minister, with a statement that they will receive every consideration. Mr. Richardson suggests:—(l.) That tho individualising of Native lands bo carried out as expeditiously as possible; (2) that individualised Native lands bo placed upon the same tooting as European Native lands in regard to rating; (3) that tho Valuation Department be supplied with fullest information obtainable'in regard to all Native lands, and that individualised lands be entered under their distinct heading upon tiie valuation roll; (4) that some system be devised whereby the rates on all Native lands, other than individualised lands, may be secured to tho local body in the same way that survey charges are secured, and without the need of any Court proceedings. The suggestion w r as offered by tho Rangitikei County Council some years ago, and has since been made by other county councils, that no transaction in any Native land bo approved by any Native Land Board, Land Court, or other authority dealing with Native lands, unless all rates have first been paid on such lands or secured on behalf of the local body. This is a very troublesome question. It may be stated that it was brought before the Prime Minister at Hawera when the case was mentioned of a farmer in the district who was holding 2000 acres, cultivating and grassing it. but not one penny by way of rates did the county get from it.. In reply the Prime Minister it was stated that' the man had no lease, and a suggestion was made that a good way to meet the difficulty would be to make it punishable for a man to rent land from Maoris without first consulting the local authorities. . . Tho Prime .Minister said that legislation would bo introduced next session, and that matters would bo placed on a much more satisfactory basis.