MAORI LANDS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20277, 11 April 1934, Page 12

MAORI LANDS.

Inquiry Into Administration by Department. IRREGULARITIES DISCLOSED. Per Press Association WELLINGTON, April 10. An extensive survey of Maori land , development schemes and the opera- j tions of the board which controls them ; and details of the Native Affairs De- j partment was given to-day before the Royal Commission set up by the Government to inquire into the adminis- , tration of the departments of State s concerned in the welfare of the Maori race. The whole csf the day was occupied in hearing the evidence of Mr P. G. Pearce, Under-Secretary of the Native Department. Extracts from reports of the Stores and Audit Inspector upon the operations of the Maori Land Development schemes and details of the action taken to correct irregularities were given by the Under-Secretarv. The Stores and Audit Inspector’s report, which was put in as evidence disclosed irregularities mainly in the Waiariki, Waikato-Maniapoto and Tairawhiti districts. “I am not in a position to say authoritatively whether or not the department’s stores’ rules and forms are sufficiently complete or in the simplest form as I have not had an opportunity of studying them carefully,” said Mr Pearce “From what I have seen, a workable system has been laid down and any faults that exist are the result of imperfect knowledge or negligence of the officers operating it. However, it would have been better had the rules been amplified to meet special conditions such as are experienced in dealing with live stock and perhaps other matters. Judging by what I saw in one office ( Auckland), the system is overdone and this gives rise to unnecessary labour, but steps are now being taken to rectify the matter. “Maori Land Board officers were under direction to keep individual loan accounts for units, but unfortunately in some cases, d satisfactory standaid of work has not been obtained,” said witness. “For example, in one section of the Auckland office, accounting is good, while in Gisborne, work is poor A proficient officer was specially attached to the latter office as from the beginning of January last in order to improve the accounts.” Purchase of Stores. The failure of the Native Department to make its purchases through the Stores Control Board on all occasions had resulted in severe criticism by the Controller and Auditor-General, said witness. “On July 15, 1931,” he continued, “the Under-Secretary recommended to the Native Minister that the Native Department be made a purchasing Department under the Stores Control Board, and so permit it to make its own purchases. The Min- * ister referred the matter to Cabinet, which authorised that this be done. Apparently no action was taken with reference to the Economy Committee, but on August 3 the Minister addressed a memorandum to the Chairman of the Stores Control Board on the subject, and the following are his concluding remarks: “‘ I understand that recently 3'our board decided that, in regard to the purchase of seeds, fertilisers and stock, the Department of Agriculture is to have control. While I am prepared to consult that Department when necessary in regard to seed qualities and mixtures and proper fertilisers to use, I would prefer to use my own organisation for the purchase of its requirements. There are quite enough formalities to go through now, enough expert views to co-ordinate and enough delays, without introducing another layer of them, especially one organised on European lines with European standards. In view of this, it would be better to grant the Department exemption in regard to the four lines of seed, fertiliser, stock and fencing material.” The chairman replied: “It is regretted that your request for exemption for the purchase of seeds, manures and fencing materials cannot be acceded to.” The Department was, however, authorised to arrange its own purchases of live stock, continued witness. The reason for the lack of information in the head office was that instructions concerning the rendering of monthly live stock returns had not been complied with. This form made provision for reporting deaths and natural increase, but practically every district failed to forward the return and head office was not insistent enough in its demands for its preparation. In December 1933, it realised that without a detailed examination of the accounts and records held in the Maori Land Board offices, it would be practically impossible to reconcile the figures as shown in head office accounts, said Mr Pearce.