MINISTER OF NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 18 May 1912, Page 8

MINISTER OF NATIVE AFFAIRS.

fPer Press Association.)

GISBORNE, May 17

The Hon W. S. D. McDonald, Minister of Works and Native Affairs, was entertained by his constituents at Tekaraka last evening. There was la large and enthusiastic gathering. Speeches were delivered by Sir James Carroll, the .Mayor of Gisborne, .and others, and Mr Mac Donald was presented with an illuminated address. Accompanied by Sir James Carroll, the Minister Heft for Wairoa this morning, opening the Nuhaka bridge en route.

The Native Minister, in the coulee of an interview, -announced that .last year's, operations in connection with transactions for the alienation of native .land showed great progress, the figures being—Lands dealt,with by way of lease 36<00Q acres, dealt with:by-vyay of safle 319,867, purchased by the Crown 91 r 774. Probably 30,000 acres were purchased by the -.Crown Lands Department, and a further 100,000 acres jinder negotiations at March 31 are now practically completed, making a total far the year, approximately, of ■800,000 acres. Air Mac Donald holds that the surplus lands can be dealt with more on' the lines of Crown lands than, is Ixing done hfiider existing conditions. He is thoroughly investigating the working of the .Native Department, and considers the Land Courts should complete their work , about three years from now.