NATIVE AFFAIRS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 151, 28 June 1934, Page 6

NATIVE AFFAIRS

COMMISSIONS INQUIRY PURCHASES OF STOCK CHIEF CLERK’S EVIDENCE ( Per Press Association ). WELLINGTON, June 27. Before the Native Affairs Commission, Mr. G. P. Shepherd, chief clerk of the Native Department, continued his evidence regarding purc.-iaseJ'made in connection with the development schemes. In the course of buying, said witness, tenders were not called tor. ’rhe question of buying by tender never arose. Witness expressed the opinion that under the Treaty of Waitangi land could not be forcibly taken from natives for development. There had to be a substantial agreement Detween the natives and the department. Witness was questioned regarding stock purchases from Wilson. Mr. Johnston: Did you tarre any steps to point cut to the Minister that this was unconstitutional j Witness: No, I discussed it with the Minister on one occasion, ana said he had better not buy off Wilson. The Minister stated that he got good stock from Wilson. Mr. Johnston: Who fixed prices. Witness: The Minister carried out the neogtiations himself with Wilson. Mr. Johnston: The purchases with Wilson were carried out by the Minister apart altogether from the office. Witness: Yes. Mr. Johnston: Did you point out that the usual me.thod of buying stock was through the Department of Agriculture? Witness: Yes. That was frequently discussed, but w e had exemption for livestock and the exemption provided we should combine with the Department of Agriculture as far as possible, and that was done quite frequently.