NATIVE AFFAIRS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 89, 10 April 1934, Page 5

NATIVE AFFAIRS

Sitting of Commission EVIDENCE HEARD TO-DAY OF HISTORICAL NATURE (Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Native Affairs Commission commenced taking evidence at Wellington this morning. The evidence being first heard is mainly of an historical nature and is given by the Department. Members of the Commission, which will hear evidence at Auckland, Rotorua and Gisborne, are: Judge Smith (chairman), Messrs. J. Alexander (Auckland), D. G. Johnston (Wellington) and L. W. Nelson (Whangarei). Mr. R. H. Quilliam, instructed by the Government, appears to assist the Commission.

Mr. G. P. Finlay appears for the native people. Mr. Quilliam said that he proposed to call the Under-Secretary of the Native Department, who would present a statement explaining in general terms the constitution of the Department, the Native Trust Office and the different branches of the Government concerned with native administration. The Native Trustee, and one or two witnesses from the Native Trust Office would also be called. A statement would also be submitted by the Controller and AuditorGeneral, whose last report led to the inquiry. The Auditor-General would also present a file dealing with the particular matters to which it was considered desirable that attention should be drawn. Other witnesses would be a representative of the Treasury, the Public Service Commissioner, and the deputy-chairman of the Unemployment Board. EVIDENCE OF UNDER-SECRETARY > WELLINGTON, This Day. Mr Phillip Pearce, Under-Secretary for Native Affairs, whose direct association with the department, lias dated back only to November 28 last, said he consequently, gave evidence with great diffidence. The legislation of 1929 giving the Native Minister power to develop Native .lands and make advances out of Government loan money was, he stated revolutionary as far as the department is concerned, as it imposed an entirely new class of work upon the staff, and subjected them to all restrictions connected with handling public moneys.

It was a matter for consideration whether the department, rose to the occasion or failed, and if so who, or what, -was responsible. Ono important, point, was whether the Under-Secretary and his staff wore able to appreciate at its beginning the ; extent of the new undertaking and rapidity with which it would expand. The expenditure in 1929-30 was £6561; 1930-31, £87869; 1931-32. £247.487; 1932-33 £244704. (Proceeding)