MOKAU ENQUIRY.

Waikato Times, Issue 12180, 15 September 1911, Page 4

MOKAU ENQUIRY.

MR DALZIEL'S STATEMENT. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Mr Dalziel said that Mr Massey had stated that the interest of the public had not been studied, that the interest of the natives bad not ! ieen safeguarded, and that the Government had committed a breach of publicinterest in granting the Order-in-Coiincil. Mr Bell in his evidence had seriously reflected on individuals. He said Mr Skerrett had been employed by the Government and not by the natives, but this was incorrect. Mr Bell said at the first meeting there was an overwhelming majority against the' sale, whereas a majority of acreage was in favor of the sale. Another incorrect assertion of I-jeli's was that the natives were misled into believing that they must either raise £801! to fight the case or sell, whereas they might retain possession of the block without litigation. The native- knew that litigation must ensue. Witness also had authority to state that Skerrett had not given up the case to Bell. The Land Board had made no order for the payment of costs as stated by Bell. Dalziel also strongly resented Bells assertion that Mac Donald must have !>een brought. To Hon. Ngiata :At the final meeting of natives Judge Holland only advised the natives on points of procedure. To Mr Herries : Skerrett had been employed by the Government in the proceedings before the Commission at Te Kuiti. Bowler received permission from Wellington before becoming trustee for the natives. As far as witness knew Lewis had been acting on his own account. Bowler was indemnified by Lewis and the Company from any resultant litigation. The committee adjourned till tomorrow.