G—lo

1947 NEW ZEALAND

NATIVE DEPARTMENT THE DEVELOPMENT AND SETTLEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS AND THE PROVISION OF HOUSES FOR MAORIS (STATEMENT UPON THE PROGRESS OF, BY THE RIGHT HON. P. FRASER, MINISTER OF NATIVE AFFAIRS AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF NATIVE AFFAIRS)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave

CONTENTS

PAGE Report by Minister of Native Affairs .. .. .. .. 1 Part I. —State Development Schemes .. .. .. .. 4 Part ll.—Maori Land Board Undertakings .. .. .. .. 12 Part lll.—Native Trust Activities .. .. .. .. 13 Part IY. —Maori Housing Operations .. .. .. .. 14 Part V.—Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee .. .. .. 20 Part Vl.—East Coast Native Trust Lands .. .. .. .. 25 Statistical Tables .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. 28

GENERAL REPORT In presenting its report for the financial year ended 31st March, 1947, the Board of Native Affairs furnishes a resume of the varied activities connected with the development, settlement, and farming of Maori lands ; housing construction under the Maori housing .scheme ; the rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen ; and other operations financed by State and Trust funds for the advancement of the Maori people. Matters that continue to receive the earnest cohsideration of the Board are the settlement of the Maori upon his own lands under such conditions that will ensure for him and his dependants economic self-sufficiency, the amelioration of his living conditions, and his absorption and establishment in the national life of the community. Previous reports have recorded the attitude of the Administration in regard to the conservation of the ancestral lands now remaining in the possession of the Maori race. The past few years have shown a consolidation and intensification of the Maori landdevelopment policy. There has also been a keener appreciation by the Legislature and