GREYMOUTH NATIVE RESERVES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 657, 6 November 1909, Page 10

GREYMOUTH NATIVE RESERVES.

- ' .TENANTS. SEEK. FREEHOLD. .A .deputation, including Mr. Coatcs (Mnyoi of Greymouth),. Mr.;■•Campbell <«httirman ot the GreymouUi;Harbour Board and Chambci of Commorie), and .Mr.' lord (towu olcrk of , v Grcymouth) -waited: upon the ; I'rinw Ministoi {) yesterday w.ith a request that he should bub. y ' - port.legislation under which' lessees of, th« ' > Native rceorvo in Greymouth would receive the freehold,. ■■ ' • -On behalf of thedeputation,' the Hon. Mn Uuinness explained -that the roservo was situ, ated m the business portion of Hie town o( Greymouth.. Of its total area of 500 acres nearly 350 had been built upon. What wa< desired wns;tltat the Government or the muni, cipal authorities should be empowered to pur» ohaso the proiiorty ;at a' fair valuation ml resell, at valuation price to the. tenant?. ' it the' pureliaso money were invested in th< Public Trust Office, it, would give an assured ? n o°*?o to the Native owners o? from £4000 to £5000.per year. • ;'•'■■. . The Prime Minister said that as the m&t< tor was at present bbforo' the Native Affairs Committee,ho could hot intercept its decision by \Vay of a statement as to what the Gov. eminent was prepared to do. He could only assure the deputation..that ;tho wkolo matter would receive, every consideration, When the Government'had come'to a decision it would m;intimated .to the .representative for tU» district, . ■ •''.;■■■.;.. ,;. _<;-v ; i •> Mr. Guinness s Do you 'think that a resoln. turn by the Borough Council to. the effect that it., was.;. willing to purchase isji- property oa. behalf.of the tenants would Ti\i£» the Govern, meat?-,-';'■':' ■■.•■.•:■'- ■ ■ ..';■■•'. ' ; Sir Joseph: I would prefer to wait until th« Native Aikirs Committee', has submitted its report,