NATIVE LANDS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1773, 11 June 1913, Page 7

NATIVE LANDS.

KATES THAT ARE NOT PAID. A conference of representatives of County Councils in the North Island was held yesterdny to consider "what steps ought to bo taken to niako possiblo the collection of rates due by owners of Native lands within their areas." Tlw following representatives' were present:—Cook County Council: Messrs. H. Kenway, C. IT. Williams, and J. Warren ; Waiapu: Mr. W. O'Evan; Wairoa: Mr. J. 11. Brown; Hawke's Bay: Mr. Mason Chambers; Waikohu: Messrs. 11. Telford and C. '11. Bridge; Paten: Messrs. G. V. Pearce, M.P., and E. C. Horner; Whnkatano: Mr. J. Reed; Raglan Messrs. C. Johnston and H. Marsland; Waitotara and Wanganui; Mr. Dymock; Waipawa: Mr. M'Kay; Pahiatua: Mr. ICnox; Tauranga: Mr. Ewen; Waimarino: Mr. P. Brass; HaweTa: .Mr. Goodland. The conference was called chiefly .through tlio action of Mr. G. V. Pearce, M.P., chairman of the l'atea County Council. The clerk of the l'atea County wa.s instructed to write to clerks of the other counties in the North Island asking for particulars of the)rates for which Natives were liable in those districts, and the amounts they had been able to collect. The replies received showed that of tho sum of iIiG.COO due, only, .£12,000 was collected. The conference iras called to take steps to remedy this state of affairs. The delegates sat tor part of the day, and carried tho following resolution, moved by Mr. Pearce—"Tlmt Natives be put on exactly the same footing as Europeans as regards the payment of local rates." Tho effect of this resolution would be to givo a local body power to distrain on. the land of Natives for unpaid rates. In the afternoon, the delegates interviewed the Minister for Native Affairs (the Hon. W. H. Herries) and discussed the question of the rating of Native lands with him. Tho Minister gave them a sympathetic hearing, and promised _ to do what he could to improve matters in the direction the County Councils desired, but he made no promise to do anything definite. The proceedings were not open to tlio press. .