NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMISSION

Evening Star, Issue 21753, 22 June 1934, Page 6

NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMISSION

FAMILY AND GROUP SETTLEMENT SYSTEM DEFENDED ALLEGATIONS OF DEPARTMENTAL APATHY [Per Uxitbd Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Juno 21. Allegations that the Native Affairs Department had been understaffed, that the accommodation in the head office was a disgrace, and that the late Under-Sccretary, Judge Jones, had been of no assistance whatever to the laud development schemes, with the result that the Minister in Charge, Sir Apirana Ngata, had been forced into -the position of supplying the deficiency by having to make personal contact with the Maoris, were made by Mr John Thompson, a retired public servant, in evidence given before the Royal Commission to-day. Replying, the Public Service Commissioner, Mr p. Verschaffelt, denied that there had been any undue delay on his part in meeting the requirements of the department. The commission inquired at considerable length into the progress of and the benefit to flic Natives of the land development schemes. Judge J. W. Browne, of the Native Land Court, and president of the Aotea District Maori Land Board, and other witnesses strongly opposed any suggestion to abolish the land boards in favour of centralised control, and supported the Minister’s policy of placing Maoris on the land in consolidated families or groups, Mr Thompson served for forty-four years in the Lands and Native Departments. At the time of his retirement from the public service ill 1932 he was land purchase officer for the dominion, and consolidation and development officer for the Ngatiwhatua tribe in North Auckland. Touching upon the administration of the Native Affairs Department, he said that even before his retirement it was obvious that the de r partment was understaffed, and he was surprised that the Public Service Commissioner, who was at one time an officer of the Lands Department, should not have realised the importance of an adequate staff being provided. The accommodation in the head office was a disgrace. He himself had had a very small table in the chief clerk’s room, without sufficient space for his papers, and had had to interview clients in the same room.

“ The late Under-Secretary was of no assistance whatever to the schemes,” said the witness. “ Although ho was in charge of the department, the whole of the detail working and administration of the schemes was carried out by the chief clerk, Mr Shepherd. It was perhaps not to be expected that a man who was sixty-nine years of age would take the same interest as a'younger man, but who is responsible for this position? Why did the Public Service 'Commissioner retain a man in the service who had reached the age limit of retirement? Among my own people in the Waikato-Mania-poto district consolidation has been hampered by the attitude of the president, Judge M'Cormick, who, however, has not enjoyed good health for the last five years. Unfortunately the judge was not greatly interested in consolidation, which caused the work to be stillborn. The want of enthusiasm and the failure of the Judge to display interest in the life and work of the Native people necessitated the Native Minister being forced into the position of supplying the deficiency by personal contact. In appointing the present Under-Secretary, with no experience in settlement or farming, and, in fact, with no experience of Native matters, it is not to be expected that the development of Native lands can be a success. In these circumstances, is it right, in tho interests of the Maori people, that such a person should hold the position? They have enough difficulties without putting this obstacle in his way. Tho Maori people want all the assistance they can get. Native administration is not a matter of accounting or of systems, however admirable, but of understanding and of sympathy with the needs of the aboriginal race, which is entitled to our help and guidance.” In his evidence the Public Service Commissioner outlined the stops he had taken following the discovery of the unsatisfactory position of the Native Department’s accounts and stores records. Ho denied that there had been any undue delay on his part in meeting the requirements of the department. Mr Quilliam: You heard Mr Thompson suggest that you are to blame for the understaffing of the Native Department?—Yes. Can you say whether you have disregarded any recommendation or requests for additional staff made by the department?—No request has been disregarded. You know of no justification for the complaint of delay on your part?—No.