NATIVE RATES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19994, 20 July 1939, Page 4

NATIVE RATES

PROBLEM IN WAIROA SURVEY TO BE MADE DECISION OK COUNTY (Special to rlie ITerrilil.) WAIROA, this day. "At. present we are only dealing with the proposition blindly," stated the chairman of the Wairoa County Council. Cr. A. T. Carroll, when referring' to the rating question in the county at the monthly meeting yesterday.

The chairman stated that the rating committee was desirous of formulating a plan acceptable to the Native Land Court and to the council. To evolve that plan it was necessary to make a survey of the various blocks in the county so as to give the council an’ opportunity of judging if there should be any rebate or not.

At present, added the chairman, they were rebating and at the same time they were not aware of the tenure, of the block concerned, or the tenants' position. If they had a complete survey of the areas, the council then would be in the position of knowing 'f the land was occupied by a Maori or European, and how to deal with the situation.

The chairman recommended that the council appoint. Mr. H. E. McGregor to make a survey of the area from Kihitu and round about, which comprised the Frasertown riding, at a cost to the council of about £lO.

“I do think it is a very cheap offer," added the chairman, who pointed out that if a successful survey was made then the council could ask Mr. McGregor to do further work in connection with the rating problem. In his opinion, it would go a long way towards putting the matter on a better basis.

The council decided to authorise Mr. McGregor to make a survey of the Maori lands in the area mentioned, giving all the .particulars regarding the position, tenure and tenants’ position.