NATIVE LAND MATTERS

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 882, 5 May 1903, Page 3

NATIVE LAND MATTERS

OAST COAST NATIVE LAND

TRUST BOARD

At Lhu meeting at the Board, held on Saturday, there were present Messrs J. Maetarlane (Chairman), J. A. Harding, and W. Shrimp ton. Mr Wi Pere, M. 11.11., (a member ol the Native Trust), Mr W. L. Rees (solicitor for the Trust), and Mr H. O. Jackson were also present. Mr James Macfarlane, the Chairman of the Board, states : “ Under the Act the trustees have

to transfer; to the Board their position as trustees, but nave made certain reservations in regard to the lands which arc secured to the bank, to redeem which other lands in the trust are vested in the Board, but are subject to terms of the deed of transfer. By handing over their

trusteeship 'in respect to these lands which are not mortgaged to the bank (such transfer having to lie confirmed by the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court) to the Board, it is hoped that these reservations may besaved to the Natives. The rest of the lands will be dealt with by the Board at the earliest possible date, to liquidate the debt to the bank.and the other debtors. This will mean that a large area "of land will shortly be brought on the market for closer settlement. It is hoped at the same time that Lhe Board will have a considerable surplus to manage for the benefit of the Natives interested. With regard to the Paremata block, the trustees have agreed to the immediate sale of 200 u acres, and that the rest of the property shall be leased in suitable blocks also, that a reserve of 100 acres be made a; Cook’s Cove. Mr Wi Pere intends

to at once interview the Natives interested in the blocks to be brought in lo relieve the secured blocks and have the matter passed before the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court at as early a date as possible. It may he added for the information of intending purchasers that when the land ;s disposed of the title given by tiie Board is absolutely indefeasible.”

Mr W. Shrimpton states “ Under the Act, the trustees and the Board have to agree by deed upon the control and management of the lands included in the trust to j be handed over to the Board, but not secured in any way to any financial company—that is, blocks that they wish opened up, practically the lands handed over to a Land Board, from ■w

,_._ch they are to derive benclit, hut must not part with their absolute interest aiul title, except in certain cases. They were intended to take the place of reserves that the Native Trust would like made in their secured lands—reserves made for what might be termed sentimental reasons and also tor occupation. The Hoard and the trustees have practically agreed upon .this point. It is hoped that the Board will be able to carry out the agreement that has been entered into jointly. So tar the trustees and tile Hoard have worked in accord. They have agreed as to these reserves, and, it necessary, ; to substitute others in their place. They have agreed to open up immediately everything being approved ot by others interested—for immediate sale

in small blocks of a considerable area of land near Gisborne, the Paremata block. A reservation has been made at Cook's Cove, and it is hoped that that spot, owing to its historic connection, will be confirmed as a reserve for public purposes. The Board intend to get all possible information as to values, etc., with the view of opening up large areas of land which arc practically free from liability—that is, of course, land owned by the

Natives. These blocks will be opened up possibly under somewhat simi lar conditions to Manga'tu. No. 1

The Board proposes as soon as possible to obtain all information re valuing and cutting up of other blocks rather more distant from Gisborne than Paremata, so that those

lands may be offered and taken up in time for bushfalling contracts to he entered into. ' That is practically what has taken place between the Board and the trustees. A , ‘number of minor matters have also been at-

tended to, but it is not necessary to mention them. The members of the Board, accompanied by Mr Wi Perc, M.H.U., and Mr 11. 0. Jackson, have inspected the Pakowhai block with the view of locating possible reservations and also take into consideration the question of cutting up that land for sale and lease. So far, Mr Wi Pere, on behalf of the trustees, has endeavored to meet the Board in all the transactions/ 1