NATIVE LANDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2123, 4 July 1907, Page 4

NATIVE LANDS.

WHAT THE BOARD IS DOING. Both our Waipiro Bay and Port Awanui correspondents, in yesterday's issuo, drew attention to tho native land quostiou. Tho latter asked, “Can you tell us wfc all tlio land is withdrawn up this country j"’ and tho Waipiro Bay resident dwolt on tho unsatisfied domand, remarking: “Tho locking-up of tho East Coast nativo lands until 1908 lends color to tlio supposition that othor nativo land legislation is on the tapis, which will probably not sco the light of day until that time arrives.” Inquiries at tho Lands Ofkco elicited the information that tlio Land Board somo time ago passed a resolution that it was inadvisable to place tlio small blocks of Crown lands in the northern portion of tho district on tho market at tlio present time. Ai a matter of fact, the roporter was led to understand, there are very few blocks in that district that could be thrown open, most of the land available being unsuitable. The TaiKawhiti Maori Land Board proposed to throw open a few blocks of native land oarly next year, There was nofurther to communicate. Colonel Porter, President of tlio Maori Land Board, was ablo to throw a. little more light on the subject of the nativo land, indicating that the Board would deal with fairly considerable aroas. “Wo are now taking preparatory steps to place 40,000 or 50,000 acres on the market.” he said, “and in a few months particulars will he gazetted. I must explain that tho greater portion, however, is for nativo occupation onh\ in accordance with our instructions. Tho districts embraced are Waiapu, Poverty Bay, and Wairoa. There will be a few blocks for open competition, including Tangihangi, 5424 acres, and Oliinepoutea, 5089 acres. Wo fix the conditions, areas, and upset prices, and the land is gazetted for disposal either by auction or tender, as we may determine. The “Gazette” notice specifies which sections are set apart for Maori selection, and which are for open competition. It will bo some time yet be-fore-the Board gets through this work.”

“But,” asked the reporter, “is the gazettal sufficient? The ordinary man rarely sees the ‘Gazette,’ and generally there seems to be a hazy idea of the Board’s procedure in these matters.” “To some extent that is correct,”

assented Colonel Porter, “hut tho Board’s work will speak for itself. Those interested are able to get what information tlioy require concerning the leases. However, lamin a - osition to sav that when tlio land is ready the Board will seo that thero is some notification in the local papers.”