NATIVE LANDS COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2339, 4 November 1908, Page 3

NATIVE LANDS COMMISSION.

MANGATU TIMBER BLOCKS,

The Native Lands Commission (Sir Robert Stout) held . a short sitting yesterday morning to hear evidence respecting the Mangatu No. 4. block. Mr. Te Kani Peri made a lengthy statement, an support of the petition presented to the Commission, and said that while the natives were prepared to reserve 1000 lacres of the timber country, they were, not willing to set aside any of the land for a communal farm. Mr. Rees examined the witness on the timber resources of the block and counsel emphasised the need to preserve the best timber country from being destroyed. The Government \vas x>urchasing the land at 2s per acre, and the Mangatu Maoyi lands were now worth ,£400,000. Evidence'on the quality of the land and the dealings with the trustees were given by Himiona Kitapi, Mahaki Brown, Hcnari Buru, and other natives from the district. Himiona urged the Commission to decide the individual interests in Mahgatu No. 1 block. His Honor asked the applicant to urge the natives to settle their respective interests among themselves and report, to the Commission. He promised to carefully consider the evidence on the value and other resources of the land, and to report, to the Government as early as possible. The Commission then rose.