MAORI LAND CLAIMS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 73, 18 December 1937, Page 5

MAORI LAND CLAIMS

-Press Association.)

Government to Hear Representations NEGOTIATIONS NEXT YEAR

(By Telegraph—

WELLINGTON, Last Night. The intention of the Government to deal with all outstanding Maori land claims, includlng tne claim of the Ngaitahu people of the South Island, was indicated by the Prime Minister, the Et. Hon. M. J. Savage, this evening. He stated that the hearing of representations from the proper Maori authorities would be begun during the xecess. "These claims must be dealt with systematieally and cannot oe attacked in any 'stab in the dark' manner," Mr Savage said. "For this reason, we intend to hear representations from those Maoris who are fully and properly authorised to speak for their tribes. We do not want to make settlements and then have them repudiated on the ground that the spokesmen did not represent the people involved. We will hear them individually, of course, iu the groups as they are affeeted." The Prime Minister said that a / settlements arrived at between the Government and Maoris would have to include provision for tbe proper administration of the money involved. "We do not intend that any money granted the natives should^be dissipated," Mr Savage said, "and we will take steps to see that it is administered wisely in trust for the native race." Mr Savage indicated that negotiations would start early in the New Year and arrangements for the discussions would include all outstanding claims for compensation for the salo of native land.