NATIVE LANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1928, Page 4

NATIVE LANDS

QUESTION OF CONFISCATION. WELLINGTON, Jan. 4. The report of the lloyal Commission which last- year enquired into Native grievances arising out of the confiscation of lands after the Maori wars lias been in the hands of the Go'eminent for some time. It is unlikely, however, that the report will he made available for publication in the near future. It is possible that it- will be reserved for presentation to Parliament next session. According to the scope of the inquiry, the Commissioners (Air Justice Sim, the Hon Air lleed, AI.L.C. and Air W. Cooper, Native Associate) were asked, in the first instance, to decide whether, having regard to all the circumstances and necessities of the peiiod during which proclamations and Orders-iu-Council wore made and the confiscations effected, the confiscations exceeded in quantity what was fair and just to meet the need of a penalty i< r rebellion-and other similar acts as to provide for protection by settlement as defined in the legislation. Iho Commissioners wore also asked to determine whether any lauds included in an\ confiscation were of .such a nature that they should have been excluded for some special reason. The third question to be answered was whethci any. and if so. what, Natives (having title or interest in land confiscated) were, in the opinion of the Commissioners. justly -entitled to claim compensation in respect of what Natives or classes of families of Natives, were now entitled by descent or other" iso to claim compensation and receive it.

The Commissioners were also asked to ascertain whether reserves or other provision subsequently made for the support and maintenance of Natives within one or more of the classes specifically excluded from compensation were, in regard to any tribe or hapu, inadequate for the purpose.