TAUPO FOREST LANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1930, Page 6

TAUPO FOREST LANDS

DAIRY FARMERS CONCERNED

WELLINGTON, May v l3

A deputation from the Eginont Box Company, in which several thousand dairy farmers in the North Island are interested as members of co-operative dairy companies, interviewed the Hon G. W. Forties' (Minister of Lands and Agriculture) to-day regarding the company's position 'in relation to' the West Taupo forest ' lands. The deputation, which was introduced by S. G. Smith, M.P. for'New Plymouth, Mr'J. B. Mrtrdoch (chairman of the" Conipany), Mr A. -Morton' (National Dairy Association). Messrs J. R. ■ Cdfrigan, 'Fisher,' Winks, ••Mrtrchant- and Weir.' The • Native Affairs ’Committee' of the House of Representatives 'last session investigated the position of the Tongnriro Timber Company in relation to the West Taupo forest lands, and recommended that the Aotea Native Land Board he permitted to give' six months’ notice for the termination of its agreement with the Tongariro Timber Company; also that the board be empowered to represent the Native owners as from the passing of the Act, and that the Crown should acquire the timber and. lands ,on terms.to bo arranged with the Native- own-' ers; or. alternatively, that the Grown and Native oypiers 'of t])e freehold join in a scheme for ,the management control and disposal of such.,timber.-. The committee, mentioned .the . agreement of the Eginont Bax Company with the Tongarjrq Timber .Company: affecting blocks on ,which oyc|\, two and a half million feet of fti inbey-... are. standing. , , The object of the deputation, was to secure an assurance from the Gov-. eminent that in whatever action was taken the interests of the Box Company’s shareholders would not he prejudiced, but their rights preserved.

Mr Forbes gave the deputation a sympathetic reply, pointing out That the whole matter had been, before Parliament. The recommendations of the Native Affairs Committee were being carried out, and- he could assure the deputation that there was no intention on the part ol the Government to- take advantage .of the situation-. ILe undertook to bring before the notice of fair Api ran a Ngata, Native Min inter, the points raised by the -deputation, and to confer With him oil the whole subject.