NATIVE LANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1930, Page 2

NATIVE LANDS

LOCAL RATES AND SURVEY FEES

WELLINGTON, Nov. 12,

Accumulations of survey charges iind overdue jlocal rates on Na/tive lands have constituted a. serious bar to their consoliation and final settlement, but this problem has been brought close to the point of solution at important conferences held under the direction of Sir Apirana Ngata, Native Minister. ” During the week the heads of the- Lands, Treasury and Native Departments met for a roundtable discussion of survey charges, with a view to evolving a method of clearing! these heavy liabilities, enabling lands to be available for consolidation. 1

The districts affected are North Auckland, King Country, a portion of the Bay of Plenty, comprising Rotorua and Whakatane and from Opotiki to Cape Runaway, Gisborne district from Hicks Bay to Waipiro Bay, portions of Wairoa district and Mohaka,

The question of the down of survey liabilities on Native lands was first thought possible of solution by an amendment of the Native Land Act, but the Government decided .on holding a conference of the Departments interested, and a basis of ..settlement has been discussed for several dayfl. Recommendations are being, framed for submission to the Cabinet. The conference dis''"Sslons were restricted to Certain districts so > that the liabilities of specific lands could be /definitely assessed and t those lands made promptly available for : consolidation, : Local rates on Native lands also constituted a difficulty to development, but most County Councils have met the Native . owners in a spirit of compromise, and a large number of arrangements have been made to clear, these liabilities. This will facilitate land settlement, particularly in the North Auckland area.