NATIVE AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1932, Page 6

NATIVE AFFAIRS

CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE. THE INTENTIONS OF CABINET. WELLINGTON, October 13. An announcement that legislation would, b© presented this session embodying some of the recommendations of tne National Exp nditure Commission relative to the overhaul of Native affairs administration, was made by the Prime Minister lit. Hon G. W. Forbes, during the course of an interview, yesterday. Ti e Prime Minister said he had dis_ cussed the commission’s recommendations with the Minister of Native Affairs, and it had been decided to give effect to certain of the proposals. Good reasons 'would be given in those instances in which it was decided J™t to make any alteration in the present; administration. It would be possible to bring about the amalgamation of certain activities. In some cases boards dealing will Native affairs had outlived their usefulness, and it would probably be found possible to do away with them. On the other hand it had been pointed out that some of the boards had wide spending powers of their own. The amending Bill would make the expenditure of these boards subject to Ministerial control. It is understood that steps will be taken by the Government, in accordance with the commission’s recommendations, to strengthen the administration of the Investment Board controlling moneys in the Native Trustee’s Account and that changes will he made in the powers at present held by the Native Trustee, especially in relation to the expenditure of money for developing and farming estates. The commission expressed particular concern about the, control of expenditure which was at present, vested in the hands of single individuals, and it is believed the amending Bill will give greater control to Existing boards m this respect. ______