THE MOKAU LEASES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 32, 31 May 1907, Page 3

THE MOKAU LEASES.

o The subject of the Mokau leases was brought before the Native Land Commission on Tuesday last by Pepene Eketone, on behalf of the Native owners. The area comprised in the leases is said to be about 59,000 acres and it was stated that hardly any improvements had been effected upon the land. The Maoris were anxious to know if it was not possible to induce the Government to move in the matter and have the land thrown open for settlement or compel the lessees to carry out improvements. The blocks in question were the first lands dealt with by the Ngatimaniapoto people, and the leases were for a term of sixty years, of which about twentyone years had expired. Portion of the estate had been sub-leased but the improvents on the whole area were very- slight. The Chief Justice said that if the rent was not paid promptly, the Natives no doubt had the power of re-entry, but he did not see how the Government could interfere. Pepene stated that the Government had interfered before, and had passed a special Act dealing with the matter. The original leare could be traced in Deeds Registry Office and the Natives could hot obtain a copy of it. The rent amounted to about £loo-and was frequently in arrear. Further inquiries are to be made in the matter, with a View to determining the exact position of the parties interested.