VESTED NATIVE LANDS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 478, 29 June 1912, Page 5

VESTED NATIVE LANDS.

PETITION FOR FREEHOLD. In connection with the agitation for an alteration in the tenure of native towsnhip sections, and of lands vested in the Native Land Boards, a petition has been prepared by the com'.nittce appointed for the purpose by the Chamber of Commerce. The petition was duly submitted by Major Lusk to a meeting of the Chamber held on Wednesday last and is to be circulated for signature in Te Kuiti, Otorohanga and Taumarunui. The petition seta forth its claim for the right of purchase in the case of township sections for the following reasons. :—

1. When laying off the townships the lessors made no provision for the proper roading of the same as would be required by Europeans when laying off townships under similar circumstances and further the lessors do n«t contribute to the heavy taxation rendered necessary to provide such roading for the said townships. 2. Where drainage or sanitary works are required the leasees have to bear all cost of the Bame which under present conditions the lessors will receive the greater part of the enhanced value of the land caused by the expenditure of the lessees to which taxation and large expenditure in permanent improvements the lessors have not contributed.

3. The lesase of sections in tha native townships make no adequate provision for the payment of any compensation for buildings and permanent improvements to the outgoing tenant at the e.nd of his term of lease and your petitioners repectfully contend that these conditions are inequitable and greatly retard the progress and prosperity of all tha inhabitants of the district; therefore your petitioners pray that the law and regulations be so altered as to enable the lessees to obtain the freehold on equitable terms without restriction.

The petition also includes lands vested by the natives in the boards and prays for the absolute and unrestricted right to purchase the freehold whenever the native owners are willing to withdraw the land from the boards, and sell the same at a price not less than the Government valuation of the owner's, interest therein. It has been arranged that a deputation will proceed to Wellington in support of the petition, which will be presented to Parliament through Mr C. K. Wilson, member for the district.