ROADING NATIVE LANDS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 504, 28 September 1912, Page 5

ROADING NATIVE LANDS.

DISCUSSED AT CONFERENCE,

GOVERNMENT ACTION URGED

The reading of native lands is bulking large in the public eyo at present and in opening the subject for discussion ta the conference of local bodies on Wednesday, Mr G. Berry said a highly critical position existed. When approached with a view to obtaining a vote for tha To KuitiTaumarunui main road the Minister had stated that the road traversed native-owned land, consequently the cost of the road should be paid by the land which would be enhanced in value as a result of the work being done. A similar reply had been received in respect to an application for a grant for the Arapae road. Tho speaker contended that apart from the sort of tenure the land was held under the State should provide these roads up to a reasonable degree. If the settlers were to be forced to road these lands they might as well knockoff. These roads could not be made without benefitting Crown lands and the subject wanted serious consideration. The settlers simply had to get assistance in roading native lands. Mr Shaw said he quite agreed with the previous speaker concerning the importance of the question. As far as Kawhia was concerned access to Crown land was unobtainable without; roading native land. If the present Ministerial attitude was maintained the consequences would bo serious, and the matter should bo dealt with in the strongest possible manner. It would be the duty of the conference to discuss the matter fully and suggest a remedy.

Mr Julian said the long stretch oE native land between Te Kuili and Taumarunui would eventually bo roaded to a certain extent by the opening up of Crown blocks behind.

Mr Noonan referred to the patchwork method of dealing with the native-owned land, and considered the Government should take hold of the matter and deal with it properly.

Mr Hardy pointed nut Hint the native Land Court judges were in certain instances doing good worn. Prior to a year or two ago native blocks going through the court were cut up anyhow. When the Kaingaika block was being surveyed by him ho had taken the initiative and phice.l a reading scheme for the block hrforc the court, lie was pleased to say the scheme had boon adopted, and he failed to see any reason for not adopting this method in all cases. He pointed out that a3 the Government charged the land with the cost of surveying it was logical to impose ?. charge againat the land in tho same manner for roading. By doing this all complications would be avoided.

The chairman pointed out; that there was a danger of Rotting too many roads unless an comprehensive scheme of roading was adopted.