King Country Chronicle SATURDAY, MAR. 15, 1913 ROADING NATIVE LANDS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 550, 15 March 1913, Page 4

King Country Chronicle SATURDAY, MAR. 15, 1913 ROADING NATIVE LANDS.

In view of the forthcoming visit of the Minister for Native Affairs it is to be hoped a representative deputation ot Rangitoto settlers will bo organised to place before Mr Herries the exact position of the district with respect to roading. Whether or not the individual settler is directly affected by lack of a proper road system he is indirectly affected to a very considerable extent. The disabilities connected with the sale or lease of native lands as far as this district is concerned can readily bo overcome, but the important question of roading the lands which have already been acquired from the natives is an entirely different matter. The lands were taken up by the settlers without any provision having been made for roading, and there is a very big responsibility to be undertaken in order to provide proper roading facilities for the district. When it is remembered that, mixed with the blocks which have been acquired by European settlers, are native blocks still in the hands of the owners, besides Crown owned blocks, it; will be realised that the portion requires judicious handling in order to arrive at an equitable distribution of responsibility. The matter is altogether oC too great magnitude to bo dealt with by the local authorities, and it is to be hoped steps will be taken to place tho position clearly before the Minister. Tho Backblocks Local Bodies' Association passed some well-con-sidered recommendations on the roads question at the recent conference held at Ohura, and these in due course will be brought before Cabinet. Inasmuch, however, as the recommendations affect the native-owned lands to a greater degree than the Crown lands, it is altogether desirable that the matter should be brought before the Native Minister. If the Rangitoto settlers are alive to their own interests they will co-operate with the County Council in making representations to the Minister at the first available opportunity.