MAORIS AND RATES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 15 April 1920, Page 2

MAORIS AND RATES.

Commenting on a recent report that the natives of Whangape, in the Far North, were enthusiastic about having their lands rated for tar-sealed roads, the Hokianga Times writes on native rates in general :— "Why all this bombast about natives wanting their lands rated ? If the natives want to pay their rates all they have to do is to pay them. There is no difficulty about that at all if they have the cash. No doubt the native would like good roads just as much as the European, and although it is certainly a novelty to hear of him wanting to pay for the roads he uses, we think it will want something more than an enthusiastic meeting- addressed by Colonel Allen Ball to convince any financial institution to advance money on the security of a rate struck on native land. What is wanted is legislation that will enable local bodies to collect rates from the native land owners whether they are enthusiastic or dog tired. The present machinery for enforcing the payment of native rates is so cumbersome that local bodies do not find it profitable to put it into force. Once the Maori is put on the same footing as the European in that respect the County Clerk will get his rates all right without Mr. Bell addressing meetings enthusiastic or otherwise. If Mr. Bell's natives want to pay their rates let them trot along to the County Chambers with their cheque books or socks or soiled handkerchiefs or whatever they keep their money in. That will save time and breath and risk of influenza by undue crowding in a public placed