THE HIMATANGI BLOCK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1061, 8 February 1913, Page 3

THE HIMATANGI BLOCK.

DEPUTATION WAITS ON MINISTER. . CLO-sKR t T URGED. A deputation representing Fulton residents and Natives interns ted in theHimatcngi Block waned upon the Hon. Mr Berries u". Thursday afternoon, in respect to the Native-owned Himatangi Block, at present leased to the Barber estate. The deputation was iutroduced by Mr Heunessy, who stated that within a stone’s throw of Foxtou there was a large area of Native-owned land, consisting of some rr.ooo acres eminently suitable for closer settlement. It included about 2000 acres of some of the richest land in New Zealand, and 4000 acres cf good land and '.he baHucc somewhat less valuable. At pre sent the natives were receiving is lod per year per acre for it. The block would cut up into at least 50 farms. Some of the native owners were present and were anxious that the surplus land should be cut up and thrown ou the market for closer settlement.

Rore, who spoke on behalf of some of the interested natives, said the laud at present was leased. About 87 natives were interested in the block. The block had been partitioned and surveyed but the natives had not yet received the titles. They wanted to use some of the laud themselves and sell or lease the surplus. Mr Woodroofe said a meeting of Foxtou residents had been held about eighteen months ago with the object of taking action to get the block cut up. The present lessees wanted a renewal of the lease and were making efforts to get a renewal of the block before the present lease expired. He referred to the beneficial effects of cutting up similar laud at Baiuesse for dairying purposes. He said the block should be cut up instead of being held by one person. The Maoris had been consulted and they agreed that something should be done, and the Native Board had been approached to prevent the releasing of the block to one owner, but other influences were at work. The Minister said if the laud had been partitioned it would make all the difference so far as the Government is concerned. If a majority of the native owners were iu favour of selling the block, the Government would tike action, but it would uot be a paying transaction to deal with part of the block. The Minister promised to look into the matter. If the block was cut up and held in severalty, the Crown would uot enter into negotiations. It would be useless buying one piece from one native and one piece from another. If the block was uot partitioned, be could issue a proclamation prohibiting any dealings with the land, but if held iu severalty, then it would uot be right tor the Government to interfere. He would look further into it. as the Government were prepared to buy native land for settlement purposes. The deputatiou thanked the Minister, and withdrew.