THE TELEPHONE PUBLISHED EVERY GISBORNE, THURSDAY, MAY 22.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 138, 22 May 1884, Page 2

THE TELEPHONE PUBLISHED EVERY GISBORNE, THURSDAY, MAY 22.

The letter published in our last from Henare Potae and Meiha Ropata to the County Council brings to light some interesting facts with respect to several matters in connection with the manner in which the Native lands have been rated. It would appear that in conformity with official notification received by the Council in October, 1882, the valuator was instructed to value the several blocks of Native lands which came within the scope of the Act ; which was accordingly done, and the valuation rolls placed on view in the several Road Board offices in the district. The Natives now wish to know how that valuation was arrived at when much of the lands had not been surveyed and, consequently, their area unascertained. Of course, under these circumstances thewhole thingmust have been a matter of guess-work, as the valuator could only arrive at any approximate acreage by such unsatisfactory means. It appears that the roll was confirmed by a Board of Reviewers, though subsequently found to be contrary to the provisions of the Rating Act, inasmuch as it included land beyond the prescribed radius, and gave no particulars. Matters have remained in this unsatisfactory state up to last April, when a new roll was gazetted, in both Maori and English. The natives complain that no notification whatever has been given them of this matter until the appearance of the Waka Maori, on the 16th inst., when “great was their surprise.” The assessment was made for three years, and, being retrospective, two years are now due and owing, whilst the third will be struck in June next. The Natives also naturally express surprise at the fact that, whereas the Government put a purchase value of one shilling and sixpence, two shillings and three shillings per acre on their land, they now assess them at ten shillings and one pound per acre. Looking at the matter from their point of view, the Natives appear to have made out a very fair case, and have apparent cause for complaint. In the first place it seems strange that no reasonable steps have been taken to make them acquainted with the operations of the new Act, no notice whatever having been given in the Kahiti, and as far as the notification having appeared in the Gazette of the 14th ult., we may ask how many Natives are likely to see that official publication? The minds of the Natives are greatly exercised upon this subject, and they are likely to firmly resist what they consider to be an exorbitant and unjust claim. No doubt we shall shortly hear more upon this subject, which bids fair to lead to some complications.